Updating an existing Android app in Eclipse?

Question

I already created a free app using Eclipse and have it on Google Play. Now I am wanting to add some extra features into it and have it as a paid app. Now I am wondering if I have to create a whole new program or will changing the existing package name and export key suffice? Thanks

Answer 1

Google Play does not allow you to change a free app to a paid app. The reasons behind it are beyond me. You have to upload a new app with a new package name onto Google Play. In eclipse right click on the project and select "Android Tools -> Rename Application Package". You don't have to create a new keystore to export the app, you can use the same you used for the previous one.

Answer 2

if you just want to update your app, you can add your new features. Without changing the package declaration or creating a new application

If you sign the apk with a different keystore, your app won't be updated in Play Store, instead of that, It will re-install the app and your users will lose the saved data.