HikeMap/BUILD_APK_INSTRUCTIONS.md

HikeMap APK Build Instructions

Your HikeMap PWA is ready to be converted to an APK! Here are three methods to create an installable Android app:

Method 1: Online Converter (Easiest - No coding required)

Using PWA2APK.com:

1. Visit https://pwa2apk.com
2. Enter your app URL: https://maps.bibbit.duckdns.org
3. Click "Start"
4. Fill in the form:
   • App Name: HikeMap Trail Navigator
   • Short Name: HikeMap
   • Package ID: org.duckdns.bibbit.hikemap
5. Click "Generate APK"
6. Download the APK file
7. Share with users - they can install directly!

Using PWABuilder.com (Microsoft's Tool):

1. Visit https://www.pwabuilder.com
2. Enter URL: https://maps.bibbit.duckdns.org
3. Click "Start"
4. Review the PWA score (should be high!)
5. Click "Package for stores"
6. Select "Android"
7. Download the APK package

Method 2: Using Bubblewrap (Advanced - Full control)

If you want to build locally with full customization:

# Install required tools
sudo apt-get install openjdk-11-jdk android-sdk

# Install Bubblewrap globally
npm install -g @bubblewrap/cli

# Initialize your TWA project
bubblewrap init --manifest="https://maps.bibbit.duckdns.org/manifest.json"

# Build the APK
bubblewrap build

# The APK will be in: app-release-signed.apk

Method 3: Android Studio (Most Control)

1. Download Android Studio
2. Create new project → "Empty Activity"
3. Add TWA (Trusted Web Activity) support
4. Configure AndroidManifest.xml with your URL
5. Build → Generate Signed Bundle/APK

APK Features

Your generated APK will have:

• ✅ Full offline support (Service Worker caching)
• ✅ Push notifications
• ✅ GPS location access
• ✅ Camera access (for future features)
• ✅ Install to home screen
• ✅ Runs in fullscreen (no browser UI)
• ✅ Auto-updates from your server

Sharing the APK

Once you have the APK file:

1. Direct Install: Users enable "Install from unknown sources" in Android settings
2. Email/Message: Send the APK file directly
3. Download Link: Host on your server at https://maps.bibbit.duckdns.org/hikemap.apk
4. QR Code: Generate QR code linking to the APK

Google Play Store (Optional)

To publish on Play Store:

1. Create Google Play Developer account ($25 one-time fee)
2. Use the AAB (Android App Bundle) format instead of APK
3. Add the assetlinks.json file to your server
4. Submit for review

Testing the APK

Before sharing:

1. Test on multiple Android versions (7.0+)
2. Verify GPS works properly
3. Test push notifications
4. Check offline functionality
5. Ensure all icons display correctly

Current Configuration

Your app is configured with:

• Package ID: org.duckdns.bibbit.hikemap
• Version: 1.0.0
• Min Android: 7.0 (API 24)
• Target Android: Latest
• Orientation: Portrait
• Theme Color: #4CAF50

Troubleshooting

"App not installed" error:

• Enable "Install unknown apps" for your browser
• Uninstall any previous version first

Notifications not working:

• Ensure HTTPS is working
• Check notification permissions in Android settings

GPS not working:

• Grant location permission when prompted
• Check location services are enabled

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Quick Start (Recommended)

For fastest results, use PWA2APK.com - it takes about 2 minutes and produces a ready-to-share APK file that your users can install immediately!