What Is an Android Package Name and How Do You Choose One?
Every Android app has a unique identifier called the package name (also known as the application ID). It looks like com.yourbrand.app. Users rarely see it, but Android and Google Play rely on it for everything: installing, updating and identifying your app.
Why the package name matters
- Uniqueness: no two apps on the same phone or on Google Play can have the same package name.
- Updates: an update is only recognised as an update if it has the same package name (and the same signing key) as the installed app.
- Permanence: once you publish an app on Google Play, the package name cannot be changed. Changing it creates a brand-new app with no reviews and no existing users.
The format
A package name is a series of segments separated by dots. Traditionally it starts with your reversed domain name: if your website is example.com, the package name begins with com.example. After that you add the app name, for instance com.example.shop.
The rules
- It must have at least two segments (for example
com.brand). - Each segment must start with a letter.
- Only letters, numbers and underscores are allowed in each segment — no spaces, no hyphens.
- Use lowercase letters to avoid confusion.
- Avoid Java reserved words such as new, class or int as segments.
How to choose a good one
- Start from your domain. Reverse it: myshop.online becomes
online.myshop, or use the commoncom.myshopstyle. - Keep it short and readable. Something like
com.myshop.appis easy to type and remember. - Do not use someone else's brand. Never include google, facebook or another company's name; it can get your app rejected.
- Think long term. If you might make more apps later, use a consistent pattern, such as
com.myshop.storeandcom.myshop.blog. - Check availability. If Google Play says the name already exists, add a suffix that makes it yours.
Examples
- Good:
com.greenbakery.app,online.learnhub.student - Not allowed:
com.green-bakery.app(hyphen),1shop.app(segment starts with a number),myapp(only one segment)
Can I change it later?
Only if you have not published yet. For an app that is already on Google Play or installed on phones, a new package name means a new app. That is why it is worth taking a minute to choose well before you build.
Our builder suggests a package name from your app name automatically, and you can edit it before you build. Whatever you choose, write it down and keep it — it is your app's identity for its entire life.
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