Set up Firebase App Distribution for automated APK delivery to testers

[thejaustin]

Summary

Firebase App Distribution automatically sends debug APKs to testers after each CI build, replacing manual APK sharing.

Prerequisites

1. Create a Firebase project at https://console.firebase.google.com
2. Register the app with package name com.hexodus (debug: com.hexodus.debug)
3. Note the Firebase App ID (format: 1:123456:android:abcdef)

GitHub secrets needed

• FIREBASE_APP_ID — from Firebase console → Project settings → Your apps
• FIREBASE_SERVICE_ACCOUNT — JSON key from a GCP service account with Firebase App Distribution role

CI step to add to release.yml

```yaml

• name: Upload to Firebase App Distribution
  uses: wzieba/Firebase-Distribution-Github-Action@v1
  with:
  appId: ${{ secrets.FIREBASE_APP_ID }}
  serviceCredentialsFileContent: ${{ secrets.FIREBASE_SERVICE_ACCOUNT }}
  groups: testers
  file: release/hexodus-${{ env.NEW_VERSION }}.apk
  releaseNotes: ${{ github.event.head_commit.message }}
  ```

Tester groups

Set up tester groups in Firebase console → App Distribution → Testers & Groups