# 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:

```bash
# 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!