Android Question Google Play Console Confusion

[Shelby]

Sixteen days ago my soon to be a monetized app was accepted by Google Play, even though I'll be stopping that app and making it a pay to download app; for now it's free. I thought I changed the app status to be open testing but when I noticed in the listing of all my (free for now) apps, the new app is still in the internal testing category. Consequently I left it in that status and I'm not sure if I entered any email addresses that could do the testing since I had other apps which eventually appeared in the Play.Google Store without any testing as far as I know.
My question is, is it advisable that I again go through the process of a new update with the open testing certain to be used? Is that faster, etc.? Maybe some of you have had over two weeks for an app to be displayed in the store and my status is fine as is (meaning internal testing).
Thanks

 

[Shelby]

Oh my God,
Now after trying several times to upload a new bundle, GooglePlay says:

There is no deobfuscation file (what is that?) associated with this App Bundle. If you use (what is this?)obfuscated code (R8/proguard), uploading a deobfuscation file will make crashes and ANRs easier to analyze and debug. Using R8/proguard (huh?) can help reduce app size. Learn More

Warning
This App Bundle contains native code, and you've not uploaded debug symbols. We recommend you upload a symbol file to make your crashes and ANRs easier to analyze and debug.

Oh...I just have to decode an obfuscated stack trace........whatever that means.........I'll be studying.

 

[RichardN]

Hi @Shelby Ignore that de-obfuscation BS... you can live without it for now. A users screenshot of a crash-dialog will be far more useful.

I guess you are a longer term Google Play guy who is not obliged to go through the recent requirements for closed testing with X users before release? That Play Console testing workflow confuses the hell out of me.

WRT monetizing the app later....
You can modify a paid app be free, but not vice-versa.

You will have to withdraw the free package and publish a paid version under a new package name.

 

[Shelby]

You will have to withdraw the free package and publish a paid version under a new package name.

Great! Thanks Richard.