Google Play uploads go through a service account: a key that Play Console lets act on your app. Connecting Google Play needs the Pro plan — see pricing.
1. Enable the API
Open the Google Play Android Developer API and press Enable. Any Google Cloud project will do.
2. Create the key
In Service accounts, press Create service account, give it any name, and skip the roles step — access to your app comes from Play Console, not from Google Cloud. Then open the account → Keys → Add key → Create new key → JSON. The file downloads once, so keep it for the last step.
3. Give it your app
In Play Console → Users and permissions, invite the service account's email (it ends in .iam.gserviceaccount.com) and grant it your app with Manage store presence and Edit and delete draft apps. It needs both: the first lets it upload screenshots, the second lets the publish go through. Without the second, every upload succeeds and the final step is refused.
4. Turn on Managed publishing (recommended)
In Play Console, open your app → Publishing overview → Managed publishing status → Turn on managed publishing. Changes that Google sends for review publish automatically once approved; with this on, you press the final Publish changes yourself.
5. Connect it in the plugin
Open Settings, go to the Stores tab and connect Google Play. Paste the JSON key or use Upload *.json key, then type the package name — it looks like com.example.myapp. New permissions take a couple of minutes to apply.
The key is stored encrypted. You can disconnect it from the plugin in one click, or remove the service account's access in Play Console.