Android Firebase app distribution – Service credentials file does not exist. Please check the service credentials path and try again

Android Firebase App Distribution: “Service Credentials File Does Not Exist” Error

Encountering the “Service Credentials File Does Not Exist” error while attempting to use Firebase App Distribution on your Android project can be frustrating. This guide aims to explain the error, provide solutions, and equip you with the necessary steps to resolve it.

Understanding the Error

This error occurs when your Firebase App Distribution tool cannot locate the service account credentials file necessary to authenticate and perform actions within your project. It’s a critical file that grants access to Firebase services.

Key Points:

• Service Account Credentials File: This file contains the necessary information for your application to authenticate with Firebase, enabling tasks like uploading releases.
• Incorrect Path: The error message indicates the tool cannot find the credentials file at the specified path. The path may be incorrect, missing, or the file itself might not exist.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify the Service Credentials File Path

• Location: The service account credentials file is usually located in your project’s directory within a folder like “firebase” or “google-services”.
• Filename: The file name typically follows a pattern like “service-account.json”.
• Example Path: ~/your_project_folder/firebase/service-account.json
• Double-Check: Carefully review the path provided in the error message and confirm it matches the actual location of your service account credentials file.

2. Generate New Service Account Credentials

• Firebase Console: Navigate to your project’s settings in the Firebase Console.
• Service Accounts: Access the “Service Accounts” section.
• Create Credentials: Click “Create Credentials” and choose “Service Account Key”.
• JSON Key File: Select “JSON” as the key type and download the generated JSON file.
• Update Path: Move the downloaded file to the correct location within your project’s directory and update the path in your configuration files if needed.

3. Verify Your Configuration Files

• Android Studio: Make sure your `build.gradle` files (app and project level) contain the correct service account credentials path in the `google-services.json` section.
• Example:

  apply plugin: 'com.google.gms.google-services'
  
  dependencies {
      implementation 'com.google.firebase:firebase-app:19.2.0' // Example dependency
      implementation 'com.google.android.gms:play-services-auth:19.0.0'
  }
  

• Other Frameworks: If you’re using different frameworks, ensure the service account credentials path is properly configured in their corresponding settings files.

4. Check Firebase App Distribution Configuration

• Firebase Console: Go to the Firebase Console and navigate to your project’s App Distribution settings.
• API Keys: Verify that the correct service account is selected as the API key used for authentication.
• Permissions: Ensure your service account has the necessary permissions to access App Distribution.

Conclusion

The “Service Credentials File Does Not Exist” error in Firebase App Distribution can be resolved by carefully verifying the file path, generating new credentials, and updating configurations. By following the troubleshooting steps provided, you can successfully authenticate your Android app with Firebase and utilize the App Distribution features.