Create Firebase project

For Android, we use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send push notifications. To be able to use this, you need to create a Firebase project for your application:

1. Create a new Firebase project

You need to create a Firebase project so that you can download the push configuration file for the Android platform. To do this:

1. Log in to the Firebase Console with your Google account. If you do not have have one, then you can create a Google account for free.
2. On the Firebase Console home page, click the Add project button.
3. Enter a project name. This name should be relevant to your name or business.
4. Optional: Choose whether to enable Google Analytics for your project. This is not a requirement, but can be enabled at this point if you want analytics tracking.
5. Click the Create project button, then click Continue.

2. Download the push configuration file

You must generate the platform-specific configuration file that links your app to Firebase services. This configuration file is necessary to enable push notifications. To do this:

1. In the left-side menu of your Firebase project dashboard, click the Settings gear icon, then select Project Settings.
2. Select the General tab, then scroll down to the Your Apps section.
3. Click the Add app button, then select the Android platform.
4. Enter your Android app's package name.
   Tip

   You can also add a nickname for the app and specify the SHA-1 if required. The SHA-1 is optional for push notifications, but may be required for other Firebase services.

5. Click the Register app button.
6. Download the google-services.json configuration file and store it in a secure place.
7. Skip the next steps, then click the Continue to console button.

3. Create the service account key

1. In the left-side menu of your Firebase project dashboard, click the Settings gear icon, then select Project Settings.
2. Select the Service accounts tab and click the Google Cloud link for All service accounts. This will open the Google Cloud Project associated with your Firebase project.
3. In the left-side menu click on Service Accounts
4. With Firebase Admin SDK selected, press Generate new private key.
5. When the new .json key file is downloaded, ensure that you store it in a secure place.