If you are developing an Android application, you might have created a keystore file during the signing process.
- Keystore: A keystore file in Android development acts as a secure container for storing cryptographic keys and certificates. It is used to sign Android app packages (APKs or Android App Bundles (AABs)) before distribution via app stores like Google Play or directly to users. This signing process ensures that neither the app store nor users receive an app that has been tampered with or modified by unauthorized sources.
- JKS: JKS stands for Java Keystore, a proprietary file format specific to Java. Keystore files in the
.jksformat are widely used for storing keys in Java-based applications.
Converting a Keystore file to a JKS file #
Follow these steps to convert an existing Keystore file into a JKS file:
- Open Terminal or command prompt: Launch your command-line interface (Terminal on macOS/Linux, or CMD/PowerShell on Windows).
- Navigate to the Keystore file’s location: Use the
cdcommand to navigate to the directory containing your.keystorefile. - Execute the conversion command: Run the following keytool command to create a
.jksfile from your current.keystorefile:
keytool -importkeystore -srckeystore yourapp.keystore -destkeystore yourapp.jks -deststoretype jks
Note
Replace
yourapp.keystore with the name of your existing keystore file, and yourapp.jks with the desired name of the output JKS file.
When you execute the command, you’ll be asked to provide the following passwords:
- Source Keystore password: The password for your current
.keystorefile. - Destination Keystore password: The new password for the
.jksfile. Ensure this password is strong and unique.
Once the command completes successfully, a
.jks file will be created. This file can then be used to sign your Android app before uploading it. 