Firebase Setup Guide
Create a Firebase project for your app and send the credentials to Code24. We handle the rest — push notifications, analytics, and authentication.
Why Your App Needs Firebase
Firebase is Google's free backend platform that powers modern apps. We use it for your app.
Push Notifications
Send instant alerts to all users — announcements, offers, updates.
Analytics
Track downloads, active users, screen views, and app performance.
Authentication
Secure login with email, Google, Facebook, or phone number.
Real-Time Database
Live chat, live data updates, and instant content sync.
Create Your Firebase Project
Follow these steps to create a Firebase project in your own Google account.
Go to Firebase Console
Visit console.firebase.google.com and sign in with your Google account (Gmail).
Click "Add Project"
Click the big "+ Add Project" or "Create a project" button on the dashboard.
Name Your Project
Enter your app name (e.g., MyBusinessApp). This is just for the console — users won't see it.
Enable Google Analytics (Optional)
Toggle Google Analytics ON if you want detailed user stats. Select or create an Analytics account. Click Create Project.
Wait for Setup
Firebase will create your project in about 30 seconds. Click Continue when ready.
✅ Done! Your project is created.
You should now see the Firebase project dashboard with cards for Authentication, Firestore, Cloud Messaging, etc.
Add Your Android App
Register your Android app in Firebase to get the configuration file.
Register Android App
On the Firebase dashboard, click the Android icon (looks like a robot) or "Add app" → Android.
Enter the Package Name. Code24 will provide this (e.g., com.code24.yourapp).
If you don't have it yet, ask us — we'll give you the exact package name.
App nickname: Enter your app name (e.g., My Business App).
Click Register app.
Download google-services.json
Click the blue Download google-services.json button. Save this file — you will send it to Code24.
Click Next twice, then Skip the remaining steps. Click Continue to console.
⚠️ Important: Do NOT rename the file. Keep it as google-services.json. If it downloads as google-services (1).json, rename it back.
What You Need to Send
After adding Android, you will have:
google-services.json file
You do NOT need to do anything else in Firebase. Code24 will handle all the technical setup, SDK integration, and configuration.
Add Your iOS App
Only needed if you want your app on the Apple App Store. Skip if Android-only.
Register iOS App
On the Firebase dashboard, click "Add app" → iOS (the Apple icon).
Enter the Bundle ID. Code24 will provide this (e.g., com.code24.yourapp).
It's usually the same as your Android package name.
App nickname: Enter your app name.
Click Register app.
Download GoogleService-Info.plist
Click the blue download button. Save this file — you will send it to Code24.
Click Next twice, then Skip the remaining steps. Click Continue to console.
⚠️ Important: Keep the file name as GoogleService-Info.plist (exactly). Do not rename it.
Send Everything to Code24
Once your Firebase project is ready, share the files and details with us. We'll handle the rest.
What to Send Us
1. google-services.json
The Android config file you downloaded from Firebase.
2. GoogleService-Info.plist (if iOS)
The iOS config file you downloaded. Only if you added iOS.
3. Firebase Project Name
The exact name you gave the project (e.g., "MyBusinessApp").
4. Package Name / Bundle ID
e.g., com.code24.yourapp
How to Send
Option 1: WhatsApp (Fastest)
Send the files directly to our WhatsApp: +27 67 578 7820
Just attach the files and type "Firebase files for [Your App Name]".
Option 2: Email
Email the files to help@code24.co.za
Subject: "Firebase Setup — [Your App Name]"
Option 3: Upload Portal
Upload via our client portal if you have an active project with us.
✅ What Happens Next
Code24 will integrate Firebase into your app within 24 hours. We'll enable push notifications, analytics, and any other Firebase services your app needs. You'll get a confirmation message once it's done.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about Firebase setup for your app.
No. Firebase has a generous free tier (Spark plan) that covers push notifications, analytics, and authentication for most apps. You only pay if your app grows beyond millions of users — and even then, costs are very low. Code24 will monitor usage and advise if you ever need to upgrade.
Yes, but we strongly recommend you create it yourself. Here's why: the Firebase project lives in YOUR Google account. That means YOU own it, control it, and can access analytics anytime. If we create it in our account, you lose access to your own data. The setup takes 5 minutes — we'll guide you through it.
Perfect! Just add your Android (and iOS) app to the existing project, download the config files, and send them to us. We can work with any existing Firebase project — no need to create a new one.
Just ask us! Code24 will provide the exact package name for your app before you start the Firebase setup. It's usually something like com.code24.yourapp or com.yourbusiness.app. We decide this during the project planning phase.
Yes. The google-services.json and GoogleService-Info.plist files are configuration files — they don't contain passwords or sensitive private data. They simply tell the app which Firebase project to connect to. However, we still treat all client files with strict confidentiality and never share them with third parties.
Depending on your app package, we typically set up:
- Cloud Messaging (FCM) — Push notifications to all users
- Analytics — Track downloads, active users, crashes
- Authentication — Email, Google, or phone login (if needed)
- Crashlytics — Automatic crash reporting
- Firestore / Realtime Database — Live data sync (if needed)
We'll discuss which features your app needs during development.
Absolutely! Since the project is in YOUR Google account, you can log into console.firebase.google.com anytime and view real-time analytics: active users, downloads, retention, crashes, and more. We can also set up a simplified dashboard link if you prefer.