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How to set up your Firebase certificates for iOS and Android

Set up your Firebase configuration files and private key to enable push notifications for iOS and Android apps.

Push notifications in Buildfire use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). To enable notifications, you must create a Firebase project, download your platform configuration file, generate a private key, and upload both to your Control Panel. After uploading the files, you must republish your app for changes to take effect.

Requirements

  • Access to your Google Developer account

  • Access to Firebase Console

  • Access to your Buildfire Control Panel

  • Your app’s Bundle ID (found in Control Panel > Integrations > Certificates)

How to set up your Firebase certificates for iOS and Android

  1. Log in to https://firebase.google.com and click Get started.

    1. Sign in using the same Google account associated with your Google Developer account.

    2. Click Add project.

      • If your project already exists, select it and continue to step 5.

    3. Enter your app name as the Project name, agree to the terms, then click Create project.

    4. From the Firebase dashboard, click the platform icon for your app (Android or iOS).

    5. Log in to your Control Panel, go to Integrations > Certificates, and copy your App Bundle ID.

    6. Return to Firebase and paste the Bundle ID into:

      • Android Package Name (for Android), or

      • Apple Bundle ID (for iOS).

    7. Click Register app.

      • App nickname is optional.

      • Leave Debug Signing Certificate SHA-1 blank unless required.

    8. Download the configuration file:

      • Android: google-services.json

      • iOS: GoogleService-Info.plist

    9. Click Next, then Continue to console.

    10. In Firebase, go to Project settings > Service Accounts.

    11. Under Firebase Admin SDK, click Generate new private key, then click Generate key.

    12. Download the private key JSON file.

  2. Log in to your Control Panel, go to Advanced > Certificates and Keys.

    1. Click Select File, upload your downloaded configuration file (.json for Android or .plist for iOS), then click Upload.

    2. Upload the private key JSON file in the same section and click Upload.

    3. If configuring iOS, complete your Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) key setup before publishing.

    4. Click Publish in your Control Panel to resubmit your app to Google Play and the Apple App Store.

    5. Your app must be republished for Firebase certificates to take effect.

Troubleshooting tips

  1. Notifications not sending: Confirm both the configuration file and private key are uploaded.

  2. Bundle ID mismatch: The Bundle ID in Firebase must exactly match the one in your Control Panel.

  3. iOS notifications failing: Confirm your APNs key is configured.

  4. Working in wrong Firebase project: Verify the Firebase project matches your app’s Bundle ID.