How to Vibe Code an Android App

Is there a need for another Android app in today’s world?

The necessity largely hinges on what you aim to create. There are still niche markets that could benefit from a new app, tailored to their specific needs.

Luckily, crafting an Android app has never been more straightforward, thanks to tools like Google Gemini and Base44. The best part is that you can design and develop an app directly on your Android phone without any need for coding skills. Here’s a guide on how to do it.

1. Come up with an idea

This is often the most challenging step, given the presence of approximately 2.3 million apps in the Google Play store. Choosing an idea with too much competition might result in low interest. However, if you identify an idea that strikes a chord with users, it could become widely popular.

Personally, I considered the frustrating task of buying a new car. I’m looking for a vehicle suitable for light off-roading yet affordable. This led me to conceptualize an Android app that allows users to take notes while test-driving cars. While there are numerous car-buying apps, most focus on searching rather than note-taking.

To expand on this idea, I used Google Gemini with the prompt: “What are some ideas for an Android app to help me take notes on buying a new car? I want to note the mileage, make and model, and any findings.”

Initially, Gemini suggested using a markdown language, but I wanted to bypass these technical steps. Once I clarified my needs, Gemini provided helpful app ideas.

Gemini helped me define the app’s scope and simplify its design. Equipped with this insight, I moved on to the development phase using vibe coding.

2. Make the Android app using an AI app builder

In today’s evolving AI landscape, many of us are exploring roles as “prompt engineers.” With numerous AI apps available, some require more technical expertise than others.

I experimented with an AI app builder called Replit, but it wasn’t suitable for me as it required some coding knowledge to create an app for the Google Play Store.

Instead, I opted for Base44, which is more user-friendly. Notably, it enables app generation using a platform called AppMyWeb with minimal effort.

After setting up my Base44 account, I entered a straightforward prompt: “Build an app that lets you take notes about cars I am considering buying for Android.”

The builder didn’t ask follow-up questions or require coding knowledge. It began crafting the app, complete with an interface and even a name suggestion: CarVault.

Base44 seemed to align with the ideas from Google Gemini. I was impressed by the speed of the process and the lack of effort required on my part.

John Brandon / Foundry

In just about 10 minutes, Base44 presented the final product, which astonished me. The app was fully functional, allowing me to add photos, note the car’s color and mileage, and record test-drive impressions.

Although Base44 allows for design tweaks and additional features, I was satisfied with the result and published the web-based app for testing with a single click. The entire process took just 15 minutes. You can see the finished web-based app here.

3. Test out the web version of your app

Before converting it into an Android app, it’s crucial to test its features to ensure everything functions correctly.

I opted to test the web-based version first, knowing the mobile app would operate similarly. I added additional cars I was considering, filled out more fields with notes, and uploaded photos.

John Brandon / Foundry

Everything worked seamlessly, but if any issues had arisen, I could have returned to Base44 to address them. For instance, if the photo upload feature failed, I could simply describe the issue, and Base44 would conduct internal checks to solve it. It’s remarkably efficient.

4. Launch the app

Ultimately, I wanted an Android app for personal use on my phone, rather than a web-based version. I wasn’t interested in making it publicly available since it was primarily for my car-buying research.

However, any Android user can establish a Google Play Store developer account to release their app, subject to a one-time activation fee of $25 (approximately £20).

Rather than launching it publicly, I chose to sideload the app onto a Samsung Galaxy S26, allowing it to run locally instead of uploading it to the Google Play Store.

First, I needed to convert the web app into a mobile version. Thankfully, this was straightforward.

I utilized AppMyWeb, which charges $39 (approximately £29) monthly for a subscription, but Median.co offers a free alternative for those not looking to launch publicly.

John Brandon / Foundry

The process on AppMyWeb is simple. I named the app, linked it to the Base44 web-based version, and selected a version number.

Before generating the app, AppMyWeb requires an app “signature” to identify the developer. Creating it with my name was quick and easy.

After generating the Android app, I downloaded the APK file. However, there was one more step: enabling permission to load unknown apps on an Android phone.

On a device like the Galaxy S26, under Settings, select Apps. Go to the three-dot menu, choose Special access, and then select Install unknown apps. Enable Google Drive and My Files, where you can load the APK file. Download the app on your phone or access it via Google Drive, then install it.

Foundry

And that’s it! I successfully created a fully functional Android app in just 15 minutes. Now, it’s back to deciding which car to purchase.