Renaming Packages in Android Studio

Renaming packages in Android Studio can be a bit complex, but it’s a crucial step when rebranding or restructuring your Android project. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of renaming packages in Android Studio.

Understanding Package Renaming

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand that package renaming involves updating the package name in various files, including the AndroidManifest.xml file, build.gradle file, and Java source files. Additionally, you may need to update the application ID, which is now independent of the package name.

Method 1: Refactoring using the Project Panel

To rename a package using the Project panel, follow these steps:

1. Open the Project panel in Android Studio by clicking on the "Project" button in the top-left corner or pressing Alt + 1 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + 1 (Mac).
2. Click on the gear icon at the top of the Project panel and uncheck the "Compact Empty Middle Packages" option.
3. Expand the package directory by clicking on the arrow next to it.
4. Right-click on each subdirectory you want to rename and select "Refactor" > "Rename".
5. In the pop-up dialog, click on "Rename Package" instead of "Rename Directory".
6. Enter the new name and hit "Refactor".
7. Click "Do Refactor" in the bottom.
8. Allow a minute for Android Studio to update all changes.

Method 2: Creating a New Package and Dragging Classes

Alternatively, you can create a new package with the desired name and drag all your classes to it. To do this:

1. Right-click on the Java folder and select "New" > "Package".
2. Enter the new package name.
3. Select and drag all your classes to the new package.
4. Android Studio will refactor the package name everywhere.
5. Manually update the AndroidManifest.xml and build.gradle files to reflect the new package name.

Method 3: Updating the Application ID

If you only need to change the application ID, which is now independent of the package name, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the root folder of your project.
2. Click "Open Module Setting".
3. Go to the Flavours tab (or Default Config in newer versions).
4. Change the applicationID to the desired package name.
5. Press OK.

Additional Steps

After renaming the package, you may need to:

• Update the AndroidManifest.xml file by changing the package attribute.
• Update the build.gradle file by changing the applicationId in the defaultConfig.
• Clean and rebuild your project.

By following these steps, you can successfully rename packages in Android Studio. Remember to update all relevant files and configurations to ensure a smooth transition.