Contributing to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is a great way to learn large-scale open-source development and collaborate with developers across the world. This guide walks you through the complete process — from setting up accounts to uploading your first patch.
1. Understand AOSP
AOSP is the open-source core of the Android operating system maintained by Google. Anyone can view the code, suggest improvements, fix bugs, or add features by contributing through Google’s Gerrit code review system.
2. Sign the Contributor License Agreement (CLA)
Before contributing any code, you must sign Google’s Individual Contributor License Agreement (CLA).
This allows Google to legally accept your contributions.
👉 Sign the agreement here:
https://cla.developers.google.com/about/google-individual
⚠️ You only need to sign this once.
3. Create a Gerrit Account
AOSP uses Gerrit for code reviews.
- Visit: https://android-review.googlesource.com
- Sign in using the same Google account used for the CLA
- Complete your profile setup
This account will be used to upload and review code changes.
4. Set Up Git Configuration
Configure Git with your name and email (must match your Gerrit account):
git config --global user.name "Jai Goyal"
git config --global user.email "goyaljai.y14@gmail.com"
These details will appear in your commits.
5. Find an Issue to Work On
You can find bugs, feature requests, or tasks in the Google Issue Tracker.
👉 Browse issues here:
https://issuetracker.google.com
6. Create a New Branch
Before making changes, create a new working branch:
git checkout -b aosp-main aosp/main
This keeps your work separate from the main branch and follows AOSP best practices.
7. Make Your Changes
- Navigate to the relevant folder
- Fix the bug or add the feature
- Test your changes locally if possible
- Follow AOSP coding standards and commit message guidelines
8. Upload Your Changes for Review
Once your code is ready, upload it to Gerrit for review:
repo upload <folder>
Example:
repo upload frameworks/base
After uploading:
- Your change will appear in Gerrit
- Reviewers may request modifications
- Update your code and re-upload if needed
9. Respond to Reviews
Code reviews are a normal part of the process:
- Be polite and responsive
- Make requested changes
- Learn from feedback
Once approved, your patch will be merged into AOSP 🎉
10. Keep Contributing
After your first contribution:
- Pick more complex issues
- Review others’ code
- Join AOSP discussions and mailing lists
Open-source is a marathon, not a sprint 🚀
Conclusion
Contributing to AOSP is an excellent way to grow as a developer and give back to the Android ecosystem. By signing the CLA, setting up Gerrit, choosing the right issues, and following the contribution workflow, you can successfully make your mark in AOSP.
Happy contributing! 😊
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How to Contribute to AOSP (Android Open Source Project) was originally published in ProAndroidDev on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
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