Android APK crashes on run in release mode, but not in debug mode

Question

I have an application that I built in Android Studio. It used to run just fine and has been released to the store in the past, but for some reason the Release APK won't run when installed. The debug runs fine run via phone or emulator. The debug and release builds both use the same keystore file.

Release mode, the APK crashes immediately on open. I suspect it is a keystore issue, but can't be positive??? Does debug bypass using my keystore even though I have it set?

Anything else that I could possibly try?

NOTE: I have another flavor that uses a different keystore and that one works fine.

Answer 1

As requested here as answer :)

Connect the phone to the pc via USB, have android studio open, go to Android Monitor, select your device and look at logcat. I am pretty sure, the exception is there, just waiting for someone to read it. Android Studio logcat logs even store apk's. so publish the release to your phone and just connect it

Thank you, @Adam

Answer 2

Have you used proguard? If yes I am dam sure its your proguard issue. I would suggest you please read proguard guideline before using it.