Step 1 · Assessment
Stocktake & rescue plan
I compare the state of the repo against the last store version and take inventory: what's there (code, keys, accounts, backend access), what's missing? From that, a rescue plan with a written fixed-price commitment takes shape.
Step 2
Reconstruct the build environment
I pin or upgrade Gradle, AGP, and JDK versions, and revive or replace dead dependencies and repositories.
Step 3
Sort out signing
I locate the keystore, check the Play App Signing migration, and in the worst case build the strategy for lost keys.
Step 4
Minimal update via the internal track
This proves the chain works end-to-end again before the real release follows.
Step 5
Real release to the store
I ship the release as a staged rollout. I address the acute issue along the way, as far as the timeframe allows; otherwise I flag it clearly as a follow-up step.
Step 6
Rescue documentation & recommendation
I document everything reconstructed, so "only one person knows how it works" doesn't happen again, and give a final recommendation for how the emergency doesn't repeat.