Developing a Python Mobile App with Kivy and Buildozer: Installation, First App, and Packaging Tips

Preparation

To develop a Python app you need the Kivy framework, an open‑source cross‑platform Python library that supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Kivy code must be packaged for each platform, which is done with the Buildozer tool (or alternatives like python‑for‑android).

Setting Up the Kivy Development Environment

Install Kivy for macOS

Install required dependencies:

<code>brew install pkg-config sdl2 sdl2_image sdl2_ttf sdl2_mixer gstreamer</code>

Install Cython and Kivy:

<code>pip install cython==0.25</code>
<code>pip install kivy</code>

If installation fails, clone and install manually:

<code>git clone https://github.com/kivy/kivy</code>
<code>python setup.py install</code>

Install Kivy for CentOS 7

Install dependencies:

<code>yum install \
make \
mercurial \
automake \
gcc \
gcc-c++ \
SDL_ttf-devel \
SDL_mixer-devel \
khrplatform-devel \
mesa-libGLES \
mesa-libGLES-devel \
gstreamer-plugins-good \
gstreamer \
gstreamer-python \
mtdev-devel \
python-devel \
python-pip \
java-devel</code>

Install Cython and Kivy:

<code>pip install Cython==0.20</code>
<code>pip install kivy</code>

Refer to the official Kivy Linux installation guide for more details.

Creating Your First Kivy Python App

Create main.py :

<code>#! -*- coding:utf-8 -*-
from kivy.app import App
class HelloApp(App):
    pass
if __name__ == '__main__':
    HelloApp().run()</code>

Create hello.kv to define the UI:

<code>Label:
    text: 'Hello, World! I am nMask'</code>

The main.py file is the entry point, while the .kv file defines the interface using the class name in lowercase without the "App" suffix.

Running the App

<code>python main.py</code>

The app launches and displays a simple window (screenshot omitted).

Installing Buildozer

Buildozer packages Kivy apps for Android and iOS:

<code>pip install buildozer</code>

Packaging the App with Buildozer

Initialize the Buildozer configuration:

<code>buildozer init</code>

Edit buildozer.spec as needed, then build and deploy:

<code>buildozer android debug deploy run</code>

The first run downloads the Android SDK, NDK, and other dependencies (requires internet access and may need a proxy). After a successful build, an .apk file appears in the bin directory and can be installed on an Android device.

Common Buildozer Issues

Increase log level to see detailed errors:

<code>log_level = 2</code>

Missing 32‑bit libraries – install required 32‑bit packages on CentOS:

<code>yum -y install --skip-broken glibc.i686 ... python-matplotli</code>

Cython compilation errors – ensure the correct Cython version:

<code>pip install cython==0.25</code>

IOError during APK copy – patch buildozer/targets/android.py by importing LooseVersion and adjusting the build‑tools selection logic (code snippet provided).

Buildozer Virtual Machine

Kivy provides a pre‑configured Buildozer VM image that includes all dependencies, useful for users who encounter environment issues on their own machines. The VM can be downloaded from the provided torrent link.

Kivy Development Example

The article focuses on a minimal hello‑world example; for more complex applications, refer to the linked Kivy tutorial.

Additional resources and recommended reading links are listed at the end of the original article.