Step 1: Create a Firebase Project

1. Sign in to the Firebase Console using your Gmail account.
2. Click Create a project.
3. Enter a Project name and click Continue.
4. Enable Google Analytics (optional but recommended).
5. If enabled, select an existing Analytics account or create a new one.
6. Click Create Project.
7. Once setup is complete, you will be redirected to the Project Dashboard.

Step 2: Register Your Android App in Firebase

1. On the Firebase project dashboard, click the Android icon (</>).
2. Enter the required app details:
3. Android package name (must match your app exactly)
4. App nickname (optional)
5. Debug signing certificate SHA-1 (optional, but recommended for some services)
6. Click Register App.

Step 3: Download Firebase Configuration File

1. After registering the app, download the google-services.json file.
2. Place this file inside your Android project at:
   app/google-services.json
3. Click Next and complete the remaining setup steps shown in Firebase (Gradle configuration).

Step 5: Generate Server Credentials (Service Account Key)

1. From Project Settings, go to the Service Accounts tab.
2. Under Firebase Admin SDK, click Generate new private key.
3. Confirm the action.
4. A JSON private key file will be downloaded to your computer.

 Important: This file is highly sensitive. Do not expose it in client apps or public repositories.