I am following https://developers.google.com/identity/sign-in/android/start-integrating guide to integrate google Sign-in into my android app.
I am working on a project where Its not possible for me to put configuration file into app folder of android project. I want to know is there any alternative for that. Can I put API key in the AndroidManifest.xml as a meta-data tag under application tag instead of putting google-services.json in app directory as allowed with Google map API (reference https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android/start#add_the_api_key_to_your_application) ?
I also want to know where the configuration file (google-services.json) is used in android app because its not present in generated apk?
There is no need for putting meta-data tag containing API key for Google plus sign in Android api. Just need to take care that correct SHA-1 key is put in credentials.
There is no need to put configuration file for using Google plus android api. Its not used by android app at all.