How can I get 12 Testers to test my Android app while it's in Closed Testing?

When you have a Personal account type for your Google Developer Account, Google requires that you get 12 people to test your app for 14 days before you’ll be able to launch it. The testing period is Closed so you can’t just send a link to people with an Android phone. You have to get their email address and add it to your Google Play Developer Account so they can have access to the app. They will receive an email with a link on how to install the Beta version of your app. Once your testers have tested your app for 14 days, they can provide feedback and we can apply for Production access to launch your app to Google Play.

For more information about that requirement, here’s Google’s complete explanation: https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/14151465?hl=en

Getting 12 testers may feel like a daunting task, but there are several things that you can do to make that happen. Here are a few ideas:

1. The best way to get more testers, is to ask someone in person to download your app. Ask them if they have an Android, and if so, ask them if would mind helping you out to download your app. You can do the process right there in front of them to save them the time of doing it themselves. It will also give you to a chance to add their email address to your Testers list in case you don't already have the correct one in your Google Developer Account. You can have the download link handy in your email and send it to them on the spot.



2. If you already have an app with us, post a blog asking if anyone wants to be part of the pilot group to test your new app! Posting a blog will send a notification to everyone who currently has your app. You can tell them why you need this and include instructions on how they can send you their email address.



3. If you have a newsletter, send an e-blast to your audience. Include the link to download the Beta version of the app. They won't be able to access the link until they provide you their email address, but that process in itself may encourage them to give it to you.



4. If you have social media accounts, post about your new app to your followers. Ask for them to DM you if they are interested. Then, you can provide them with the testing link and get their email address.



5. If you will be attending a conference or event, this would be a perfect time to ask people to download your app. You can even do it for them if they will let you use their phone. We'd recommend that you have your Google Developer Account already open in a browser on your phone. Once you get their phone, open Google Play and click their profile icon to find out what email address they use to download apps from Google Play. Then, add that email address as a Tester in your Google Play Developer Account and email them the link to download your app. Once they have the email, click the link and go through the process to download the app for them. We've seen that process work well at conferences because people are usually there to handle business and will be willing to help you out.

If someone attempts to download your app and it says the link isn't valid, have them confirm that you have the correct email address for them. Tell them to go to the Play Store app on their phone. Click their profile icon in the top-right corner. It will show them the email address for the Google account that they are using on their phone.

If you want to skip the Closed Testing process altogether, you can create a new Google Developer Account as an organization. Org accounts don't have to get 12 Testers.