Google Play Testing

Using the Play Console, you can test your app and make sure it’s ready for release into the Google Play Store.

With a closed test, you can create a list of testers by email address. You can create a total of 200 lists, and each list can have up to 2,000 users. You can create up to 50 lists per track.

Start a closed test

Create testers list

If you’ve already created your testers list, skip to the “add testers” instructions.

1. Sign in to your Play Console.
2. On the left menu, select Settings > Manage testers > Create list.
3. Type a name to identify your list of testers. You can use the same list for future tests on any of your apps.
4. Add email addresses separated by commas or click Upload CSV. If you use a .CSV file, put each email address on its own line without any commas. If you upload a .CSV file, it will overwrite any email addresses you’ve added.
5. Select Create list.

Add Testers

1. Sign in to your Play Console.
2. Select an app.
3. On the left menu, select Release management > App releases.
4. Next to the closed track, select Manage.
5. Expand the “Manage testers” section. If the “Manage testers” section is empty, make sure you’ve uploaded an APK or app bundle.
6. Next to “Choose a testing method,” select Closed Testing.
7. In the “Users” section, check the box next to list you want to use.
8. Copy the “Opt-in URL” to share with your testers.
9. Next to “Feedback channel,” add an email address or URL to collect feedback from testers. Your app’s feedback channel will be shown to users on your tester opt-in page.
10. If you’re setting up a test within an organization, enter an organization ID and name in the “Organizations” section.
11. Select Save.

Create A Release

Once you’ve set up the details of your app’s test, you can create and roll out a release using these instructions.

For details on managing country availability across your app’s Alpha and Beta tracks, go to distribute app releases to specific countries. 

Share your opt-in URL with users

After you create a test, you’ll get a URL link to your app to share with your testers. The opt-in link only shows when an app is “Published.” Apps in “Draft” or “Pending publication” won’t show the opt-in link.

After clicking the opt-in link, your testers will get an explanation of what it means to be a tester and a link to opt in. Each tester needs to opt in using the link. If you’re running a closed test with a Google Group or Google+ Community, users need to join the group or community before opting in to your test.

Get feedback

Once your testers have installed your app, they’ll automatically be updated to use the test version within a few minutes.

Because your testers can’t leave public reviews on Google Play, it’s a good idea to include a feedback channel or let your users know how they can provide you with feedback (by email, website, or a message forum).

If you’re running an open test, your testers can also provide you with private feedback through Google Play.

End a test

To remove users from your app’s test: 

1. Sign in to your Play Console.
2. Select an app.
3. On the left menu, select Release management > App releases.
4. Next to the test that you want to end, select Manage.
5. Expand the “Manage testers” card.
6. After ending a test, testers won’t receive updates but the app will remain installed on their device.
   • To remove a closed test track that you created, select Deactivate track. You can access deactivated tracks on the App releases page in the “Closed tracks” section.  
   • To end an open, closed alpha, or internal test, select Remove testers.