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Google Play closed test checklist: 10 steps before day 1

ยท 1 min read

A closed test that starts badly costs you days, because the requirement counts continuous time. Work through this list before you invite anyone.

Before you invite testers

  1. Upload a build you would be happy to ship. Testers who hit a crash on launch do not come back for 14 days.
  2. Complete the store listing basics. Missing fields can block the release from rolling out to the track.
  3. Decide who your testers are. A Google Group makes it easy to add and remove people without editing the track.
  4. Write down what testers should try. "Please test the app" produces nothing. "Sign up, add a plant and set a reminder" produces findings.

On day 1

  1. Send the opt-in link with a short message. Explain that they must accept the invitation on the Play Store and keep the app installed.
  2. Check who has actually opted in. Invited is not the same as opted in.
  3. Ask for the device and Android version with every finding.

During the 14 days

  1. Remind people on day 3 and day 10. Most drop-outs happen quietly in the first week.
  2. Ship at least one fix to the same track. It shows that the test led to real changes.
  3. Keep notes. When you apply for production access, you describe how you tested. Dates, findings and fixes make a convincing answer.

Recruit more people than the minimum so a few drop-outs do not reset your plan.

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