Setting up closed testing correctly is the most critical step for new personal developer accounts on Google Play. Since late 2023, Google requires 12 testers for 14 continuous days before you can even apply for production access. In this guide, we'll walk you through the technical setup to ensure your testers are counted and your application is approved.
Select All Countries in Google Play Console
Go to Countries/Regions → choose All countries (recommended) → click Save.
This lets testers from anywhere in the world join your closed test.
Add Testers with Google Group
Go to Test & release → Testing → Closed testing → Testers
Choose Google Groups → add this group: ClosedTestHelp@googlegroups.com
Click Save.
Send changes for review button
Check everything looks correct → click Send changes for review.
After approval: Testers can join using the opt-in link and download your app privately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Launch Without Stress?
Setting up the console is only half the battle. Finding 12 reliable testers who stay active for 14 days is the real challenge. ClosedTestHelp handles everything for you, providing real devices and real people to guarantee your production access.
Alex Chen
This guide saved my app! I was stuck on the 404 error for my tester link and didn't realize I hadn't selected the countries in the correct track. Thanks ClosedTestHelp!
Sarah Miller
Does the 14-day timer reset if I pause the rollout?
ClosedTestHelp Support
Hi Sarah! Yes, it is highly recommended NOT to pause or halt the rollout. Any interruption to tester access can reset Google's 14-day verification window.
Michael
Followed the Google Groups setup steps exactly. It's much cleaner than adding 12 emails manually. Great article!