Closed testing setup guide
Six steps in Play Console before you submit to TestPass. Takes about 10 minutes the first time.
- 1
Open your app → Testing → Closed testing
In Play Console, choose your app. In the left menu open Test and release → Testing → Closed testing. Google creates a track called “Closed testing – Alpha”; use it or click Create track.
- 2
Create a Google Group for testers
Go to groups.google.com → Create group. Give it a name such as “myapp-testers”, set Who can join to “Anyone on the web can ask” or “Anyone can join”, and copy the group email (myapp-testers@googlegroups.com). Joining a group is how testers opt in without you collecting emails.
- 3
Add the group to your closed track
Back in Closed testing → Manage track → Testers tab, choose Google Groups, paste the group email and Save. Also add a feedback URL or email (Google asks for one).
- 4
Upload a build and roll it out
Create a new release on the track, upload your .aab, add release notes and roll it out. Google reviews the first closed release — usually a few hours, sometimes a few days.
- 5
Copy the opt-in link
Once the release is live, the Testers tab shows How testers join your test → Join on the web. Copy that link (it looks like play.google.com/apps/testing/your.package.name). Paste it, with your group email, into TestPass.
- 6
Submit on TestPass and wait for day 14
We review your app (usually within a day), assign testers and they join the group and opt in. Your dashboard counts the days with 12+ opted-in testers. On day 14, go to Dashboard → Apply for production in Play Console.
Tips that avoid a restart
- Don't remove the Google Group or change tracks during the 14 days.
- Keep uploading updates to the same closed track — it shows Google you act on feedback.
- Personal accounts created before 13 November 2023 don't need this test at all.
- Play Console wording changes from time to time; if a label differs, look for the same option nearby.