How to set up closed testing in Google Play Console

Before you start

• Finish App content in Play Console: privacy policy, ads, content rating, target audience, data safety and the other declarations.
• Fill in the main store listing: name, short and full description, icon, feature graphic and at least 2 phone screenshots.
• Build a signed Android App Bundle (.aab).

1. Open the closed testing track

Go to Test and release > Testing > Closed testing and open Closed testing - Alpha (or create a new track).

2. Choose countries

On the Countries / regions tab, add every country your testers live in. A tester in a country you didn’t add can’t install the app.

3. Add testers

On the Testers tab, choose Google Groups and add your group’s address, or create an email list. Add a feedback email or URL so testers know where to send notes. Save.

4. Create the release

Click Create new release, upload your .aab, check the release name, write short release notes, then click Next and Save. A warning about a missing deobfuscation file is normal.

5. Send it for review

Open Publishing overview and click Send changes for review. The first review can take a few days. A saved draft alone is not visible to testers.

6. Share the opt-in link

Once the release is approved, copy the link from the Testers tab. It looks like play.google.com/apps/testing/your.package.name. Testers join your group, open the link, tap Become a tester and install from Google Play. Your 14 days start counting once 12 of them are opted in.