Google Play Policy: 12 Testers for 14 Days in Closed Testing
Introduction
If you’ve recently created a personal Google Play Developer account and are preparing to publish your app, you’ve likely come across Google’s “12 testers for 14 days” policy. Introduced in November 2023, this requirement is part of Google’s initiative to improve app quality across the Play Store. Here’s what the policy means and how to meet it efficiently.
What Is the “12 Testers for 14 Days” Policy?
To move an app to production, personal developer accounts created after November 13, 2023 must first conduct a closed test that satisfies the following criteria:
- At least 12 testers must install your app
- These testers must remain opted-in continuously for 14 days
Testers must be real users who engage meaningfully with your app during this period.
How to Find 12 Testers
Finding 12 active testers who stay opted in for 14 days can be difficult, especially for solo developers or those new to the Play Store. GoLiveTester offers a solution by providing structured testing services with real testers who follow Google’s closed testing policy. Our platform is designed to simplify the process helping you meet the requirements efficiently without relying on friends or manually recruiting testers.
Why This Matters
While this policy is a positive step for app quality, it’s not just about numbers. In the previous "20 testers" policy, many apps with even 80+ testers were still denied production access. Google also evaluates test quality, engagement, app performance, and policy compliance.
To improve your approval chances:
- Ensure your app runs smoothly across devices
- Follow Google Play’s guidelines
- Monitor user feedback and fix issues early
For additional insights, check out our blog post on how to avoid common production access rejections.
Conclusion
This policy can feel like a hurdle, but it’s also a valuable opportunity to test and polish your app before launch. At GoLiveTester, we’re here to make that process seamless, whether you use our testing plans or join the free tester community.