This article has moved to the Knowledge Hub. The full, maintained version now lives in Google Play Closed Testing: The Complete Developer Guide, with sources, review dates, and related guides.
Closed testing on Google Play is a way to test pre-release builds of your app with a limited group of real users before publishing to production.
Google requires eligible new personal developer accounts to run a closed test with at least 12 testers opted in continuously for at least 14 days before they can request production access. This is part of Google's effort to ensure app quality on the Play Store.
During closed testing, testers install your app from a testing track in the Play Console. They use the app as they normally would and can provide feedback directly through the Play Console or through channels you set up.
AppsTestLab coordinates this entire process. You add appstestlab@googlegroups.com to your closed testing track and send us the testing link on WhatsApp; we recruit real testers, ensure they install and actively use your app, and help you meet the minimum tester and duration requirements.
Important: AppsTestLab is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google.