Discover the intricacies of the new app testing requirements for Google Play Store accounts created after November 13th, 2023, and uncover actionable insights to ensure compliance and readiness for the app launch.
In November 2023, Google Play Store introduced important updates to its app uploading policy targeting accounts established after November 13th, 2023. These changes aim to bolster app quality, streamline the testing process, and ultimately elevate the user experience.
This article offers a detailed exploration of the new testing requirements the diverse testing tracks available in Play Console and actionable steps for developers with personal accounts to ensure compliance with the updated policy.
Understanding the New Testing Requirements:
Testing serves as the cornerstone of app development empowering developers to pinpoint issues, gather feedback, and ensure seamless user experiences pre-launch. To uphold stringent quality standards developers with personal accounts initiated after November 13th, 2023 are mandated to fulfil specific testing prerequisites before their apps can be made accessible on Google Play.
Closed Testing:
Closed testing allows developers to share their apps with a controlled cohort of users for comprehensive testing ahead of the official launch. Access to closed testing necessitates developers to ensure the completion of their app setup and enlist a minimum of 20 testers who have continuously opted in for the preceding 14 days.
Guidance and Best Practices for Closed Testing:
Effectively recruiting testers from personal and professional networks, actively engaging with testers, and adeptly gathering user feedback are pivotal aspects of closed testing. Developers should strive to recruit diverse testers, provide clear instructions, and remain responsive to feedback throughout the testing phase.
Engaging with Testers:
Provide testers with clear instructions on how to test your app and report bugs. Encourage testers to use as many features as possible to receive holistic feedback. Include a feedback channel or let users know how they can provide feedback. Respond promptly to feedback and remain responsive throughout the testing phase.
Gathering and Viewing User Feedback:
Access and reply to user feedback in Play Console. Feedback from users is only visible to you and can't be seen on Google Play. Keep a record of feedback received, as it may help identify common themes or issues for improvement.
Applying for Production Access:
Upon meeting closed testing prerequisites, developers can initiate the application process for production access via the Dashboard in Play Console. This entails furnishing responses to queries regarding the closed test, app/game particulars, and its preparedness for production deployment.
Tentative timelines.
1. Closed Testing Approval - It takes around 5 days
2. Closed Testing Enrolled Period - 14 days
3. Apply for enabling Production - Approval time 3 days
4. App approval on Production - Around 5 to 7 days
Conclusion:
Implementing new app testing requirements for Google Play Store accounts created post-November 13th, 2023, underscores the platform's unwavering commitment to superior quality and user experience. By adhering to these requirements, developers can ascertain that their apps uphold the highest standards of quality and readiness before embarking on their journey to reach users on Google Play. Embracing diverse testing tracks, proficiently recruiting testers, engaging actively with feedback, and navigating the production access application process are imperative steps in effectively navigating these changes.
