Closed Testing Tester Invitation Template

This closed testing tester invitation template gives you two ready-to-copy messages for asking people to join your Google Play closed test: a fuller email and a short chat message. Replace the placeholders in square brackets, such as [App name], [Opt-in link] and [Start date], and send.

Both messages include the two instructions that matter for the rule explained in our guide to 12 testers for 14 days: use your own Google account, and stay opted in for 14 days in a row. Google's own advice is to inform your testers that they need to remain opted in to your closed test continuously for at least 14 days.

Email version

Subject: Help test [App name] on Google Play (14 days)

Hi,

I'm getting [App name] ready for Google Play and I'm looking for testers for a closed test starting on [Start date].

What to do:
1. Open this link on your Android phone: [Opt-in link]
2. Use your own Google account and opt in to the test.
3. Install [App name] from Google Play.
4. Please stay opted in for 14 days in a row, and use the app as you normally would.

If anything breaks, looks wrong or is confusing, just reply to this email. Screenshots help. Test versions can't receive public reviews on Google Play, so replying here is the way to reach me.

Thank you,
[Your name]

The email suits people who don't know much about app testing, because it explains each step and tells them how to send feedback.

Short chat message

Hi! I'm testing my app [App name] before it goes live on Google Play. Could you help from [Start date]?
1) Open [Opt-in link] on your Android phone
2) Use your own Google account and opt in
3) Install the app from Google Play
Please stay opted in for 14 days in a row and send me anything that breaks. Thanks!

Use the short version for friends, family or community groups where a long email would feel out of place.

Filling in the placeholders

• [App name]: the name testers will see on Google Play.
• [Opt-in link]: the shareable link you copy from your closed testing track's Testers tab in Play Console. Google notes that the opt-in link displays only when the app status is 'Published', and that after the first publication of a test the link can take several hours to become available, so check that it works before you send it.
• [Start date]: the day you want testers to opt in. Starting everyone on the same day keeps their 14 days in step.
• [Your name]: so testers know who is asking.

Why each instruction is there

“Use your own Google account.” Users need a Google Account or a Google Workspace account to join a test, and the account a tester opts in with is the one that counts. If a tester has more than one account on their phone, asking them to use their own regular account avoids confusion about which one joined.

“Opt in to the test.” Adding someone to your tester list is not enough. Google explains that after clicking the opt-in link, testers see an explanation of tester responsibilities and a link to opt in, and each tester needs to opt in themselves.

“Stay opted in for 14 days in a row.” Testers who opt in, test for fewer than 14 days and then opt out do not count toward the requirement, and if a tester opts out and opts back in later, the 14 days must be consecutive to count.

“Reply with anything that breaks.” Testers cannot leave public reviews on Google Play for test versions, so a direct channel such as email is how you hear about problems. Record each reply in our closed testing tracker template as it arrives.

Pitfalls when inviting testers

• Sending the link too early. If the app isn't 'Published' on the track yet, testers won't see an opt-in link.
• Google Group not joined. If your closed test uses a Google Group, users must join the group before they can opt in. Add that step to the message if you use a group.
• Testers already in your internal test. A user who opts in to your internal test is not eligible for the closed test until they opt out of the internal test. Ask internal testers to leave it first.
• Paid apps. Google notes that testers must purchase paid apps when taking part in an open or closed test, so mention it if your app is paid.

Frequently asked questions