How to add beta testers in Apple Connect and Google Play?

This detailed guide will walk you through the process of adding testers to your mobile application in both the Apple App Store and Google Play. We will thoroughly discuss each step and provide tips and best practices to ensure a smooth beta testing process.

Preparation Before Setting Up

• Which version of the mobile app build will be tested.
• Access to Apple App Store Connect and Google Play Console.
• A list of email addresses of potential testers.

Adding Testers in Apple App Store (TestFlight)

Step 1: Prepare the App in App Store Connect

1. Log in to App Store Connect (https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/).
2. Select your app from the list or create a new one if it doesn’t already exist.
3. Go to the “TestFlight” tab.

Step 2: Configure App Information

1. In the “App Information” section, fill in the required fields:
   • Beta App Description: A brief description of the test features.
   • Beta App Feedback Email: An email address for collecting feedback.
   • Beta App Privacy Policy URL: A link to the privacy policy.
2. Click “Save” after making the changes.

Step 3: Prepare the Build for Testing

1. Go to the “Builds” tab.
2. Ensure you have uploaded the current build of the app.
3. If the build is not yet available, upload it using Xcode or Transporter, or ask the developer to prepare it.

Step 4: Create a Tester Group

1. In the TestFlight section, click on “Groups” in the left menu.
2. Click the “+” button to create a new group.
3. Name the group, for example, “Beta Testers” or “External Testers.” You can create multiple groups for different testing purposes.

Step 5: Add Testers to the Group

1. Select the created group.
2. Click “Add Testers.”
3. You can add testers in two ways: a) Manually entering email addresses. b) Importing a list of emails from a CSV file.
4. Click “Add” after entering all the addresses.

Step 6: Assign the Build to the Tester Group

1. Go to the “Builds” tab.
2. Select the build you want to share with the testers.
3. Click “Test Details” next to the selected build.
4. In the “Groups” section, check the tester group you want to share the build with.
5. Click “Save.”

Step 7: Invite Testers

1. TestFlight will automatically send invitation emails to the testers.
2. Testers must accept the invitation and install the TestFlight app.

What to Keep in Mind?

• Regularly update the app build so testers have access to the latest features.
• Use groups to organize testers (e.g., internal, external, VIP).
• Collect feedback directly through TestFlight or via a dedicated communication channel.

II. Adding Testers in Google Play

Step 1: Prepare the App in Google Play Console

1. Log in to Google Play Console (https://play.google.com/console/).
2. Select your app from the list or create a new one.

Step 2: Configure the Test Version

1. In the left menu, select “Testing.”
2. Choose the type of testing: Internal testing, Closed testing, or Open testing.

Step 3: Prepare the Test Release

1. In the selected testing section, click “Create new release.”
2. Upload the APK file or Android App Bundle.
3. Fill in the required information about the release.
4. Click “Save” and then “Review release.”

Step 4: Create a Tester List

1. In the testing section, go to the “Testers” tab.
2. Click “Create list.”
3. Name the tester list.
4. Add the email addresses of the testers or import them from a CSV file.
5. Click “Save” after adding all testers.

Step 5: Assign the Tester List to the Test Release

1. In the testing section, go to the “Releases” tab.
2. Select the previously created test release.
3. In the “Testers” section, choose the created tester list.
4. Click “Save changes.”

Step 6: Publish the Test Release

1. After assigning testers, click “Start rollout to testing.”
2. Confirm the publication of the test release.

Step 7: Invite Testers

1. Once published, Google Play will generate a link to the test.
2. Copy this link and send it to the testers via email or another communication channel.
3. Testers must click the link and accept the testing terms to download the app.

Best Practices for Google Play:

• Utilize different testing levels (internal, closed, open) for different groups of testers.
• Regularly update the test version to ensure testers have access to the latest features.
• Use Google Play Console tools to monitor the app’s stability and performance.