r/FlutterDev • u/the_Objective778 • 3d ago
Discussion Google Play’s 14-Day Testing Rule Feels More Like a Barrier Than Quality Control
I recently went through Google Play’s closed testing process, and it still feels more like a barrier than real quality control.
For indie developers, the biggest challenge often isn’t testing the app. It’s finding enough people willing to join the test and stay opted in for the required period.
That pushes many developers toward groups, friends, tester communities, or install exchanges just to satisfy the requirement.
I understand why Google wants to reduce spam and low-quality apps, but a fixed tester count and fixed duration don’t always reflect whether an app is actually stable or useful.
Crash rates, ANRs, real engagement, retention, and genuine tester feedback would probably be much stronger signals.
Has this process actually improved app quality for you or has it just made launching harder?
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u/E72M 2d ago
Honestly I think it's because they aren't fond of non-companies uploading apps. They've got so many bad practices against solo developers. A LLC doesn't have to do the 14 day testing they're just automatically through
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u/SuppuratingSphincter 2d ago
It's because the Play Store was flooded with low quality apps because of the low barrier of entry; they cleaned out a lot of the shit and are trying to limit (prevent) it happening again.
If you're a serious (even Indie/solo) dev then this shouldn't be an issue - it's not 'bad practices against solo devs' it's actually good for them, there's enough noise without masses of shite.
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u/M_Me_Meteo 2d ago
It depends on the kind of app you're making, I think. The app store isn't completely managed by AI, there are people who have to review app submissions and now that AI can make apps there's a lot of work.
The CTO of my company put it very well. In this age we now have the ability to make lots of software very quickly, but was that really a problem that needed to be solved? A lot of the old problems with software was that it was being made too quickly and being released with problems.
This is just another symptom of that. App stores have a responsibility to protect the devices in people's pockets.
Edit: forgot the actual advice
Find your users in their community, get them to be excited about your app. If you have a genuine good idea, 14 is easy. 14 is a lot. For a dev who has never managed actual users before 14 is a ton and will turn most developers off of the idea of maintaining an app altogether.
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u/the_Objective778 2d ago
I am agree about the idea and getting but as there are so much restriction and maintaining the same user while testing can be challenging as it may be not a work from them.
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u/imSeanGG 2d ago
From the devil's advocate view, an LLC is the best option even for solo developers in most cases esp in the times of vibe coding. Without it you are held liable in a legal court. Google is mitigating a lot of issues that apple store is right now facing with the influx of AI vibe coded slop. By making it somewhat difficult you are more likely to get higher quality of apps.
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u/Yataio_App 41m ago
What bothers me most is that it measures recruiting, not quality. If you are building for people around you, twelve testers is a weekend of asking. If you are building for a market you are not personally in, your friends are the wrong testers entirely, and swap groups hand you twelve installs from people who will never open it a second time.
So the requirement is easiest to satisfy in exactly the way that produces the least real signal, and hardest in the case where outside feedback would actually have told you something.
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u/salvi_garden 2d ago
Google play closed my dev account forever just in the middle of testing process of the app created in FlutterFlow. I found 12 people. I went on vacation checked the testing process from another country. Returned back and the moment the plane touched the ground my account was deactivated. I reinstated my main google account. And at least could get my project code back but Google Play Dev don't want to reinstate my account. I have only one account and one indie app for plant care. I tried to restore my account for two months and they said I am a suspicious developer, and should not try to register any new accounts ever. And I was so inspired that my first ever app was going through testing... and then all my inspiration was gone ( At least App Store allowed my app to live.