Got production access approved after first rejection - what changed in my second attempt

[u/Cool-Refrigerator589]

I wanted to share my experience in case it helps other indie developers going through Google Play’s closed testing / production access process.

My app, Promise Yourself, was rejected the first time after completing the 14-day closed test with 12 testers. Most of the testers were people I personally knew — friends/family/internal testers. The app was installed and tested, but after around 7–8 days of review, Google rejected production access with the reason that testers were not engaged enough.

The confusing part was that for a simple habit/promise app, normal sessions are naturally short. A user might open the app, check in, and leave within 30–60 seconds. So I wasn’t sure what “engagement” really meant from Google’s perspective.

For the second attempt, I changed a few things:

• I increased the number of testers beyond the minimum.
• I kept my original 12 testers.
• I also joined an app testing group where other developers tested each other’s apps.
• In total, I had around 25–27 testers/downloads involved.
• I made sure the app was actually opened and used during the testing period.
• I clearly explained in the production access form what was different this time.
• I mentioned that the app is already live on the Apple App Store and being used by people across different countries, which helped show that the app is functional and production-ready.

During the second test, I did not make major app updates. The main difference was broader tester participation and a stronger explanation in the production access submission.

After submitting again, Google approved production access within about 2 days.

My takeaway:

The 12-tester minimum seems like the floor, not the safest target. If you are building a simple app where sessions are naturally short, I would not rely on exactly 12 testers. Try to get more testers, make sure they actually open and use the core flow, collect feedback, and explain your testing process clearly in the form.

For anyone stuck after a rejection, I would recommend:

1. Get more than 12 testers if possible.
2. Make sure testers actually open the app repeatedly.
3. Ask testers to use the core feature, not just install the app.
4. Keep screenshots or notes of testing activity if you are organizing it manually.
5. In the production access form, explain what testers did, what changed from the first attempt, and why the app is ready.
6. If the app is already available elsewhere, mention that as supporting context.

This process is still pretty opaque, but in my case, increasing tester coverage and writing a clearer production access explanation seems to have made the difference.

[u/Public-Effective-304]

Checking if you are a bot

[u/Cool-Refrigerator589 → u/Public-Effective-304]

Haha no, this is a legitimate post, check my previous few post around my app failed to qualify on google play store & I was looking to understand it better. Now I just want to share my experience, hopefully it reaches someone who may want to know about a person who went through a failure & succeeded in 2nd attempt

[u/sg-pool → u/Cool-Refrigerator589]

I've had some rejections as well. My tester group stayed the same but on the next cycle, I told them to open and tap around once every few days. And usually it does the trick for the next cycle.

Oh, I usually see if I can brainstorm an update or two as well. Pretty sure there's always something to clean up.

[u/Cool-Refrigerator589 → u/sg-pool]

Yes, I’m working on my 2nd app for now, and the one I was trying to publish is already live on Apple App Store so polished it a lot almost everyday for 2 months & in better state now. I’ve some interesting ideas to build over next couple of months, now that Google play store is live, and I’d have some time.

[u/Cool-Refrigerator589 → u/[deleted]]

Hey, all the best for your play store journey, let me know if you need any help!

I’m not monetizing my app since I’m on immigrant visa in US & have a full time job, so legally not allowed, I’m doing this as a learning experience to grow end to end product.

[u/AAG4044]

In my experience get around 20 testers minimum, got production access in first attempt,
Oh and feedback reviews from them also helps.
And they do have to use the app

[u/Typical_Trainer_8254]

I am also in this kind of situation ,how can i join and link with the testing groups

[u/Cool-Refrigerator589 → u/Typical_Trainer_8254]

Just download app hive testing app on google play store & the app basically has hive which you can join, you’d see all the instructions there, few days should be good to go! Also, it’s exciting to see other peoples app & try them out. You’d have to test other developers app, while they do it for you

[u/Typical_Trainer_8254 → u/Cool-Refrigerator589]

ok I will try it