How to Get 12 Testers for Your App Fast & Free
For indie developers without a marketing budget, finding 12 reliable testers can feel impossible. Here are the best strategies to get certified quickly.
You've built your app, it works on your device, and you're ready to launch. But wait—Google wants 12 testers for 14 days. If you don't have a large social media following, this is a major hurdle.
1. Friends & Family
Pros
- Free and easy to ask.
- They want you to succeed.
Cons
- Hard to find 12 Android users (many might have iPhones).
- Biased feedback ("It looks great!").
- They might forget to keep the app installed for 14 days.
2. Online Communities (Reddit, Discord)
Places like Reddit's r/AndroidDev or specialized Discord servers can be helpful. You can post your link and hope for the best.
However, these communities are often flooded with requests. Unless you offer something in return, your post might get ignored.
💡 Pro Tip:
We run a dedicated Telegram community where developers actively help each other.Join the discussion here.
3. Mutual Testing (The Best Way)
The extensive "12 testers" requirement has created a new economy of mutual testing. This is where developers—who are all in the same boat—agree to test each other's apps.
Why use TheClosedTest?
TheClosedTest is built specifically for this. It manages the counting for you, ensuring that if you test someone's app, you get a tester in return.
- ✓Guaranteed testers, not just hope.
- ✓Track your 14-day progress automatically.
- ✓100% Free for community members.
By using a dedicated platform, you remove the awkwardness of begging strangers and replace it with a fair exchange system.