How to create a Google Group

Closed testing on Google Play uses a Google Group as your tester list. Make it public so testers can join with a single link, then paste the group link into Android Testers.

Open Google Groups

Go to groups.google.com and sign in with the Google account you use for your Play Console.

Create a new group

Click Create group and enter a group name (e.g. my-app-testers), keep the auto-generated group email, and add a short description. Click Next.

Set the group to public (important)

On the Privacy & permissions screen, set all three to Anyone on the web:

Who can search for group → Anyone on the web
Who can join group → Anyone on the web
Who can view conversations → Anyone on the web

Then click Next.

Create the group

Review the settings and click Create group. Your public Google Group is now live.

Copy your public join link

Open your group, click Group settings, and copy the group URL — for example https://groups.google.com/g/my-app-testers. Anyone who opens this link can click Join group (or Ask to join). This is the link you paste into Android Testers.

(Optional) Send email invites

Go to Members → Add members, enter email addresses, choose Invite (not Add directly), and send.

Tip: instant joining without approval

For frictionless testing, set Group settings → Access → Join the group to Anyone on the web (no approval) so testers join immediately.

Next: verify it on Android Testers

When you add your app, paste the group link above. We email a 4-digit code to your group's +owner@googlegroups.comaddress — as the group owner you'll receive it. Enter the code to confirm you own the group, and your listing goes live once you've earned a tester seat by testing.

Android Testers is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google LLC or Google Play. Google's interface may change; refer to Google Groups help if a step looks different.

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