Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about AppTestersHub, Google Play 14-day compliance, the Android SDK, and our coin-based testing economy.
👥 Platform & The Dual-Role System
Do I need 12 or 20 app testers for Google Play closed testing?
For personal Google Play developer accounts registered after November 13, 2023, Google requires at least 12 testers opted-in for 14 continuous days. However, older accounts or specific account tiers often require 20 testers. AppTestersHub supports customizable slot capacity so you can sponsor 12, 14, 20, or even 30+ tester slots according to your Play Console requirements.
Can I test Android apps online for free to earn coins?
Yes! Testing on AppTestersHub is 100% free. You simply join fellow indie developers' closed tests, launch their app for just 60 seconds each day, and earn 1 coin daily per app tested. You can accumulate these coins to sponsor testing for your own Android apps without paying a single dollar.
How does the dual-role model work? Can I both test and list apps?
Yes! Every user on AppTestersHub has both App Owner and App Tester capabilities. When you register, you automatically receive 14 starter coins. You can spend those coins to list your own Android app and get testers, or you can test other developers' apps to earn more coins.
Why did Google introduce the 14-day / 12-tester requirement?
Starting November 2023, Google requires all new personal developer accounts to run a closed test with at least 12 testers opted-in for at least 14 continuous days before they are permitted to publish paid or free apps to production. AppTestersHub helps indie developers meet this policy without begging friends or paying exorbitant agency fees.
Can I test my own app to earn coins?
No. To maintain platform integrity and ensure compliance with Google's authentic testing policy, self-testing is strictly blocked by our system.
📱 The Android Testing SDK & 1-Minute Sessions
How does the 1-minute automated testing session work?
Once an app owner integrates the AppTestersHub Android SDK, testers simply open the app on their phone. On first launch, a sleek popup asks for their registered email. During testing, the SDK transmits heartbeats every 15 seconds. After 60 seconds of active foreground usage, the SDK automatically captures visual proof and registers the session as complete for that day.
How many times can a tester test in a single day?
A tester can complete 1 test session per app per calendar day. However, testers are free to test multiple different apps in the same day, earning 1 coin for each unique app tested.
Is the SDK hard to integrate?
Not at all! Integration takes less than 5 minutes via Gradle (JitPack), Direct AAR file, or from source on GitHub. You only declare the 1-line dependency, call AppTestersHubSDK.initialize(...) with your credentials, and forward the activity lifecycle events. Full code snippets are available on our SDK Documentation Page.
What if an app doesn't have the SDK integrated?
If an app does not use the SDK, the tester can manually upload daily screenshots showing the app running on their phone via their Web Dashboard. However, apps with the SDK integrated are preferred by testers because testing is completely automated!
🪙 Coins, Holds, and Dispute Windows
How many coins do I get when I sign up?
Every verified new user receives 14 free starter coins immediately upon registration. Since each tester slot costs 14 coins for the full 14-day Google Play cycle, you can list your first app slot right away without paying a dime.
How does the 24-hour dispute window work?
When a tester completes a daily 1-minute test, the coin reward is credited to the tester immediately. The app owner is notified and given a 24-hour window to inspect the session proof. If the owner reports fraudulent activity, our admin team reviews the session. If no dispute is raised, the release auto-confirms permanently.
Can coins be bought with real money?
Currently, coins are earned exclusively by testing others' apps or referring new developers. This guarantees an active, genuine developer community where everyone contributes to the testing ecosystem.
Have another question not covered here?
Our team is here to assist indie developers and mobile engineers. Reach out to our community support.