Question 1

What is the 12-tester requirement?

Accepted Answer

Google Play requires new apps to have at least 12 testers who have opted in to your closed testing track and tested your app for at least 14 consecutive days before you can request production access. 12 Testers helps you find those testers quickly.

Question 2

Is 12 Testers really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can earn Cheese (our virtual currency) by testing other developers' apps. Then spend that Cheese to publish your own testing campaign. No real money required.

Question 3

How does Cheese work?

Accepted Answer

Cheese is earned by testing other apps on the platform. Each completed test rewards you with Cheese. You then spend Cheese to create a campaign for your own app. You can also purchase Cheese packs if you prefer to skip the testing step.

Question 4

How long does it take to get 12 testers?

Accepted Answer

Most campaigns reach 12 testers within a few days. You can boost your campaign with extra Cheese to attract testers faster.

Question 5

Is my app data safe?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We only store your app's public Google Play information (name, icon, link). We never access your source code, analytics, or private data.

Question 6

How do I publish my first app on 12 Testers?

Accepted Answer

Sign in with your Google account, link your app from the Play Console (we only request the public store listing), choose a Cheese budget for your campaign, and publish. Your app appears in the Feed within seconds and testers can join immediately.

Question 7

Do I have to add testers to a Google Group?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Google Play closed testing requires you to share a Google Group ID. 12 Testers automates the invitation flow: testers send their Google email when they join, and we generate the list you paste into Play Console.

Question 8

What happens if a tester drops out before day 14?

Accepted Answer

Our backend tracks the daily presence of every tester. If a slot opens, the campaign is automatically reposted to the Feed and we boost it briefly so you fill it back fast — no extra Cheese required if it happens within the first 7 days.

Question 9

Can I run multiple campaigns at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you have enough Cheese to fund them. Each app you own can run one active campaign. Updates and re-publishes after a Google rejection are free of additional Cheese cost for the first 7 days.

Question 10

Do you support apps already in production?

Accepted Answer

Today the platform is optimised for new closed testing tracks. Production apps that need additional testers for a specific feature flag should contact support — this is an upcoming feature.

Question 11

How much Cheese do I earn per test?

Accepted Answer

Each completed daily check-in rewards a fixed amount of Cheese. Bonus Cheese is granted when you complete the full 14-day cycle for a campaign — no skipping days. The exact rates are visible in the app and can be tuned by our economy module to keep the marketplace balanced.

Question 12

Do I have to install every app for the full 14 days?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Google Play counts a tester as valid only if the app stays installed for 14 consecutive days. The 12 Testers app pings the device to confirm presence; if you uninstall, the campaign owner is notified and your reward is partially withheld.

Question 13

What devices are supported?

Accepted Answer

Android phones and tablets running Android 10 or later. WearOS support is on the roadmap for Phase 2. iOS is not supported because Google Play closed testing is Android-only.

Question 14

Do I have to pay to publish my app?

Accepted Answer

No. The free path is to test other developers' apps to earn enough Cheese for your own campaign. You can stay on the free tier indefinitely. Cheese packs exist for developers who would rather spend money than time.

Question 15

How are Cheese packs billed?

Accepted Answer

All payments are handled by Google Play Billing inside the mobile app. We do not store card details — Google handles the payment flow, currency conversion and tax.

Question 16

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Refunds follow Google Play's standard policy. If the platform fails to deliver the testers you paid for in a paid campaign, contact support — we will issue Cheese back to your wallet. Refunds in real currency are handled on a case-by-case basis through Google.

Question 17

Do you charge subscriptions?

Accepted Answer

Not today. The current model is one-off Cheese packs. A subscription tier for agencies and indie studios with multiple apps is on the roadmap.

Everything about 12 Testers

General

For app publishers

For testers

Billing & Cheese packs

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