If you're a Wear OS developer trying to publish your watch face or app on Google Play, you've probably hit a wall. Google now requires 12 testers for 14 days of closed testing before granting production access. This guide explains everything you need to know about meeting this requirement without the headache.
What is the 12 Testers for 14 Days Requirement?
Since November 2023, Google Play requires all new apps from personal developer accounts to complete a closed testing phase before production release. Here's what that means:
- You need at least 12 unique testers.
- Each tester must opt into your closed testing track.
- Testers must actively use your app for 14 consecutive days
Only after this period can you apply for production accessThis applies to every new app you publish not just your first one. For Wear OS developers, this policy feels particularly steep.
The Wear OS Testing Problem
For regular Android apps, finding 12 testers is challenging but doable. For Wear OS apps? It's a nightmare.Here's why:
- Small User Base: Wear OS smartwatch owners are a tiny fraction of Android users.
- Hardware Requirement: Testers need an actual Wear OS watch to test your app. You can't just ask any friend with a phone.
- Commitment Needed: 14 days is a long time to ask someone to wear a specific watch face or use a niche wearable app daily.
- Opt-in Friction: Testers must join via email invitation, accept the invite, and manually download on their watch, a process that is notoriously clunky.
Most developers don't know 12 people with Wear OS watches. Even if they do, getting those people to consistently use an app for two weeks is unrealistic.
The Companion App Solution: Your Secret Weapon
Here's something most Wear OS developers don't realize: You can use a companion phone app to meet the testing requirement.
Google Play treats apps with the same package name as part of the same product. If you create a simple Android companion app that shares your Wear OS app's package name, testers can use the phone app instead.
Benefits:
- Massive Tester Pool: Anyone with an Android phone can test (billions of users vs. millions of Wear OS users).
- No Smartwatch Required: Your testers don't need to own a watch to help you hit your 14-day goal.
- Lower Friction: It's much easier for a tester to open a phone app than to navigate a watch interface.
Your companion app just needs basic functionality, showing your watch face preview, linking to the Play Store, or displaying app info. Nothing complex.
How to Create a Companion App for FREE
I know your next question: "How do I build a companion app if I'm just a watch face designer?"
It is not at all complex; in fact, it is very easy. We have created a free companion app creator that anyone can use to generate companion apps for watch faces or Wear OS apps. This tool helps you get production access very easily by making your app testable on mobile devices.Check out the tool here:
https://testerscommunity.com/tools/wearos-companion-app-generator
Once your companion app is ready, you can use our service to get production access without any issues.
Finding Your 12 Testers
You might be thinking, "I’ll just ask 12 friends to download my app, and I’m good, right?" Not at all. Google doesn't just look for downloads; they look for consistent engagement. These testers must use your app continuously every single day for 14 days. If even a few friends forget, google will reject your production access.
If that happens, you’ll be forced to retest for another 14 days. This cycle can repeat, delaying your launch by months. To avoid this headache and ensure you pass on the first try, we recommend a professional service.
How to avoid this ?
The most reliable way is to use Testers Community, the world’s most trusted testing network. We have successfully helped 4000+ apps from developers of 120+ countries in getting successfully published on Google Play Store without any issues.
For just $15, we eliminate the risk of rejection and handle the entire process for you. Below are the features that you'll be getting through our plan.
- 25 Dedicated Testers: 2 times more testers than required for a massive safety margin.
- 6-Hour Rapid Setup: Your testing starts almost immediately, no waiting around.
- 16-Day Testing Cycle: Continuous testing for a total of 16 days.
- Detailed feedback reports: Get detailed feedback reports with all the bugs identified and improvements highlighted.
- Full Refund Guarantee: If you don't get production access after 14 days, we refund the entire money you paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the 14-day testing requirement apply to Wear OS watch faces?
Yes. Google Play classifies watch faces as Wear OS apps. They must undergo the same mandatory closed testing phase with 12 testers for 14 consecutive days before you can apply for production access.
2. Why should I use a Companion App for my Wear OS project?
A companion app is a powerful tool for discoverability and accessibility. Most users search for apps on their phones rather than through the small interface of a watch's Play Store. By having a mobile companion app, you make it significantly easier for testers (and future customers) to find, install, and engage with your Wear OS software.
3. Can I use the same testers for multiple app launches?
Absolutely. While each app requires its own independent 14-day testing period, you can utilize the same pool of testers. Our service streamlines this process, ensuring all your apps meet the requirement without you having to find new volunteers every time.
4. How does a Companion App help with "Active Use" requirements?
Google looks for consistent engagement during the 14-day period. Because users interact with their smartphones more frequently than their watches, a companion app ensures higher engagement rates. This prevents your "testing clock" from being reset due to inactivity, making your path to the Play Store much smoother.
Summary
Publishing on Wear OS is no longer a hurdle. By combining our Free Companion App Generator with the Testers Community professional network, you eliminate the stress of finding and managing the testers yourself for just 15$.
We help you turn a complex Google requirement into a simple, automated process. Join 4,000+ developers from 120 countries who have already secured their production access.
If you have any doubts or if you need any help, do reach out to us at support@testerscommunity.com. Until then, Goodbye 👋 and have a great day.
