Google Play requires 12 testers for 14-day closed testing before production

Google Play requires new apps to complete a closed testing track with a minimum of 12 distinct testers for at least 14 consecutive days before the production track becomes available for promotion. Developers who build toward a launch date without accounting for this requirement discover a hard gate in Play Console: the 'Publish app' button for production is disabled regardless of app quality. There is no exception for solo developers, small teams, or apps with existing iOS audiences. This requirement has blocked hundreds of planned launch days since its introduction, with no recourse other than waiting out the 14-day clock.

Add the closed testing requirement to your launch timeline at least 14 calendar days before your target production date. Document readiness in the repository:

# Create a submission tracking file
cat > SUBMISSION_NOTES.md << 'EOF'
## Google Play Closed Testing
- Testing track opened: YYYY-MM-DD
- Minimum testers required: 12
- Testers added: N
- 14-day window closes: YYYY-MM-DD
- Production promotion eligible: YYYY-MM-DD
EOF

In Fastfile, deploy to the alpha or beta track (not production) for the initial submission:

upload_to_play_store(track: 'alpha')

Add 12 Gmail accounts to the closed testing group in Play Console → Testing → Closed testing. After 14 days with active testers, Play Console enables the 'Promote to production' action.