The app crashes at start for several testers
A blocking bug in the tested release stops testers on day 1. Fix it, publish a new release with a higher version code and announce it to testers.
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Written By JordanLast updated 1 hour ago
What you see
On day 1, several testers report that the app closes as soon as it opens, or that a blocking problem stops them.
Why
The tested release has a blocking bug, often on some phones or Android versions only, or because of a setting that only the release build has.
What to do
- Read the reports: each bug comes with the phone, the Android version, the steps and the screenshots.
- Look for the crash in Android vitals, in the Play Console.
- Fix it, raise the version code, upload the release to the closed testing track and send it for review.
- Once it's “Published”, open your test, fill “Announce an update” with the fix and click “Notify the testers”.
- If the app can't be used at all in the meantime, you can pause the test: Peerbeta counts no day and no window runs out until you resume it.
A crash found and fixed during the test is useful: Google's production access form asks what you changed after testing.
What Peerbeta does
When at least three testers report a crash or a blocking problem on day 1, the diagnosis sends you a priority alert.
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“Item not found” for several testers: the group isn't on the trackSeveral testers get “Item not found” from the start because the testers' group isn't on the closed testing track, or was entered as an email list. Add it under “Google Groups” in the track's Testers tab.Connect the tester app to your accountSign in to the tester app with Google, or with the 8-character pairing code shown in your tester space on the web. A code works once, for 10 minutes.Testers still get the old version: the version code is too lowEach phone gets the release with the highest version code it's eligible for. Raise versionCode above every other track's, then upload a new release.The new version doesn't show up in the Play StoreA release takes a while to reach testers, and the Play Store's cache can hide it. Wait a few hours, then clear the Play Store cache.