If you have recently created a new personal Google Play Developer account, you are probably familiar with (and perhaps frustrated by) the strict 14-day closed testing requirement that forces you to find at least 20 active testers before publishing.
But what if you decide to bypass Google entirely? Do alternative Android marketplaces like the Amazon Appstore or the Samsung Galaxy Store enforce the same strict 20-tester rule?
The short answer is: No, they do not. However, that doesn't mean you can skip testing entirely. Both platforms have unique testing guidelines and enforcement policies that you need to follow in 2026.
Testing Requirements for the Amazon Appstore
Amazon does not enforce a rigid "20 testers for 14 days" rule, but they are very strict about how and where your app is tested before they approve it for the Amazon Appstore.
1. The Physical Device Requirement
Unlike Google Play, which allows testing via Android Studio emulators, Amazon strictly requires developers to test their apps on physical hardware (such as Fire tablets or Fire TV devices). While virtual devices can be used for initial debugging, Amazon's review team will reject apps that exhibit performance issues only discoverable on real Fire OS hardware.
2. Live App Testing (LAT)
Amazon provides a service called Live App Testing (LAT). This allows you to distribute your app to a group of testers you manage (up to 1,500 people). You are not forced to use LAT for a specific number of days, but it is highly recommended, especially if your app includes Amazon's In-App Purchasing (IAP) APIs.
3. IAP Testing
If your app includes Amazon In-App Purchasing, it must be thoroughly tested using the Appstore DevTest tools. You cannot test Amazon IAP on a standard Android emulator; it generally requires a physical Amazon device or the specific App Tester sandbox app.
Testing Requirements for the Samsung Galaxy Store
Samsung takes a much more relaxed approach compared to Google Play when it comes to mandatory minimums, focusing more on providing developers the tools to run betas themselves.
1. No Mandatory Tester Minimums
Samsung does not have a 20-tester or 14-day requirement. You can technically submit an app directly to production review without running it through a closed track first. However, the Galaxy Store Seller Portal does provide robust beta testing tools.
2. Open and Closed Betas
Samsung allows you to run up to five Closed Beta tests and one Open Beta test simultaneously.
- Closed Beta: You invite specific users via their Samsung Account IDs.
- Open Beta: Anyone with a Samsung account and a link can join.
3. Remote Test Lab
If you don't own the latest Samsung devices (like the Galaxy Z Fold), Samsung provides a brilliant Remote Test Lab. This allows you to access and test your app on physical Samsung devices over the web for free, ensuring your UI scales correctly across their unique hardware lineup.
4. Policy Updates for 2026
While they don't have minimum tester requirements, Samsung is strictly enforcing technical standards in 2026. For example, apps targeting Android 15 must support the 16KB page size. Furthermore, apps distributed in specific regions (like Brazil and Singapore) must undergo strict developer verification.
The Catch: Multi-Store Publishing
Here is the most important takeaway: If you plan to publish your app on Google Play in addition to Amazon and Samsung, you still have to pass Google's 20-tester rule for the Play Store release.
If you are building a cross-platform Android app, don't let Google's requirements hold back your entire launch strategy. If you are struggling to find reliable testers to meet Google Play's demands, consider using a professional service.
At 12-App Tester, our experienced QA professionals will test your app, provide the detailed feedback Google reviewers look for in your testing brief, and help you get past the 14-day waiting period so you can launch across all Android stores successfully.