play store alpha test download link not working

Question

I think I followed all steps which I have found so far but the download link for my alpha test isn't working.

I uploaded the app 3 days ago, created a google group and added the group to the list of alpha testers.

I invited a few members and the app status shows published, after clicking on the link I can signup as alpha tester, but when I click on "Download from the Play Store" the error message "We're sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server" comes.

Did I miss an additional step? Do I have to grant some special rights to the group members somehow?

--- update can this be caused by the permissions of the app? under the apk info in the developer console I can see:

functions:
android.hardware.LOCATION
android.hardware.location.GPS
android.hardware.location.NETWORK
android.hardware.TOUCHSCREEN

permissions:
android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
android.permission.INTERNET

-----UPDATE2

Well I don't have any idea what changed but now the download link is working for my alpha testers.

Answer 1

For me, it resulted to be a cache problem so deleting the cache in Setting > Apps > Google Play Services > Storage > Clean Cache and deleting chrome's cache, did the trick.

Answer 2

If your app is published in alpha or beta version :

• it won't be shown in search results,
• use the link that google play sent you in the group of testers in order to open it in Google Play application. (see edit below)
• You can also open this URL : https://play.google.com/apps/testing/APP_PACKAGE with a browser if the email configured in your phone is a member of the google testers group.
• i don't think permissions in manifest can hide an app of the store !

EDIT After you have uploaded your APK file and published it to Alpha or Beta version, you will see a link "manage testers group" or something like that. Click on that link ... you will be asked to add a google group of testers, below the popup you will see a message like this : "share this link with you testers group". Copy that link and send it to the group by mail.

Sorry I am writing with SO android app, I can't paste screenshots therefore ... may be tomorow ;-)

Hope it's ok.

Answer 3

I don't have any idea what changed but now the download link is working

You issue was just the publish delay -- it takes some time for Google Play servers to pick up your submission (for any publishing operation, even with alpha builds), usually under 24 hours.