what does pause track mean in play console

Question

I have uploaded an app in open testing (Release type) to let people use my app but without giving reviews to my app. Everything works well, many people used my app and really like it. So now I decided to release it in production (available for the world). I did that as well. But I want to remove the open testing app. So I saw an option Pause track in-play console (play.google.com). I have already made mistakes that took me days to re-correct them. So now I don't want any risks. Do the pause track button will remove the open testing or the production also.

Answer 1

See there are Four types of releases on play console for android developers;

1. Internal testing - It means you wanna share your app among the decided members. It means you have to put their Gmail into the testers list. This is usually for employees.

2. Alpha testing - Same as internal testing, but this time you can send your app to your friends, families or on your smartphones.

3. Beta testing - This is a serious matter, this is public testing. But people cannot give reviews to your app. You can also limit how many users can install the app.

4. Production - This is the last release, now everybody can install your app, can give reviews, can report to google play if something bad is there. One more thing, now your app appears in play store search listing.

So pause track means pausing that type of release. If you pause beta testing then the beta version will be removed from play store (actually hidden). Each release has its own pause button in their own page. Like you can see above.