Use case

Android beta testing without the Play Console detour

AirBuild lets you distribute Android APK builds directly to testers via an install link or QR code, skipping Play Console's internal/closed testing tracks entirely for faster iteration during active development.

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Why teams skip the Play Console testing tracks

Google Play's internal and closed testing tracks work, but every release still goes through an upload-and-propagate cycle, tester opt-in links, and Play Store infrastructure that adds friction when you just want a QA engineer or stakeholder to try today's build right now.

How it works

  1. 1

    Upload the APK

    AirBuild parses AndroidManifest.xml on upload, extracting the package name, versionName/versionCode, minSdkVersion, and the launcher icon automatically.

  2. 2

    Get an install link + QR code instantly

    No propagation delay — the link is live the moment the upload finishes processing.

  3. 3

    Testers install directly

    Opening the link on an Android device downloads the APK with the correct MIME headers for a one-tap install (testers may need to allow installs from the browser once).

  4. 4

    Track installs per build

    See download counts, unique devices, and a 30-day trend per app and per build — export the full log as CSV.

Related features

Install links + QR codes

Live

Every build gets a shareable install page with a scannable QR code — testers install in one tap.

Expiring links

Live

Set an expiry date or a max install count — links deactivate automatically once either limit hits.

Android direct APK install

Live

Direct APK download with correct MIME headers — no app store detour.

Per-app & per-build analytics

Live

Download/install totals, 30-day trends, and unique-device counts for every app and build.

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Frequently asked questions

Do testers need to enable 'unknown sources' to install?

On modern Android, testers approve the install source (e.g. the browser) once per app the first time they install an APK from outside the Play Store — after that, subsequent installs from AirBuild links don't prompt again.

Can I limit how many people install a build?

Yes — set a max install count or an expiry date on the link, and it automatically deactivates once either limit is reached.

Can I password-protect an Android build?

Yes, install links support a bcrypt-hashed password gate on top of expiry and install-count limits.

Ship your next build in seconds

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