You can release an app update to production and test tracks using a staged rollout. With a staged rollout, your update reaches only a percentage of your users, which you can increase over time.
Staged rollouts can only be used for app updates, not when publishing an app for the first time.
User eligibility and targeting
- New and existing users are eligible to receive updates from staged rollouts and are chosen at random for each new release rollout.
- When you halt and then resume the rollout of your release, you'll be affecting the same set of users.
- When you do a staged rollout of a new release before completing the rollout of the previous release, the new release will use the same group of users as the previous release (depending on the percentage of the rollout).
- Your app update will be available to the percentage of users in your staged rollout, but it may take time for the full group to receive the update.
- Users won't be notified if they receive a version of your app in a staged rollout.
- If you choose specific countries for your staged rollout, the upgrade will be limited to users with Google Play accounts in those locations.
Set up and maintain a staged rollout
Tips for live staged rollouts
- If your app update requires changes to the store listing, we recommend updating your store listing after your release rolls out to 100% of users.
- During a staged rollout, it's a good idea to closely monitor crash reports and user feedback. Users receiving the staged rollout can leave public reviews on Google Play. Learn how to view your ratings and reviews with Play Console.
Related content
- Learn more about releasing updates progressively with staged rollouts in Play Academy.