Getting your app built is only half the battle. For personal Google Play developer accounts, Google requires you to apply for production access — and a surprising number of indie developers get declined on the first try.

Here is why, and how to avoid it.

1. The 12-tester count was not actually held

The requirement is 12 testers opted in continuously for 14 days. The most common failure: the count dipped below 12 at some point. A friend uninstalled the app on day 9. Someone's phone broke. You were at 11 for two days and did not notice.

Play Console shows your tester count. Check it daily. Aim for 15 to 20 testers, or use a service that replaces dropouts so the count never falls.

2. Testers installed but never used the app

Google's production access form asks what you learned from testing.…