Android Open Beta
What is the Android public beta?
We're always tinkering with the app—building new features, improving old ones—and those changes need to be tested. Tested on different devices, with different settings, by people who use the app in different ways.
A public beta lets us test a pre-release version of the app with thousands of people, all doing things a little bit differently, to uncover all the little bugs hiding in the nooks and crannies.
Is the beta version of the app safe?
If you have an Android thing with Tumblr installed go here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.tumblr
Then…
- Click "Become a tester."
- Wait. It can take a few hours for your app to update to the beta version.
- Use Tumblr as usual.
I tried to register but it said there were no more spaces.
Ah, yeah. We capped the number of testers at 5,000 people. Thanks for your interest, though. If people drop out and more spots become available we'll make an announcement.
I have the beta. How do I report a bug?
Shake your phone! Quickly! Like you're trying to scramble the bug inside your phone.
A bug report screen will pop up with a screenshot and some technical details for the developers. Press "compose email" to send them to our Engineering team, along with any extra info you want to write in the email body—like what you were doing when the bug appeared.
How do I know if a bug is really a bug or if someone reported it already?
Don't even worry about that. If something looks off, report it. Even if it's not a bug, if it looks wonky to you it might need to be rethought.
Where do bug reports go?
Into a ticketing system where they get routed to the right engineer for review and smooshing.
I'm sick of bugs. How do I leave the beta test?
No problem. Go back here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.tumblr
Click "Leave the program" then delete and reinstall Tumblr. It might take a couple hours before you can download the public app after leaving the beta program. So just keep that in mind.
I have an iPhone, can I beta test the app?
Not right now. For now, the public beta is only for Android. Maybe in the future, though.
What's the biggest bug you ever did see?
The "Delete All of Tumblr" button was a pretty big mistake. If you see it, report it. Do not press.
Android Closed Alpha
What’s the difference between alpha and beta?
Tumblr open beta is the first iteration of our testing programs for Android devices. Tumblr closed alpha is our second. With the former, your app is updated approximately every other week, while the latter is a nightly build. That’s right, baby. Automatic updates every night, flush with the newest enhancements and stability.
Is the alpha version of the app safe?
Of course! It's just as secure as the normal and the beta versions. It just has a few more bumps and lumps than the beta or regular app. That's the trade-off: If you want to get on the front lines and help us squash bugs, you gotta use the buggy version of the app.
How do I apply for the closed alpha?
- Visit the Google Group and apply for membership.
- Wait for your acceptance email!
- Visit the Tumblr Google Play page. You’ll see a prompt to "Become a beta tester"
- Wonder why it says beta and not alpha.
- Feel enlightened when you find out it’s because Google Play won’t let us rename that prompt. It’s all betas to those guys.
- Accept prompt to "Join beta program."
I didn’t get an email.
It may take up to a few days to get accepted. If you feel it’s been too long, check that dreaded spam folder.
I have the alpha. How do I report a bug?
Shake your phone! Quickly! Like you're trying to scramble the bug inside your phone.
A bug report screen will pop up with a screenshot and some technical details for the developers. Press "compose email" to send them to our Engineering team, along with any extra info you want to write in the email body—like what you were doing when the bug appeared.
How do I know if a bug is really a bug or if someone reported it already?
Don't even worry about that. If something looks off, report it. Even if it's not a bug, if it looks wonky to you it might need to be rethought.
Where do bug reports go?
Into a ticketing system where they get routed to the right engineer for review and smooshing.
Why is the Google Group empty?
We're gathering feedback and reports through the app and email only.
What if I have questions about the alpha app?
You can include them in the rage-shake emails described above. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to every single email. Please know that each one is read and filed appropriately. Bugs, comments, suggestions, concerns—we keep all of it in mind.
I'm sick of bugs. How do I leave the alpha test?
No problem. Go here.
Select "Membership and email settings," "Leave group,” then confirm you’ve made the right decision. You’ll keep this version of the app until the next production version is released.
I have an iPhone, can I alpha test the app?
Not right now. For now, the closed alpha and public beta is only for Android. Maybe in the future, though.
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