A Google sponsored early adopter program for developers and consumers to test Google Glass, and gauge user experience. Entry into the Explorer program was made available to the general public for one week only during the month of February 2013. The program's promotional material stated that "bold, creative individuals" who wanted to test the device were being sought out. Applicants were required to post a message—of 50 words or less—on Google+ or Twitter with the hashtag "#ifihadglass" featured. Successful applicants were required to attend a Google Glass event in either New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles to receive the Explorer Edition glass for US$1,500.

On April 16, 2013, Google announced the shipping of the initial Glass Explorer Edition units. It also released a web-based setup page for Glass as well as APIs for Developers.