How to test google play referrer api before publishing in Google play store?

Question

Google announced their Google Play Referrer API at 20 November 2017 as new way to track app installs. My question is: Is there any way to test the function before my app is released in Google play?

Answer 1

You can test it without uploading on Playstore.

I did in following way.

1. I have created urls like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fullpackagename&referrer=utm_source%3Dmobisoc&utm_content%3Dmobisoc&hl=en
2. I have fired this url from my mail. It redirects to Playstore
3. From command Prompt(using adb command) , I have installed desired apk.
4. On Playstore, "install" button will be replaced with "open" button and I clicked on that. it is working

Answer 2

Update

Beta test only works for referrer broadcast. I implement both installreferrer API and broadcast at the same time, so the referrer is from broadcast instead of API.

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Use Beta test provided by Google Play as following:

1. Submit beta test APK file
2. Add your account to the testers
3. Open the detail page url of your APP with a referrer. The url can be like this according to a similar thread:

   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mypackage&referrer=utm_source%3Dmobisoc%26utm_content%3D{transaction_id}%26utm_campaign%3D1

4. If using Chrome, the url can be redirected to Play APP by clicking "Open in Play Market APP" button on the page.
5. Download and install your APP in Play APP.

Your app should then receive a referrer after launch, and you can test it by reporting it or printing a log.

Alpha test should also work, but I have not test that.