Testing Google Play Install Referrer Library

Question

I'm looking to migrate from listening to the Play Store's INSTALL_REFERRER intent, to using the new Google Play Install Referrer Library.

I am struggling to find a way to test this new library without first having to add my app to the Play Store. When listening for the INSTALL_REFERRER intent via a BroadcastReceiver, I could test by manually sending a broadcast via the Activity Manager to mimic the behavior. That is to say, I could test by following these steps from Google.

Does there also exist a way I can test this new library without having to first put my app on the Play Store?

Answer 1

There's one old hack to test this.

Steps:

1. Start Google Play on the device using campaign link, for example, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.test.test_project&referrer=utm_source%3Dtest_source%26utm_medium%3Dtest_medium%26utm_term%3Dtest-term%26utm_content%3Dtest_content%26utm_campaign%3Dtest_name (You can use google play generator: https://developers.google.com/analytics/devguides/collection/android/v3/campaigns#google-play-url-builder)

2. DON'T TAP ON INSTALL BUTTON

3. Install your test build using adb. adb install -r app-debug.apk

Google Play will be returning your test campaign now.

Answer 2

This is the summary of my test：

1. old broadcast way can test.But it's deprecated and not support for now
2. U can test install referrer lib set up by use adb，and you will get utm_source=google-play&utm_medium=organic just like download form Google Play directly. But we can't get more info, it's can only test your library settings is correct
3. https://stackoverflow.com/a/60342463/12716149 by @Quickern.To be honest, it works follow these tips
   • ensure that the application ID is the same.
     • Open via browser on computer（if on your phone, make sure in browser): https://play.google.com/store/apps
     • Find and click an app which u want to use. U will saw a url in address bar. e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.youtube
     • Set the "id"（com.google.android.youtube） as your app Application Id
   • Open test url directly by Google Play app(don't download)
     • https://developers.google.com/analytics/devguides/collection/android/v4/campaigns#google-play-url-builder build test url. Application ID must be your test app id.if you can't see the builder, maybe the reason is your browser extensions
     • past the url on your phone where click can open by Google play app directly. If don't open by Google Play app directly， will received（not20%set).So, directly by Google play app is the key
   • Use adb install your test app
   • Open your app and your will received what you set in the url
4. Use Beta test provided by Google Play: https://stackoverflow.com/a/49750758/12716149. Without a doubt, it works
5. Use emulator：https://stackoverflow.com/a/59744213/12716149 @Marilia. I didn't test this, because emulator with Google Play Store is just like a real device.And the answer said the condition is upload app to Google Play store，so I think it's just like article 4