If you're testing your app through a closed testing track on the Google Play Console and thinking your testers can make in-app purchases for free, then you're wrong. Just adding testers to your closed or internal track doesn’t automatically make in-app products free for them.
That’s where License Testing comes in. This feature allows you to add specific user emails so they can test in-app purchases without being charged real money
Why This Matters
Without license testing, your testers need to use real payment methods even in closed tracks. This adds unnecessary friction to the testing process, especially when you're just trying to verify your purchase flows.
How to Set Up License Testing (Step-by-Step) ?
Here’s how you can enable it in your Play Console
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Go to your Google Play Console homepage.
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On the left menu, click on Settings.
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Scroll down and look for the "License Testing" option. Just click on it.
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You just need to create a email list and add your testers emails to that list.
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Now just click on Save changes (You will see a same button on main license testing main screen, click on that too). Now your testers/users will be able to but in app purchases for free.
These testers must use a valid Gmail account and be signed into the same account on the device used for testing. Warning
What Happens When Testers Trigger a Purchase?
Once their emails are added under license testing, your testers won’t see a payment screen. Instead, they’ll get one of these simulated purchase options.
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Test card, always approves
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Test card, always declines
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Slow test card, approves after a few minutes
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Slow test card, declines after a few minutes
They can choose the behaviour that matches their test case, and proceed like they’re completing a real transaction. No actual money is transferred. If you're wondering on how it will look on google play console for the test transactions. Below is how it looks:
Conclusion:
License Testing is one of those hidden gems in the Google Play Console that makes testing in-app purchases very simple. If you have any doubts regarding license testing or anything related to Google Play Console, please feel free to contact us at support@testerscommunity.com.
