How to Test In-App Purchases

Introduction #

Before going live, it’s essential to test your in-app purchases to ensure users can complete transactions, see accurate pricing, and unlock access correctly.

This guide walks you through testing purchases using both Test Apps and Release builds (TestFlight and Google Internal Testing).

Prerequisites #

Make sure:

• All in-app products are configured and synced in your Apple and Google developer accounts.
  
• Products are added in Learndash App > In-App Purchases > Products.
  
• Your builds are generated and available for testing.
  

Test Purchases in Test App Builds #

Test Apps simulate purchases without real store connections.

What to Expect #

• Free Products: Display correct labels such as “Free” and “Lifetime”.
  
• Paid Products: Show generic “Price” and note: “Pricing and terms are only available in Release Apps.”
  

How It Works #

• All purchases are simulated—no real pricing, no charges.
  
• The app auto-enrolls the user as if the transaction succeeded.
  

Use Case #

Use the Test App to:

• Confirm products trigger the correct enrollment (course or membership).
  
• Check transaction logging under Learndash App > In-App Purchases > Transactions.
  
• Test multiple flows without App Store or Play Console delays.
  

Test Purchases in Release Builds #

Use this to test full UI, local pricing, and actual purchase flows without being charged.

iOS (TestFlight) #

1. Download IPA from Build History.
   
2. Upload to TestFlight via App Store Connect.
   
3. Invite testers using their Apple ID emails.
   
4. Install and test via TestFlight app.
   
   • Purchases use Apple’s real UI.
     
   • No billing is processed in sandbox mode.
     

Android (Internal Testing Track) #

1. Download APK from Build History.
   
2. Upload to Play Console under Testing > Internal testing.
   
3. Wait for approval, then invite testers.
   
4. Test using the install link.
   
   • Purchases use Google Play’s native dialogs.
     
   • No actual charges apply in internal testing.
     

Troubleshooting and FAQs #

Q: Why don’t I see real prices in the Test App?
A: Test Apps don’t retrieve store metadata. Placeholder text is shown instead.

Q: Paid products won’t purchase in the Test App.
A: Test Apps simulate the flow; the plugin confirms access without native dialogs.

Q: My Release App still shows price placeholders.
A: Confirm you’re using the correct build from TestFlight or Play Console. Force-close and reopen the app to clear cache.

Q: Purchases aren’t appearing in Transactions.
A: Go to Learndash App > In-App Purchases > Transactions and look for “Test App” entries. Use Revoke to reset.

Q: I was billed during testing.
A: Ensure you’re not using a production install. Only sandbox TestFlight and Google Internal Testing are charge-free.