Google Play Internal Test "Item Not Found"

Question

While I can access the app in the Internal Testing track on my own phone, testers on devices associated with their registered email addresses receive an “Item not found” error. I’m experiencing the same issue in Closed Testing as well. I’ve tried almost every solution, and even attempted to upload the APK in the Internal App Sharing section, but it tells me “You must publish the app” there. I’m not supposed to publish the app at this time. Am I doing something wrong?

Answer 1

It sounds like the testers are getting the “Item not found” error because the app is not yet published on Google Play, even for internal testing, the app must have at least one release published under the Internal Testing track. Here’s what you should check:

1. App Visibility: Make sure the app is not in “Draft” status. It should be in an active state even if it's only for internal testing.

2. Add Testers Properly: Ensure all testers’ emails are added in the Internal Testing list in Play Console and that they are using the same Google account on their device.

3. Activate the Test Link: After creating an internal test release, publish it, then share the opt-in link with your testers.

4. Time Delay: It can take a few hours after publishing for the link to work.

5. App Sharing Section: Internal App Sharing is different from Internal Testing; it’s for quick sharing of APKs for QA purposes. If you want Google Play distribution, use Internal Testing and publish the release.