How to test real Windows Store 8.1 in-app purchases with CurrentApp?

Question

I have an universal windows app (Windows Store 8.1 & Windows Phone 8.1, NOT UWP!), published it (both Win and WP packages) as hidden ( Hide this app in the Store. Customers with a direct link to the app's listing can still download it, except on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ) but it looks like that people can access app from Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 10, but not from Windows 8.1.

Indeed, on Windows Phone 8.1 (even on simulator) I can debug "real" in-app purchases using CurrentApp instead of CurrentAppSimulator, and even can download app using direct link. But when I try to use in-app in Windows Store version it doesn't work: Windows.ApplicationModel.Store.CurrentApp.LoadListingInformationAsync() throws Exception HRESULT: 0x801900CC ("no content"). I've read this topic but in my case all the packages are published, so Store knows about my in-app products!

In case with WP8.1 I had to add:

 <mp:PhoneIdentity PhoneProductId="my old-style app id" PhonePublisherId="my publisher id" />

into the app manifest.

Maybe there is something similar for Win Store 8.1 apps? Is there a way to test real in-apps on Windows 8.1 before making app available for all?

Answer 1

when I try to use in-app in Windows Store version it doesn't work: Windows.ApplicationModel.Store.CurrentApp.LoadListingInformationAsync() throws Exception HRESULT: 0x801900CC ("no content").

About your first problem, we can see that the Store server is not aware of your app having the In-app purchase that you purchase. As your description, you confirm that your app has been submitted in the store and got it approved, but can you check the In-app-purchases products in your app are approved? you can get these info from the dashboard---Add-ons.

Is there a way to test real in-apps on Windows 8.1 before making app available for all?

According to the Beta testing and targeted distribution , there's no specific option for Windows 8.1 beta testing currently. But you can also download your app on Windows 10 device to test if your IAP product without problem. If it can work well, then you can make it available to all users. This seems to the only work-around.

Please also note that it will take 1-2 days after that for IAP feature from real products to start serving.