Firebase App Distribution - No "install" button on Google Play window

Question

I am deploying an aab with Firebase App Distribution to testers in my company for the first time. Devices not any worries while others ...

Some are blocked on the download window without having any buttons.

The problem persists even after clearing the cache and data of the google play services and google play.

The screen is from a Samsung Galaxy S10 with everything updated. The app has been successfully installed on a Samsung Galaxy S8+ (so an older device) and on a Samsung Galaxy A12 (so a most recent device).

An other tester with a Xiaomi mi 11 has the same problem.

Is it a matter of time for all devices to install the app? What can I do ?

Gradle configurations :

defaultConfig {
    applicationId "xxx.xxx.xxx"
    minSdkVersion 21
    targetSdkVersion 32
    versionCode 8
    versionName "0.105"
}

Thank's for your help.

Answer 1

I had the same problem. This worked for me:

1. Go to Google play store settings clear cache and then clear memory.
2. Go to App Testers settings clear cache and then clear memory and allow installation from unknown source for this app.
3. Login back to the app testers app with allowed tester email.
4. Follow the installation instructions.

Answer 2

tldr: This works for me:

1. Go to the Google PlayStore
2. Switch to another Google Account
3. Switch to "App Tester" (by FirebaseAppDistribution) and keep the PlayStore in the background
4. Press "download" button --> PlayStore opens with download button

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I have reached out to the firebase support team. Their response:

One reason that this could happen is when you have multiple Play accounts registered in your device and have signed in using a different Play account than the one you've used when you initially downloaded the release of the app.

If so, could you try to switch your Play account and come back to the release through App Tester? If you've picked the correct Play account, the "Install" button should be visible.

I have told them that everything was working fine for me and suddenly the button disappeared. Hence, I believe this is a bug. Their response was only:

Per checking, there's an existing feature request regarding this issue wherein a message should appear explaining why the "Install" button is missing. I’ve raised your case to have it considered as a vote on having this kind of feature. There’s no guarantee that would tell when this feature will be available, but we'll be sharing your feedback within the team which will be included in our internal discussion.

Answer 3

I had this issue and should have noticed it sooner - firebase was logged in with a different email address to the App Store itself.

I think there should be a better user journey than a screen without any buttons on though!