Fixing Error Code 5 on Google Play

What Causes Error Code 5?

Error Code 5 generally happens when the app doesn’t pass the expected parameters correctly in API calls or is misconfigured in the Google Play Console. For instance, developers may attempt to send incomplete or incorrect purchase or subscription IDs, or the product IDs might not match those configured in the Play Console. Additionally, this error can arise if the app is not properly linked to the billing configuration in the Play Console, causing the Play Store to reject the request.

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Common Scenarios for Error Code 5 - Developer Error

This error commonly occurs in the following situations:

• Incorrect API Parameters: Mismatched or invalid product IDs are sent in purchase or subscription API calls.

• Unregistered Product IDs in the Play Console: Attempting to use product IDs in the app that don’t correspond to IDs set up in the Play Console.

• Misconfigured App in Google Play Console: An app that hasn’t been fully configured for Google Play Billing can trigger this error during purchase initiation.

• ‍Testing Errors on Unpublished Apps: Apps that aren’t published on an internal testing track or have incorrect test environments set up may encounter this error.

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Step-by-Step Solutions for Error Code 5

Solution 1: Verify All Product and Subscription IDs

• Purpose: Ensures that the correct and registered IDs are used in the billing requests.
• Steps:

1. Open the Google Play Console and navigate to In-app Products.
2. Confirm that all product or subscription IDs used in the app match the IDs registered in the Play Console.
3. Update any discrepancies in the app code to reflect the correct IDs.

• Result: Using correct IDs helps the Play Store process the purchase requests accurately, resolving most issues with this error.

Solution 2: Review API Call Parameters

• Purpose: Ensures that all parameters required for billing API calls are accurately included.
• Steps:

1. In your billing API implementation, review each API call to ensure no parameters are missing.
2. Confirm that required fields, such as purchase tokens, product details, and SKU information, are correctly filled.
3. Consult the Google Play Billing documentation to verify compliance with current parameter requirements.

• Result: Ensuring complete and accurate parameters in billing calls eliminates issues with missing data that can cause this error.

Solution 3: Publish App to an Internal Testing Track

• Purpose: Testing on an unpublished app can cause errors; publishing the app to an internal testing track provides the required environment.
• Steps:

1. Open the Google Play Console and go to the App Releases section.
2. Create an Internal Testing Track and publish the app there for proper testing.
3. Add test accounts to this track to simulate real purchase flows.

• Result: Testing on an internal track helps replicate real-user conditions, allowing accurate integration testing without encountering Developer Errors.

Solution 4: Clear Play Console Cache on Device

• Purpose: Clears potentially outdated configuration data that may cause a mismatch in subscription or purchase IDs.
• Steps:

1. On the testing device, navigate to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store.
2. Go to Storage and select Clear Cache.
3. Re-open the Google Play Store and attempt the in-app purchase or subscription flow again.

• Result: Clearing the cache ensures the device syncs with the latest configuration, reducing mismatched parameter issues.

Solution 5: Re-check Developer Settings in Play Console

• Purpose: Ensures that all Google Play Billing settings are fully configured.
• Steps:

1. In the Google Play Console, navigate to Settings > Developer Account > Linked Apps.
2. Confirm that the app is correctly linked to the billing setup, and that all settings align with Google’s requirements.

• Result: Proper configuration in the Play Console reduces billing errors and prevents issues related to Developer Error.

Conclusion

Error Code 5 - Developer Error is typically due to incorrect parameters or configuration issues in Google Play’s billing setup. By verifying product IDs, reviewing API parameters, publishing to a test track, and ensuring proper Play Console configuration, developers can resolve this error efficiently.

With Nami’s low-code solutions, developers can avoid the complexities of in-app billing integration altogether, allowing a seamless setup and maintenance of in-app purchases without the constant hassle of updates. Learn more about simplifying in-app billing at NamiML.

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