Android testing in-app purchases without uploading new apk?

Question

I'm trying to test my in-app billing, but I seem to be having a problem. Whenever I try to test it after making changes in android studio, it says "Item not available for purchase".. but if I upload that exact same apk to developer console as an update (app is in beta), it works fine.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a way to test it, with my actual items, without having to wait the 2-3 hours for the apk to upload every time I make a change?

My versionCode and versionName in build.gradle match the last apk uploaded to developer console

Thanks!

Answer 1

As far as I know, you can not do it without uploading apk to at least alpha channel.

According to documentation:

In either case, you need to publish your app to Google Play's alpha and beta release channels to manage the users who can make purchases.