How can I test GPGS features without uploading it to Google Play?

When I created my application in the Google Play Console, I enabled App Signing by Google Play.
This was a huge mistake, but I didn't realize it until now when I have started implementing Play services.

If I just build my apk and install it on my phone I am not allowed to connect to my google play services.
The apk must be signed by Google, so I am forced to build the apk, upload it to google play, and then download it on my phone.

This is absolute insanity.
I must be missing something.
I refuse to believe that I am supposed to go through this incredibly lengthy process every time I want to test the smallest of changes regarding the GPGS features.

 

What is the error you get in that situation?

 

The callback string from Social.localUser.Authenticate simply says "Authentication failed" or "Authentication cancelled" if I build the apk directly to my phone.

I contacted google play's developer support and got it confirmed that I am indeed forced to upload my apk to google play and then download it again to my phone if I want access to the google play services.
I don't know what to say.
My mind is completely blown by what a pain in the ass this is.
It takes F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to test simple changes to google play services...
I'm very disappointed.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience. I was struggling with the Authentication Cancelled issue which doesn't inform error details. I just realized I have to upload apk everytime and I'm assured by your experience.

 

I have ran into this exact problem.

It is incredibly slow to develop this way.

On top of that, how do I even debug the code?

Is there really no way around this?

 

If, like me, you came here because you are having issues with long iteration time while testing Google Play Games Services code ....

My issue involved:

- Google Play Console controls my app signing key
- Unity's keystore is applied to my Unity builds
- Therefore I can't test Google Play Games Services code without fully uploading and publishing my builds through the Google Play Console

This thread is how I finally got that fixed.

https://github.com/playgameservices/play-games-plugin-for-unity/issues/2981

 

Thank you! I can confirme this works and is a great help.