Testing attribution

To make sure that the tracking is set up correctly, test the attribution work before launching the ad campaign.

For more information about attribution, see Attributing app installs.

The section below describes the steps of testing the attribution:

Step 1. Enable the “Reattribution” option.

AppMetrica attributes the install of an application to a partner only once, if it is installed on the same device. All the subsequent installs of the app are registered as organic.

But for a test device, AppMetrica always registers all installs as new and attributes them to the partner. Therefore, to test attribution, you need to add a test device:

  1. Go to the settings of the tracker you want to test.
  2. On the Attribution settings tab, select Reattribution and keep this option enabled while testing the tracker.
  3. Make sure to disable it after you complete the test.

Step 2. Click the tracking URL and install the app

To test the tracker, open the tracking URL on the test device.

  1. Send the tracking URL to the test device. For example:
    • Save the tracking URL in notes;
    • Send the tracking URL to the device via email;
    • (recommended) Put the tracking URL on a static web page. In this case, the rel attribute of the HTML link should not contain noopener noreferrer value.

    Attention. Don't use messengers to send tracking URL. Some messengers can remove AppMetrica redirects and send users directly to the app store. In AppMetrica, attribution does not work without redirects.
  2. Click the tracking URL.
  3. Install the app from the app store and launch it. After the start, use the app for a few seconds.
Note. If the app has already been installed on this device and attributed to the tracker, use another one for testing. The User Acquisition report doesn't include repeat installations for the same tracker.

Step 3. Make sure the installation appeared in the report

The installation appears in a report in 5 minutes after the app is launched. You can view information about installations:

  1. Open the User Acquisition report.
  2. Select the tracker that you are testing attribution for.
  3. Make sure that the number of installations for your tracker has changed.
Note. If the installation does not appear in the report immediately, wait for 10-15 minutes. This delay is possible when AppMetrica servers experience increased network load.

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