Offer Code Redemption

This guide explains how to implement offer code redemption functionality in your app using expo-iap.

Overview

Offer codes (also known as promo codes or redemption codes) allow users to redeem special offers for in-app purchases and subscriptions. The implementation differs between iOS and Android platforms.

iOS Implementation

On iOS, expo-iap provides a native method to present Apple's code redemption sheet directly within your app.

Usage

import { presentCodeRedemptionSheet } from 'expo-iap';

// Present the code redemption sheet
try {
  const result = await presentCodeRedemptionSheet();
  if (result) {
    console.log('Code redemption sheet presented successfully');
    // The system will handle the redemption process
    // Listen for purchase updates via purchaseUpdatedListener
  }
} catch (error) {
  console.error('Failed to present code redemption sheet:', error);
}

Important Notes

• This method only works on real iOS devices (not simulators)
• Not available on tvOS
• The redemption sheet is handled by the iOS system
• After successful redemption, purchase updates will be delivered through your existing purchaseUpdatedListener

Android Implementation

Google Play does not provide a direct API to redeem codes within the app. Instead, users must redeem codes through the Google Play Store app or website.

Usage

import { openRedeemOfferCodeAndroid } from 'expo-iap';

// Open Google Play Store redemption page
try {
  await openRedeemOfferCodeAndroid();
  // This will open the Play Store where users can enter their codes
} catch (error) {
  console.error('Failed to open Play Store:', error);
}

Alternative Approach

You can also direct users to redeem codes via a custom deep link:

import { Linking } from 'react-native';

const redeemCode = async (code: string) => {
  const url = `https://play.google.com/redeem?code=${code}`;
  await Linking.openURL(url);
};

Complete Example

Here's a complete example that handles both platforms:

import { Platform } from 'react-native';
import { 
  presentCodeRedemptionSheet,
  openRedeemOfferCodeAndroid,
  purchaseUpdatedListener 
} from 'expo-iap';

const handleRedeemCode = async () => {
  try {
    if (Platform.OS === 'ios') {
      // Present native iOS redemption sheet
      const result = await presentCodeRedemptionSheet();
      if (result) {
        console.log('Redemption sheet presented');
      }
    } else if (Platform.OS === 'android') {
      // Open Play Store for Android
      await openRedeemOfferCodeAndroid();
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error redeeming code:', error);
  }
};

// Set up listener for purchase updates after redemption
useEffect(() => {
  const subscription = purchaseUpdatedListener((purchase) => {
    console.log('Purchase updated after redemption:', purchase);
    // Handle the new purchase/subscription
  });

  return () => {
    subscription.remove();
  };
}, []);

Best Practices

1. User Experience: Clearly communicate to users where they can find and how to use offer codes
2. Error Handling: Always wrap redemption calls in try-catch blocks
3. Platform Detection: Use platform-specific methods appropriately
4. Purchase Validation: Always validate purchases on your server after redemption

Testing

iOS Testing

• Offer codes can only be tested on real devices
• Use TestFlight or App Store Connect to generate test codes
• Sandbox environment supports offer code testing

Android Testing

• Test with promo codes generated in Google Play Console
• Ensure your app is properly configured for in-app purchases

Troubleshooting

iOS Issues

• "Not available on simulator": Use a real device for testing
• Sheet doesn't appear: Ensure StoreKit is properly configured
• User cancellation: This is normal behavior and doesn't throw an error

Android Issues

• Play Store doesn't open: Check if Play Store is installed and updated
• Invalid code: Verify the code format and validity in Play Console