How to Handle Error Code 1 on Google Play

‍What Causes Error Code 1?

Error Code 1 is triggered by user action—specifically, when the user decides not to proceed with the purchase. This can happen for various reasons, such as changing their mind, encountering issues with the payment method, or facing unexpected charges. While this error does not indicate a bug, it’s important to handle it correctly to offer an intuitive user experience and potentially encourage the user to try again.

By anticipating why users might cancel, developers can refine the user journey and minimize the occurrence of this code.

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Common Scenarios for Error Code 1 - User Canceled

Error Code 1 often arises in the following situations:

1. User-Driven Cancellations: The user decides to cancel the transaction, often by pressing the back button or closing the purchase screen.
2. Confusing Purchase Flow: If the purchase flow is not intuitive, users may abandon the process due to confusion or frustration.
3. Unexpected Charges: Users may see a higher-than-expected price due to additional taxes or fees, leading them to cancel.
4. Testing Scenarios: During testing, developers or QA teams may cancel transactions intentionally, which leads to this error.

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Best Practices and Solutions for Handling Error Code 1

Solution 1: Implement a Cancellation Callback to Handle User Cancellations

• Purpose: Detects when a user cancels and triggers appropriate in-app responses to guide them back to the purchase flow.
• Steps:

1. In the billing API, implement a cancellation callback to identify when the User Canceled response is received.
2. Provide the user with a gentle message, like “Purchase was canceled. Would you like to try again?”
3. If they opt to retry, reinitialize the purchase flow.

• Result: This approach helps retain user interest and makes it easy to re-attempt the purchase.

Solution 2: Simplify and Streamline the Purchase Flow

• Purpose: A simplified and intuitive purchase flow can reduce confusion and make it easier for users to complete transactions.
• Steps:

1. Ensure that the purchase flow is simple, with clear steps and minimal screens.
2. Avoid additional steps that may delay the purchase or cause users to reconsider.
3. Provide clear prompts and messages to guide users smoothly through each stage.

• Result: A clear flow reduces abandonment rates and enhances the user experience during purchases.

Solution 3: Display Transparent Pricing Information Upfront

• Purpose: Displays all potential charges early to prevent users from being surprised by the final price.
• Steps:

1. Include transparent information about additional fees or taxes in the initial purchase flow.
2. Provide a preview of the total price to avoid unexpected costs at the payment stage.

• Result: Transparency in pricing can reduce user cancellations due to unexpected charges.

Solution 4: Use Soft Reminders to Encourage Purchase Completion

• Purpose: If a user cancels due to hesitation, a gentle reminder can encourage them to complete the purchase later.
• Steps:

1. If the user cancels, store their place in the purchase flow (if appropriate).
2. Send a non-intrusive reminder after some time, prompting them to complete the purchase.
3. Provide additional context or offer to enhance their interest in completing the transaction.

• Result: Thoughtful reminders can bring users back to the purchase flow without being disruptive.

Solution 5: Gather User Feedback on Purchase Cancellations

• Purpose: Helps identify common reasons for cancellations, enabling developers to improve the purchase experience.
• Steps:

1. Prompt users with an optional feedback form if they cancel, asking what prompted them to exit the purchase.
2. Use feedback to adjust the purchase flow, addressing any common concerns or issues.

• Result: Feedback can help refine the purchase process, leading to higher conversion rates and fewer cancellations.

Conclusion

Error Code 1 - User Canceled, is a common response that stems from user decisions to back out of the purchase process. By following these best practices—implementing cancellation callbacks, simplifying the purchase flow, displaying transparent pricing, using soft reminders, and gathering feedback—developers can improve the purchase experience and reduce cancellations.

Nami’s low-code solutions make managing and optimizing in-app purchases seamless, allowing you to avoid complex purchase flow setups and focus on delivering a frictionless app experience. Learn how Nami can handle in-app billing for you at NamiML.

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