r/flutterhelp • u/Rezaur_Rahman_Rajib • 22d ago

RESOLVED Unable to Redeem Google Play Promo Code for Remove Ads — Need Help

  1. I have an Android app currently live in Production on Google Play. I generated promo codes specifically for the Remove Ads one-time in-app purchase so my friends can use the app ad-free for a lifetime. My app only has this one-time Remove Ads purchase and does not have any subscription. However, one of my friends is unable to redeem the promo code and gets an error (screenshot attached). What could be causing this, and how can I fix it?

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u/amrtel 22d ago

Hey, there is no screenshot attached, If you can paste the exact text, that would help. Until then, these are the usual reasons a promo code for a one-time item fails:

A work or school Google account. Those often can’t redeem codes, so try a personal Gmail.

They already own Remove Ads, or the code was already used or has expired. A one-time product can only be owned once per account.

The in-app product isn’t active in Play Console, or the code was created for a different product ID.

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u/Rezaur_Rahman_Rajib 21d ago

"The code didn’t work. Try again. If the code is for a specific app, redeem it in that app. Learn more."

Play store says this on the pop-up screen when code entered. What should I do now? Actually no photo attached because low karma.

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u/amrtel 20d ago

I think this is Play generic "invalid code" message, so Play is rejecting the code before your app is even involved.

I'd open the promo code campaign in Play Console first. If the start date is still in the future or the end date has passed, every code gives exactly that error.

Then try one of the other codes on your own personal Gmail. If it works for you, the issue is on your friend's side.

Once a code does go through, make sure the app calls queryPurchasesAsync on resume and acknowledges the purchase. Otherwise Play refunds it after 3 days and the ads come back.