‍What Causes Error Code 7?

The root cause of Error Code 7 is that Google Play detects the item in question as already owned by the user. This situation commonly occurs with non-consumable purchases (such as subscriptions or one-time purchases) when previous transactions are not properly acknowledged or consumed. During testing, the error may persist if the same item is repeatedly tested without resetting ownership data or consuming the item, creating conflicts within the billing flow.

Understanding this can help developers clear ownership data or adjust purchase flow to avoid errors.

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Common Scenarios for Error Code 7 - Item Already Owned

This error is frequently encountered in the following situations:

1. Testing Subscription Renewals: Attempting to re-purchase an active or non-consumed subscription item.
2. Repeated Testing of Non-Consumable Items: Non-consumable items like lifetime access or premium features trigger this error when purchased multiple times in the same account.
3. Unconsumed Purchases: Consumable items that haven’t been properly consumed in the app’s code can show up as “already owned” on future attempts to purchase.
4. Cached Ownership Data: Device or app caches may store outdated ownership data, causing the Play Store to return this error.

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Step-by-Step Solutions for Error Code 7

Solution 1: Consume the Purchase Programmatically (for Consumable Items)

• Purpose: Marking items as consumed allows them to be re-purchased in future transactions.
• Steps:

1. In the billing API implementation, call the consumeAsync() method for consumable items.
2. Ensure the consumption logic is correctly integrated so that each item purchase is finalized in code.

• Result: Successfully consuming the item lets the Play Store recognize it as available for future purchase.

Solution 2: Query Purchase History and Handle Ownership

• Purpose: Ensures that the app retrieves the most recent ownership data, allowing it to adjust the purchase flow accordingly.
• Steps:

1. Implement a purchase history query in the Google Play Billing Library.
2. Check whether the item in question is already owned based on the purchase history.
3. Update the UI to reflect the item’s owned status, avoiding redundant purchase attempts.

• Result: This approach clarifies ownership for the app, preventing unnecessary purchases and resolving potential conflicts.

Solution 3: Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data

• Purpose: Removes cached ownership data on the device, which may show outdated purchase states.
• Steps:

1. On the testing device, navigate to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store.
2. Tap Storage and select Clear Cache and Clear Data.
3. Restart the Google Play Store and attempt the purchase again.

• Result: This clears any outdated purchase information and ensures accurate status detection.

Solution 4: Cancel or Refund the Subscription Manually (for Testing)

• Purpose: Removes active subscription status from the test account, allowing retesting without encountering the “already owned” error.
• Steps:

1. In the Google Play Console, navigate to Order Management.
2. Locate the subscription purchase and cancel or refund it manually.
3. Retry the subscription purchase in the test account.

• Result: This resets the ownership status in test environments, making it possible to simulate new purchase flows.

Solution 5: Create a New Test Account

• Purpose: Ensures a fresh testing environment without existing purchase history.
• Steps:

1. Create a new test account in the Google Play Console.
2. Add the account to your test users and log in with it on the testing device.
3. Run the purchase flow again using the new test account.

• Result: A fresh account prevents any conflicts from previous purchases, allowing clean testing conditions.

Conclusion

Error Code 7 - Item Already Owned, is typically a result of unhandled ownership data or incomplete consumption in the app’s purchase flow. By implementing the above solutions—consuming items, querying purchase history, clearing cache, canceling subscriptions, and using fresh test accounts—developers can effectively resolve this error and optimize user experience.

With Nami’s low-code solutions, developers can bypass these issues entirely, allowing Nami to manage in-app purchases and updates automatically, so you can focus on building your app without billing-related headaches. Discover Nami’s solutions at NamiML.

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Key Takeaways

‍

• Understanding Free Trials: Free trials are a strategic tool businesses, especially subscription-based ones, use to attract new customers. They offer a taste of the product or service for a limited time, with no upfront cost. This approach encourages customer engagement and increases the chances of trial users converting into paying subscribers.
  ‍
• Types of Free Trials: Businesses can tailor their free trials to meet specific goals and user preferences. The most common types of free trials are – time-limited, feature-limited, and capacity-limited trials.
  ‍
• Benefits of Free Trials: By offering a risk-free way to test the product, free trials build trust with potential customers. They can significantly boost conversion rates as users who experience the value firsthand are more likely to become paying subscribers.
  ‍
• Challenges with Free Trials: Free trials can attract users who have no intention of subscribing, leading to short-term engagement and low customer retention. Managing these non-convertible trials can be a challenge for businesses.
  ‍
• Strategies for Maximizing Free Trial Success: Effective onboarding practices and conversion optimization techniques are key. This includes clear communication from the start, timely incentives for subscribing and keeping users engaged through updates and personalized features.
  ‍
• Handling Non-Converting Users: Businesses need strategies to convert trial users, such as offering special pricing or additional features at the end of the trial period. Targeted follow-ups can also be effective in increasing conversion rates.

👉Read more: Monetizing Digital Products with Subscriptions

What Is a Free Trial?

A free trial is a test drive of a product or service that companies use to attract new customers,  letting them experience the product's features at no cost for a limited time. Free trials aim to showcase the value proposition and convince users to become paying subscribers. Typically, this marketing strategy requires users to enter payment details upfront, with charges applied only after the trial period ends, if the user does not opt out in time.
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Different Types of Free Trials
‍

Not all free trials are created equal! Businesses offer different structures to cater to various customer needs. Let's explore the most common types:
‍

• Time-limited Trials: These offer full access to a product or service for a specific period, usually ranging between 7 to 30 days. If customers do not cancel before the trial ends, they automatically become paying subscribers. This is a great option for customers if they want to fully test the product's capabilities before committing.
  ‍
• Feature-limited Trials:  Instead of offering full access for a limited time, these trials provide limited functionality indefinitely. Customers can use essential features for free and must upgrade to access more advanced features.
  ‍
• Capacity-limited Trials: Users get full access to all features but are limited in how much they can use the product. Examples include software that allows only a certain number of saved projects or a service with a limited amount of data usage until the user upgrades. This is a good choice for customers who want to try out the features but anticipate light usage.
  ‍

By giving customers a choice between time-limited, feature-limited, and capacity-limited trials, companies can cater to diverse needs. Users gain valuable insights and a risk-free exploration to make an informed decision about becoming a paying subscriber.

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Benefits of Offering Free Trials
‍

1. Building Trust with Potential Customers

Free trials are more than just a gesture—they're a cornerstone for building trust in business. By offering trials without financial commitment, businesses show their confidence in their products or services. Such transparency empowers potential customers to evaluate offerings at their leisure without having to commit financially upfront. It fosters goodwill and minimizes perceived purchase risks. When a product consistently delivers exceptional value during a trial, it sets a sturdy foundation for lasting customer relationships.

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2. Effective Implementation of Free Trials Drives Higher Conversion Rates

When customers get hands-on with a product and discover it meets, or even exceeds their expectations, they're poised to transition from trial users to loyal customers. Free trials are statistically proven to significantly elevate conversion rates. Companies, especially subscription businesses, offering trial experiences often witness substantial increases in conversion to paid subscriptions. This strategic approach amplifies immediate sales and increases customer lifetime value.
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👉Read more: Five Paywall Product Best Practices

Potential Drawbacks of Free Trials
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The Risk of Short-term Engagements

While free trials can be attractive to potential customers, they also come with the risk of short-term engagements. Some individuals may sign up just to enjoy the trial benefits, with no intention of becoming paying subscribers. This behavior can lead to low customer retention rates post-trial. For example, a streaming service offering a 30-day free trial may see viewers binge-watch their desired content and then cancel before any charges apply. Such a scenario undermines the main objective of free trials which is to convert trial users into loyal, paying customers.

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Handling Non-convertible Free Trials

One of the biggest challenges with free trials is dealing with users who don't convert into paid subscriptions. Despite initial interest, some users don't transition to paying customers, leaving businesses to bear the costs of servicing non-paying users. To tackle this, companies need effective strategies to incentivize conversion. For example, offering exclusive features or content at the end of the trial period can encourage users to upgrade to a paid plan. Additionally, targeted follow-ups and personalized offers can boost conversion rates, transforming trial users into valuable long-term customers.

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Key Strategies to Maximize Free Trial Success
‍

Effective Onboarding Practices

Effective onboarding practices are crucial in demonstrating a product's value from the very first interaction. To maximize the success of conversion, start by providing an intuitive, step-by-step guide or tutorial immediately upon sign-up. For digital products, such as apps or software, consider interactive walkthroughs that showcase key features and tools in an engaging manner.

Establish clear and proactive communication tactics to get your messages across. Send welcome emails packed with valuable resources and direct contact information for customer support. Consistently update users about new features and tips through different channels, ensuring they remain engaged and informed throughout the free trial period.

It is important to personalize the onboarding journey to resonate with each user. By analyzing user behavior during the trial, tailor content and suggestions that align with their unique interests and business needs. This customized approach not only enhances the onboarding experience but also paves the way for converting new users into loyal, long-term customers.
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Conversion Optimization Techniques

To maximize conversions from free trials to paid subscriptions, start by identifying at which points users disengage. Utilize analytics tools to track key metrics and gain insights into user behavior and preferences.

Next, offer timely incentives to encourage commitment. Provide special pricing or additional features for users who subscribe before the trial ends. For example, an online learning platform could offer a 20% discount on annual memberships if users subscribe within the first week.

Engaging users continuously throughout the trial period keeps them excited. Use push notifications or personalized emails to announce feature updates and showcase the benefits of the features, stating not just the “what” but also the “why”. It is a smart way to maintain high engagement rates.

👉Read more: Setup Apple Offer Codes

Conclusion
‍

We’ve taken a look at free trials and the crucial role they play in subscription businesses. By adopting effective onboarding practices and conversion optimization techniques, businesses can greatly enhance the user experience and boost the chances of converting trial users into loyal subscribers. It's vital to continuously refine these strategies to stay ahead in a competitive market by leveraging the power of free trials to transform prospects into loyal customers.

Ready to take your conversions to the next level? With NamiML’s optimized paywalls for in-app purchases and cross-platform support, you can enhance user engagement and streamline your subscription flow. Discover how NamiML can simplify your subscription management and help you turn more trials into loyal customers.

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‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of free trials in digital marketing?

Free trials in digital marketing, especially in a subscription economy, are designed to let potential customers test a product or service without upfront financial commitment. They aim to increase user engagement and the likelihood of converting these users into paying subscribers by providing a risk-free experience.

What are some effective strategies for onboarding users during a free trial?

To maximize the impact of free trials, implement effective onboarding strategies such as step-by-step guides, clear messages, and personalized user experiences. These approaches help new users quickly familiarize themselves with the product or service, significantly increasing the likelihood of their conversion to paid subscribers.

‍

How can companies improve the conversion rates from free trials to paid subscriptions?

Companies can improve conversion rates by pinpointing and addressing user disengagement points, offering incentives at the right moments in the user’s journey, and maintaining continuous engagement through regular updates and notifications regarding new features. These efforts ensure a smooth and seamless transition from free trials to paid subscriptions.

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What challenges do free trials pose in digital marketing?

Free trials can present challenges, such as managing non-converting users and the financial burden of supporting trial participants which can be numerous. Additionally, measuring and tracking the effectiveness of trial periods can be complex but essential for optimizing marketing strategies.

‍

Can personalized experiences really boost free trial success?

Personalized experiences can greatly enhance the success of free trials. Customizing the user journey based on individual preferences and behaviors boosts engagement and satisfaction, which are crucial for converting trial users into loyal paying customers.

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As more and more content providers move towards offering their services through mobile apps, paywalls have become an increasingly popular way to monetize content. A paywall is a digital barrier that prevents users from accessing certain content unless they pay a fee or subscribe to a service. While paywalls can be an effective way to generate revenue, they can also be a barrier to user engagement and retention. Paywall AB testing for a mobile app can help you determine what works best for your audience.

A/B testing is a method of comparing two versions of a web page, app screen, or other digital interface to determine which one performs better. In the context of paywalls for mobile apps, this might involve testing different pricing structures, subscription models, or the placement of the paywall itself. To A/B test, you randomly show different versions of the paywall to different groups of users and measuring their behavior.  This can provide valuable insights into what motivates users to pay for content and what turns them off.

Here are some key findings that can emerge from conducting paywall AB testing in a mobile app:

Price Sensitivity

One of the most important things to test when implementing a paywall is the pricing structure. Different users will have different levels of price sensitivity, and what works for one group may not work for another. Paywall AB testing can help you find the sweet spot. You want the price to be high enough to generate revenue but low enough to encourage subscriptions.

👉Read more: Paywall Performance: Key Metrics to Drive Revenue and Growth

Subscription Model

There are a variety of subscription models available, including one-time purchases, monthly or annual subscriptions, and freemium models that offer a limited amount of content for free. Testing different models can help you determine which one is most effective for your audience.

User Engagement

The placement and design of the paywall can have a big impact on user engagement. If the paywall is too intrusive, users may be turned off and abandon the app altogether. Conversely, if the paywall is too hidden, users may not even realize that they need to pay for content. Paywall AB testing can help you find the right balance.

Content Segmentation

Another important factor to consider when implementing a paywall is how you segment your content. Some content may be more valuable to certain users than others. And different users may be willing to pay for different types of content. By segmenting your content and testing different pricing structures for each segment, you can maximize your revenue.

Getting User Feedback from Paywall AB Testing

Finally, A/B testing can help you gather valuable feedback from your users. By tracking user behavior and conducting surveys or interviews, you can learn more about what motivates users to pay for content and what they find most valuable.

In conclusion, paywall AB testing can be a valuable tool for content providers looking to monetize their mobile app. By testing different pricing structures, subscription models, and paywall designs, you can find the right balance between revenue generation and user engagement. The key is to be willing to experiment to continually improve the user experience.

Want to save your developers valuable time while driving better results for your mobile app? Try Nami's no-code paywalls – the easiest way to implement paywalls. With Nami, you can run paywall A/B tests more quickly, gain valuable insights into user behavior, and continually optimize your revenue and engagement strategies. Sign up for Nami today and start seeing the benefits of no-code paywalls for your mobile app.

       

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   👉Read more: Paywall AB Testing

Nami CEO Dan Burcaw joined the Mobile Growth & Pancakes podcast to discuss subscription apps.

Getting your users to subscribe is so often the holy grail of many marketing departments, doing it right can be the differentiator in your way to success. In this episode of Mobile Growth & Pancakes, Esther Shatz is joined by Dan Burcaw, Co-Founder and CEO of Nami ML, to discuss strategies and tactics related to subscription-based apps.

       

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👉Read more: Monetizing Digital Products with Subscriptions
   

SKError.Code.unknown

Nothing is more frustrating than an error code that isn’t helpful. Such is the case with Apple StoreKit’s SKError.Code enumeration’s unknown case.  This is a catch-all error code if one of the long list of error codes doesn’t match.

Apple suggests two things if this error is encountered:

• Development: Create a use a new App Store Connect test user
• Production: Sign-out then back in to App Store

There are likely other undocumented reasons why this error might get thrown. If neither of the potential resolutions above do not fix the issue, please  reach out and we’ll try to help.

All SKError.Code cases

In addition to SKError Code Unknown, here is the complete SKError.Code enumeration list:

• clientInvalid: client not allowed to perform the attempted action
• paymentCancelled: User canceled a payment request
• paymentInvalid: one of the payment parameters not recognized by the App Store
• paymentNotAllowed: user not allowed to authorize payments
• storeProductNotAvailable: requested product is not available on the store
• cloudServicePermissionDenied: user not allowed to access Cloud service
• cloudServiceNetworkConnectionFailed: device could not connect to network
• privacyAcknowledgementRequired: user has not acknowledged Apple’s privacy policy for Apple Music
• unauthorizedRequestData: app attempting to use properly without required entitlement
• invalidOfferIdentifer: offer identifier is invalid
• invalidOfferPrice: price specified in App Store Connect is no longer valid
• invalidSignature: signature in a payment discount isn’t valid
• missingOfferParams: parameters are missing in a payment discount
• ineligibleForOffer: user is ineligible for subscription offer
• overlayCancelled: indicates cancellation of an overlay
• overlayInvalidConfiguration:  the overlay’s configuration is invalid
• overlayPresentedInBackgroundScene: overlay displayed in background scene
• overlayTimeout: overlay timed out
• unsupportedPlatform: current platform doesn’t support overlays
• unknown: unknown or unexpected error occurred

👉Read more: StoreKit Payment Sheet Failed: PassbookServiceUI Crash

A Final Word About StoreKit

If you are a Nami customer, you generally don’t need to worry about StoreKit implementation details since we take care of it for you. However, the Nami SDK does  surface certain StoreKit messages for debugging purposes depending on the log level.

       

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   👉App Store Error ITMS-9000 Invalid Binary Fix

Nami Co-Founder & CEO Dan Burcaw joins the Data Driven podcast to talk about using AI to Stop Customer Churn, entrepreneurship, and more.

Listen below, on Apple Podcasts, or visit the episode page.

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👉Read more: Driving Customer Retention and Revenue with Cohort Analysis