Restoring purchases fails; getAvailablePurchases() and getPurchaseHistory() returns an empty array on new device.

[hitesh953]

I’m encountering an issue where, after switching devices and attempting to restore purchases, the getAvailablePurchases() method returns an empty array, despite using the same Apple ID and app ID. This problem persists even when the user reinstalls the app on a new device. Consequently, my app was rejected during the review process. Could you provide guidance on how to properly restore purchases under these circumstances?

[hyochan]

Common Causes

1. Product Type Mismatch

getAvailablePurchases() only returns:

• Non-consumables - Permanent purchases
• Active subscriptions - Currently valid subscriptions

It does NOT return:

• Consumables (they are consumed and cannot be restored)
• Expired subscriptions

2. Sandbox vs Production

• Sandbox purchases don't transfer to production and vice versa
• App Review uses a separate sandbox environment
• Make sure you have actual purchases in the environment being tested

3. Apple ID Not Signed In

The user must be signed into the same Apple ID that made the original purchase.

4. StoreKit 2 Behavior

In v14+ (StoreKit 2), ensure you're calling the method correctly:

import { getAvailablePurchases } from 'react-native-iap';

const restorePurchases = async () => {
  try {
    const purchases = await getAvailablePurchases();
    console.log('Restored purchases:', purchases);

    // Process restored purchases
    for (const purchase of purchases) {
      // Grant entitlement based on purchase.productId
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Restore failed:', error);
  }
};

App Review Rejection Tips

1. Create a sandbox test account specifically for App Review
2. Make a purchase with that account before submitting
3. Provide credentials in App Review notes
4. Ensure your restore button calls getAvailablePurchases() and handles empty results gracefully

Important Notes

• getPurchaseHistory() was removed in v14+. Use getAvailablePurchases() instead.
• If using v12/v13, consider upgrading to v14+ for better StoreKit 2 support.

References

• Migration Guide (v13 to v14)
• Apple: Restoring Purchased Products