How to add in-app customer support chat to an Android app in Kotlin

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Many Android apps rely on a Contact us row that opens an email draft, which loses useful context and often leaves replies unread. In-app chat lets users write from inside the app, gives support staff device and account details alongside each message, and delivers replies as push notifications that open the conversation. The guide recommends placing help entry points in settings, near error states, and beside the paywall, rather than using a floating chat bubble. It also covers initializing the SDK in the Application class, verifying user identity with a server-signed token instead of a raw ID, and handling reply push via Firebase Cloud Messaging, Android 13 notification permissions, and Google Play's account deletion rules.

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ProgrammingDEV Community ·

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