1. Handle Errors Gracefully
Network issues, user camera problems, and unexpected errors will happen. Your app needs to handle them elegantly.
✅ Error Handling Best Practices
Provide Clear Error Messages: Don't show generic "verification failed" messages. Be specific about what went wrong and how to fix it.
Offer Retry Options: Always give users a simple way to retry verification. Don't make them restart your entire app flow.
Implement Fallbacks: Have a plan for when the verification service is temporarily down—queue requests, provide alternatives, or allow temporary access with follow-up verification.
Example Error Messages
- "Camera access is required for age verification"
- "Poor lighting detected. Please move to a brighter area"
- "Network error. Please check your connection and try again"
2. Optimize the Verification Flow
Clear Explanation Before Starting
Users need to understand what's about to happen and why. A simple modal or screen before verification helps:
Minimize Steps
Don't ask for age verification immediately on signup. Wait until it's actually needed—when the user tries to access age-restricted content.
Show Progress
During verification, show clear progress indicators. Users should know the process is working, not frozen.
3. Cache Verification Results Intelligently
Store Verification Status
Once verified, store the result so users don't verify repeatedly. But do it securely:
- Encrypt verification status in your database
- Include timestamp of verification
- Store verification ID for audit trails
Set Reasonable Expiration
For most use cases, verification doesn't need to be repeated. But consider re-verification if:
- Account ownership changes
- User reports their account was compromised
- Regulatory requirements mandate it
4. Monitor Your Verification Metrics
Track these key metrics in your analytics:
- Completion rate: What % of users complete verification?
- Time to complete: How long does it take on average?
- Error rate: What % encounter errors?
- Retry rate: How often do users retry after failure?
If your completion rate drops below 80%, investigate the cause—it might indicate UX issues or technical problems.
5. Respect Privacy
Never Store Biometric Data
App Bouncer doesn't send you biometric data, and you shouldn't want it. Store only the verification result, not the data used to produce it.
Be Transparent
Your privacy policy should clearly explain:
- Why you require age verification
- How the verification process works
- What data is collected (and what isn't)
- How long verification results are stored
Provide Control
Users should be able to view their verification status and request deletion of verification records.
6. Test Thoroughly
Use Sandbox Mode During Development
Always test in sandbox mode first. It returns mock results without requiring actual verification, letting you test all code paths.
Test Edge Cases
Test these scenarios:
- User denies camera permission
- Network drops during verification
- User closes browser mid-verification
- Verification token expires
- Multiple simultaneous verification attempts
Test Across Devices
Verification experiences differ on desktop vs. mobile. Test on both, including various browsers and OS versions.
7. Communicate Clearly
Set Expectations
Before verification starts, tell users:
- How long it will take (about 10 seconds)
- What they need (camera access, good lighting)
- What happens next
Provide Support
Include a help link or support contact for users who encounter issues. Common questions:
- "Why do I need to do this?"
- "Is this secure?"
- "What if it doesn't work?"
- "Do I need to do this every time?"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Asking for age verification too early
Wait until it's needed, not during signup.
❌ No retry mechanism
Failures happen. Make retrying easy.
❌ Poor error messages
"Error 500" doesn't help users. Be specific and actionable.
❌ Ignoring mobile users
Most verification happens on mobile. Optimize for it.
❌ No timeout handling
What if verification takes too long? Have a timeout and retry flow.
The Bottom Line
Good API integration isn't just about making the calls—it's about creating a smooth, secure, privacy-respecting experience that users trust.
Follow these best practices, and you'll have an age verification system that works reliably and keeps users happy.