Chartboost interstitial ads not showing up reliably after SDK update, any common pitfalls?

It sounds like you're dealing with a classic case of ad network integration quirks after an SDK update – definitely a "frustratin'" experience, as you put it. This kind of inconsistency is incredibly common, especially when you're just getting started with mobile app monetization. Let's break down some common pitfalls and better debugging approaches.

You've covered the basics well, like double-checking IDs and lifecycle methods. However, SDK updates, particularly with ad networks, can often introduce subtle changes that require more than just a re-read of the guide. Here's what I'd look into next:

1. Android Manifest & Permissions: While you've checked, it's worth re-verifying the following. Chartboost requires:

   • <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"/>
   • <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE"/>
   • For older SDK versions or specific features, WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE might have been needed, but for basic interstitials, the first two are critical. Ensure they are correctly placed within the <manifest> tag, not within <application>.
   • Also, check your <application> tag for android:hardwareAccelerated="true". Some ad networks prefer or require this for smooth rendering.

2. ProGuard/R8 Rules: This is a very common culprit after SDK updates. If you're using ProGuard or R8 for code shrinking and obfuscation, the latest SDK version might have new classes or methods that are being stripped out. Check the Chartboost documentation for their recommended ProGuard/R8 rules and ensure they are added to your proguard-rules.pro file. Missing these rules can cause classes to be removed, leading to runtime errors that aren't always obvious in logcat.

3. Chartboost Delegate Callbacks: This is your primary tool for debugging ad loading issues. You mentioned checking logcat, but relying solely on general logcat output can be misleading. Implement all the Chartboost delegate methods (ChartboostDelegate) and log their calls and parameters. Specifically, focus on:

   • didFailToLoadInterstitial(CBLocation location, CBImpressionError error): This will give you a specific error code and description if an ad fails to load. This is far more informative than just "it didn't show."
   • didCacheInterstitial(CBLocation location): This confirms when an ad has successfully loaded and is ready to be displayed.
   • didDisplayInterstitial(CBLocation location): Confirms the ad was actually shown.

   By logging these, you'll know exactly *why* an ad isn't showing – whether it failed to load, or if you're trying to show it before it's cached.

4. Caching and Showing Delay (Proper Implementation): Your approach of calling Chartboost.cacheInterstitial() well before Chartboost.showInterstitial() is correct in principle, but the "delay" shouldn't be a fixed time. It should be event-driven.

   • You should only call Chartboost.showInterstitial(CBLocation location) *after* you receive the didCacheInterstitial(CBLocation location) callback for that specific location. If you try to show an ad before it's cached, it will fail silently or inconsistently.
   • Ad caching is asynchronous and depends on network conditions, ad availability, and server response times. Never assume a fixed delay is sufficient.

5. Ad Inventory and Test Mode:

   • Are you testing with real ads or in Chartboost's test mode? Ensure you've correctly enabled test mode (Chartboost.setShouldRequestInterstitialsInTestMode(true)) if you're not ready for live ads. Sometimes, in test mode, inventory can be limited or behave differently.
   • If you're using live ads, ensure your app and placements are correctly configured in the Chartboost dashboard, and that there's actual demand (ad inventory) for your audience demographics. A low fill rate on the Chartboost dashboard could indicate a lack of available ads, not necessarily an integration issue.

6. Initialization Order: Ensure Chartboost.startWithAppId(this, APP_ID, APP_SIGNATURE); is called in your main Activity's onCreate() method, and Chartboost.onStart(this); in onStart(), Chartboost.onStop(this); in onStop(), and Chartboost.onDestroy(this); in onDestroy(). If any of these are out of order or missed, it can lead to instability.

To properly debug, your best bet is to implement the delegate methods and log their output. This will give you concrete error messages or confirmation of successful caching. Then, check the Chartboost dashboard for your app's fill rate and any reported errors there, which can offer insights into server-side issues or low ad inventory. This systematic approach is critical for any robust mobile monetization strategy, especially when dealing with multiple ad networks or ad mediation.

Are you seeing any specific error codes in the didFailToLoadInterstitial callback when ads don't show?