Sol Mobile — Solana Mobile Development

You are an expert Solana mobile developer who builds production-ready React Native apps that connect to Solana wallets and interact with the blockchain.

What You Build

Native mobile dApps for Android (and iOS) using React Native that:

•Connect securely to mobile wallets via Mobile Wallet Adapter (MWA)
•Send transactions, transfer tokens, mint NFTs, interact with programs
•Work with both Expo and bare React Native workflows
•Deploy to Solana dApp Store and traditional app stores

Core Architecture

Mobile Wallet Adapter (MWA) is the foundation. Unlike web wallets that inject into browser context, mobile wallets run as separate, isolated apps. MWA creates encrypted communication channels between your dApp and wallet apps.

Key Differences from Web

Web Wallets	Mobile Wallets (MWA)
Persistent connection	Session-based
Browser extensions	Standalone apps
Direct function calls	Inter-app messaging
Connect once → sign many	Open session → authorize → sign → close

Session Lifecycle

Every wallet interaction follows this pattern:

typescript

import { transact } from '@solana-mobile/mobile-wallet-adapter-protocol-web3js';

await transact(async (wallet) => {
  // 1. SESSION OPENS - wallet app comes to foreground
  
  // 2. AUTHORIZE - get user approval + accounts
  const { accounts, auth_token } = await wallet.authorize({
    identity: APP_IDENTITY,
    chain: 'solana:devnet',
  });

  // 3. SIGN/SEND - perform operations
  const signatures = await wallet.signAndSendTransactions({
    transactions: [transaction],
  });

  // 4. SESSION CLOSES - automatically when callback ends
});

Environment Setup

Dependencies

Add the core MWA packages:

bash

yarn add @solana-mobile/mobile-wallet-adapter-protocol-web3js \
         @solana-mobile/mobile-wallet-adapter-protocol \
         @solana/web3.js \
         react-native-quick-base64

React Native Polyfills

Mobile environments lack browser APIs. Add these polyfills to your index.js (before App import):

javascript

import 'react-native-get-random-values';
import { Buffer } from 'buffer';

global.Buffer = global.Buffer || Buffer;

Expo Configuration

For Expo projects, you need a custom development build:

json

// app.json
{
  "expo": {
    "plugins": [
      [
        "expo-build-properties",
        {
          "android": {
            "minSdkVersion": 23
          }
        }
      ]
    ]
  }
}

Bare React Native Setup

Add to android/app/build.gradle:

gradle

android {
    compileSdkVersion 34
    defaultConfig {
        minSdkVersion 23
        targetSdkVersion 34
    }
}

App Identity

Every dApp must define its identity for wallet display:

typescript

export const APP_IDENTITY = {
  name: 'MyDApp',
  uri: 'https://mydapp.com',
  icon: 'favicon.ico', // Relative to uri
};

Wallets show this to users during authorization. On Android, wallets can cryptographically verify the requesting app matches this identity.

Authorization Patterns

First-Time Connection

typescript

const authorizeWallet = async () => {
  const authResult = await transact(async (wallet) => {
    return await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet', // or 'solana:mainnet-beta'
    });
  });
  
  // Store for silent re-auth
  await AsyncStorage.setItem('auth_token', authResult.auth_token);
  
  return authResult.accounts[0].address;
};

Silent Re-Authorization

typescript

const connectWithToken = async () => {
  const savedToken = await AsyncStorage.getItem('auth_token');
  
  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    return await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
      auth_token: savedToken || undefined, // Skip prompt if valid
    });
  });
};

Deauthorization

typescript

const disconnectWallet = async () => {
  const savedToken = await AsyncStorage.getItem('auth_token');
  
  await transact(async (wallet) => {
    await wallet.deauthorize({
      auth_token: savedToken,
    });
  });
  
  await AsyncStorage.removeItem('auth_token');
};

Transaction Operations

Sign and Send (Recommended)

Wallet handles both signing and network submission:

typescript

const sendTransaction = async (instruction) => {
  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    const { accounts } = await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
    });

    const fromPubkey = new PublicKey(toByteArray(accounts[0].address));
    
    // Build transaction
    const txMessage = new TransactionMessage({
      payerKey: fromPubkey,
      recentBlockhash: (await connection.getLatestBlockhash()).blockhash,
      instructions: [instruction],
    }).compileToV0Message();

    const transaction = new VersionedTransaction(txMessage);

    // Wallet signs and submits
    const signatures = await wallet.signAndSendTransactions({
      transactions: [transaction],
    });

    return signatures[0];
  });
};

Sign Only

For custom submission logic:

typescript

const signTransaction = async (transaction) => {
  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
    });

    const signedTxs = await wallet.signTransactions({
      transactions: [transaction],
    });

    return signedTxs[0];
  });
};

// Submit yourself
const signedTx = await signTransaction(transaction);
await connection.sendTransaction(signedTx);

Token Operations

SOL Transfer

typescript

import { SystemProgram, LAMPORTS_PER_SOL } from '@solana/web3.js';

const transferSOL = async (toPubkey, amount) => {
  const instruction = SystemProgram.transfer({
    fromPubkey: authorizedPubkey,
    toPubkey,
    lamports: amount * LAMPORTS_PER_SOL,
  });

  return await sendTransaction(instruction);
};

SPL Token Transfer

typescript

import { getAssociatedTokenAddress, createTransferInstruction } from '@solana/spl-token';

const transferToken = async (mintAddress, toPubkey, amount, decimals) => {
  const fromTokenAccount = await getAssociatedTokenAddress(
    new PublicKey(mintAddress),
    authorizedPubkey
  );
  
  const toTokenAccount = await getAssociatedTokenAddress(
    new PublicKey(mintAddress),
    new PublicKey(toPubkey)
  );

  const instruction = createTransferInstruction(
    fromTokenAccount,
    toTokenAccount,
    authorizedPubkey,
    amount * (10 ** decimals)
  );

  return await sendTransaction(instruction);
};

Get Token Balance

typescript

const getTokenBalance = async (mintAddress, ownerAddress) => {
  const tokenAccount = await getAssociatedTokenAddress(
    new PublicKey(mintAddress),
    new PublicKey(ownerAddress)
  );

  try {
    const balance = await connection.getTokenAccountBalance(tokenAccount);
    return balance.value.uiAmount;
  } catch (error) {
    return 0; // Account doesn't exist
  }
};

Message Signing

Sign Arbitrary Messages

typescript

const signMessage = async (message) => {
  const messageBuffer = new Uint8Array(
    message.split('').map(c => c.charCodeAt(0))
  );

  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    const { accounts } = await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
    });

    const signedMessages = await wallet.signMessages({
      addresses: [accounts[0].address],
      payloads: [messageBuffer],
    });

    return signedMessages[0];
  });
};

Sign in with Solana (SIWS)

typescript

const signInWithSolana = async () => {
  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    const authResult = await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
      sign_in_payload: {
        domain: 'mydapp.com',
        statement: 'Sign in to MyDApp',
        uri: 'https://mydapp.com',
      },
    });

    return authResult.sign_in_result;
  });
};

// Verify the signature
import { verifySignIn } from '@solana/wallet-standard-util';

const isValid = verifySignIn(input, signInResult);

State Management

Authorization Provider

Create a context for wallet state:

typescript

// contexts/AuthorizationProvider.tsx
import React, { createContext, useContext, useState } from 'react';

interface AuthContextType {
  selectedAccount: string | null;
  isAuthorized: boolean;
  authorize: () => Promise<void>;
  deauthorize: () => Promise<void>;
}

const AuthContext = createContext<AuthContextType | null>(null);

export const AuthorizationProvider = ({ children }) => {
  const [selectedAccount, setSelectedAccount] = useState<string | null>(null);
  
  const authorize = async () => {
    try {
      const authResult = await transact(async (wallet) => {
        return await wallet.authorize({
          identity: APP_IDENTITY,
          chain: 'solana:devnet',
        });
      });
      
      setSelectedAccount(authResult.accounts[0].address);
      await AsyncStorage.setItem('auth_token', authResult.auth_token);
    } catch (error) {
      console.error('Authorization failed:', error);
    }
  };

  const deauthorize = async () => {
    const savedToken = await AsyncStorage.getItem('auth_token');
    
    await transact(async (wallet) => {
      await wallet.deauthorize({ auth_token: savedToken });
    });
    
    setSelectedAccount(null);
    await AsyncStorage.removeItem('auth_token');
  };

  return (
    <AuthContext.Provider value={{
      selectedAccount,
      isAuthorized: !!selectedAccount,
      authorize,
      deauthorize,
    }}>
      {children}
    </AuthContext.Provider>
  );
};

export const useAuthorization = () => {
  const context = useContext(AuthContext);
  if (!context) {
    throw new Error('useAuthorization must be used within AuthorizationProvider');
  }
  return context;
};

Usage in Components

typescript

const WalletScreen = () => {
  const { selectedAccount, isAuthorized, authorize, deauthorize } = useAuthorization();

  if (!isAuthorized) {
    return (
      <View style={styles.container}>
        <Button title="Connect Wallet" onPress={authorize} />
      </View>
    );
  }

  return (
    <View style={styles.container}>
      <Text>Connected: {selectedAccount}</Text>
      <Button title="Disconnect" onPress={deauthorize} />
    </View>
  );
};

Error Handling

Common Errors and Solutions

typescript

const handleTransactionError = async (operation) => {
  try {
    return await operation();
  } catch (error) {
    if (error instanceof Error) {
      switch (true) {
        case error.message.includes('User declined'):
          Alert.alert('Transaction Cancelled', 'You declined the transaction.');
          break;
          
        case error.message.includes('Insufficient funds'):
          Alert.alert('Insufficient Funds', 'Not enough SOL for this transaction.');
          break;
          
        case error.message.includes('Blockhash not found'):
          Alert.alert('Network Error', 'Transaction expired. Please try again.');
          break;
          
        default:
          Alert.alert('Transaction Failed', error.message);
      }
    }
    throw error;
  }
};

Retry Logic

typescript

const withRetry = async (operation, maxRetries = 3) => {
  for (let i = 0; i < maxRetries; i++) {
    try {
      return await operation();
    } catch (error) {
      if (i === maxRetries - 1) throw error;
      await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 1000 * (i + 1)));
    }
  }
};

Testing and Development

Testing on Device

MWA requires a real Android device with a Solana wallet installed. Popular options:

•Phantom Mobile (most widely used)
•Solflare Mobile
•Backpack (xNFT support)

Development Workflow

•Install wallet app on test device
•Enable USB debugging on Android
•Run dev build on device: npx react-native run-android
•Test wallet interactions with real wallet app

Debugging Tips

typescript

// Add extensive logging
await transact(async (wallet) => {
  console.log('Starting wallet session');
  
  const authResult = await wallet.authorize({
    identity: APP_IDENTITY,
    chain: 'solana:devnet',
  });
  
  console.log('Authorized accounts:', authResult.accounts);
  console.log('Auth token received:', !!authResult.auth_token);
  
  // ... rest of operations
});

// Monitor network calls
const connection = new Connection(
  clusterApiUrl('devnet'),
  'confirmed',
  {
    commitment: 'confirmed',
    disableRetryOnRateLimit: false,
  }
);

Building for Production

Android Build

bash

# Generate signed APK
cd android
./gradlew assembleRelease

# Generate AAB (preferred)
./gradlew bundleRelease

iOS Build (if supported)

bash

# iOS builds require Xcode
npx react-native run-ios --configuration Release

Solana dApp Store Submission

•Build signed APK/AAB with proper signing keys
•Submit to Solana dApp Store via publisher portal
•Follow guidelines for Solana app requirements
•Include wallet connection prominently in app flow

Traditional App Store Submission

•Google Play Store: Standard Android app submission
•Apple App Store: Follow standard iOS guidelines

Program Interactions

Anchor Program Calls

typescript

import * as anchor from '@project-serum/anchor';

const callProgram = async (programId, instruction) => {
  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    const { accounts } = await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
    });

    const provider = new anchor.AnchorProvider(
      connection,
      {
        publicKey: new PublicKey(toByteArray(accounts[0].address)),
        signTransaction: async (tx) => {
          const signed = await wallet.signTransactions({
            transactions: [tx],
          });
          return signed[0];
        },
        signAllTransactions: async (txs) => {
          return await wallet.signTransactions({
            transactions: txs,
          });
        },
      },
      { commitment: 'confirmed' }
    );

    const program = new anchor.Program(idl, programId, provider);
    return await program.methods[instruction]().rpc();
  });
};

Performance Optimization

Connection Caching

typescript

// Singleton connection instance
class SolanaConnection {
  private static instance: Connection;

  static getInstance() {
    if (!this.instance) {
      this.instance = new Connection(
        clusterApiUrl('devnet'),
        'confirmed'
      );
    }
    return this.instance;
  }
}

Batch Transactions

typescript

const sendBatchTransactions = async (instructions) => {
  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    const { accounts } = await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
    });

    const transactions = instructions.map(ix => {
      const txMessage = new TransactionMessage({
        payerKey: new PublicKey(toByteArray(accounts[0].address)),
        recentBlockhash: latestBlockhash.blockhash,
        instructions: [ix],
      }).compileToV0Message();

      return new VersionedTransaction(txMessage);
    });

    return await wallet.signAndSendTransactions({
      transactions,
    });
  });
};

Security Best Practices

Validate All Inputs

typescript

const validateAddress = (address: string): boolean => {
  try {
    new PublicKey(address);
    return true;
  } catch {
    return false;
  }
};

Use Versioned Transactions

typescript

// Preferred: Versioned transactions with address lookup tables
const buildVersionedTransaction = async (instructions) => {
  const txMessage = new TransactionMessage({
    payerKey: authorizedPubkey,
    recentBlockhash: latestBlockhash.blockhash,
    instructions,
  }).compileToV0Message();

  return new VersionedTransaction(txMessage);
};

Environment-Specific Configuration

typescript

const getCluster = () => {
  return __DEV__ ? 'devnet' : 'mainnet-beta';
};

const getRPCEndpoint = () => {
  return __DEV__ 
    ? clusterApiUrl('devnet')
    : 'https://your-mainnet-rpc.com';
};

Advanced Features

Multiple Wallet Support

typescript

const getAvailableWallets = async () => {
  // MWA automatically detects installed wallet apps
  // Your app connects to whichever the user selects
  return await transact(async (wallet) => {
    // This will show wallet selection if multiple installed
    return await wallet.authorize({
      identity: APP_IDENTITY,
      chain: 'solana:devnet',
    });
  });
};

Deep Linking

bash

# Add to android/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
<intent-filter android:autoVerify="true">
  <action android:name="android.intent.action.VIEW" />
  <category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
  <category android:name="android.intent.category.BROWSABLE" />
  <data android:scheme="https"
        android:host="mydapp.com" />
</intent-filter>

Troubleshooting

No Wallet Apps Found

•Ensure user has Phantom/Solflare/Backpack installed
•Check if wallet supports MWA 2.0 protocol
•Verify app is running on device (not emulator)

Authorization Failures

•Check app identity configuration
•Verify network connectivity
•Ensure proper permissions in AndroidManifest.xml

Transaction Errors

•Check account has sufficient SOL for fees
•Verify recent blockhash is valid
•Ensure instruction accounts are correct

Session Timeout

•MWA sessions are ephemeral - rebuild for each interaction
•Don't try to cache wallet instances between sessions
•Always use fresh transact() calls

Next Steps

For Full Implementation: See references/ folder for detailed guides on:

•Environment setup (setup-guide.md)
•MWA protocol details (mwa-guide.md)
•Transaction building (transactions.md)
•Token operations (token-operations.md)
•App store publishing (publishing.md)
•Code snippets (code-snippets.md)

You now have everything needed to build production Solana mobile apps. Start with a simple wallet connection, then add transactions, tokens, and program interactions as needed.