Solving ‘No Firebase App ‘[DEFAULT]’ has been created – call Firebase.initializeApp() in Flutter and Firebase

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When working with Firebase in your Flutter applications, you may encounter the error message: “No Firebase App ‘[DEFAULT]’ has been created – call Firebase.initializeApp().” This error typically occurs when Firebase is not initialized correctly. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this error and provide solutions to resolve it effectively.

Understanding the Error

The error message is a result of Firebase not being properly initialized in your Flutter project. Firebase requires initialization before any of its services can be used. When Firebase is not initialized or is initialized incorrectly, it cannot identify the default app (‘[DEFAULT]’).

Common Causes of the Error

Several reasons can lead to this error:

  1. Missing Initialization: The most common cause is failing to initialize Firebase using Firebase.initializeApp() at the start of your Flutter application.
  2. Incorrect Placement: The initialization code should be placed at the beginning of your main() function or before any Firebase-related code. Placing it elsewhere may result in this error.
  3. Multiple Initializations: Sometimes, Firebase is inadvertently initialized more than once, which can cause conflicts.
  4. Incorrect Configuration: Check that your google-services.json or GoogleService-Info.plist file is correctly set up and placed in the project directory.
  5. Using Firebase Before Initialization: Attempting to use Firebase services before they are initialized can trigger this error.

Resolving the Error

To resolve the ‘No Firebase App ‘[DEFAULT]’ has been created’ error, follow these steps:

  • Initialize Firebase: Ensure you initialize Firebase by adding Firebase.initializeApp() at the beginning of your main() function in your Dart code.
void main() {
  WidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized(); // Ensure Flutter is initialized
  await Firebase.initializeApp(); // Initialize Firebase
  runApp(MyApp());
}
  • Correct Configuration: Make sure your google-services.json (for Android) or GoogleService-Info.plist (for iOS) files are correctly set up and placed in the right directories.
  • Check for Multiple Initializations: Review your code to ensure Firebase is not initialized more than once.
  • Use Firebase Services After Initialization: Ensure you use Firebase services only after successful initialization.
  • Debugging: Utilize debugging tools and logs to identify the source of the error. Review your Firebase configuration and the initialization process for any issues.

Conclusion

The ‘No Firebase App ‘[DEFAULT]’ has been created’ error can be a common hurdle when working with Firebase in Flutter. By understanding the causes of this error and following the suggested solutions, you can ensure that Firebase is correctly initialized in your application.

In summary, the key to resolving this error is to ensure proper Firebase initialization at the beginning of your app, followed by correct configuration and adherence to best practices for Firebase usage.

A pat on the back !!