@clerk/expo: getToken({ skipCache: true }) fails on Expo while cached token fetch succeeds

[eliotgevers]

Summary

In an Expo repro app using @clerk/expo with Convex, cached token fetch works, but fresh token fetch fails.

Specifically:

• cached token fetch succeeds
• fresh token fetch fails with:
  • Clerk: Network request failed while offline. The browser appears to be disconnected.
  • (code="clerk_offline")

This leaves the app signed in at the Clerk level, but downstream Convex auth never completes.

Repro repo

https://github.com/eliotgevers/convex-clerk-expo-token-refresh-repro

Environment

• @clerk/expo: 3.1.2
• convex: 1.33.1
• Expo SDK: 55
• React Native: 0.83.2
• Reproduced in Expo iOS simulator

Reproduction steps

1. Clone the repro repo.
2. Fill in .env with a valid Clerk publishable key and Convex URL.
3. Start the app.
4. Sign in with an existing user.
5. Tap Probe cached token.
6. Tap Probe fresh token.

Expected

Both cached and fresh token fetches succeed.

Actual

Cached token succeeds, but fresh token fetch fails with clerk_offline.

Example result

Clerk signed in: true
Convex loading: false
Convex authenticated: false
WebSocket connected: true
Last cached token ok: 2:51:44 PM
Last fresh token failed: 2:42:35 PM

Recent events:
- Fresh token failed: Clerk: Network request failed while offline. The browser appears to be disconnected.
  (code="clerk_offline")

Notes

• The repro intentionally strips away app-specific backend bootstrapping so the failure stays focused on Clerk token fetch behavior.
• If Clerk returns needs_client_trust, I disable Client Trust for the test app or use a trusted device. That is separate from the bug being reported here.

[eliotgevers]

Opened PR #8084 with the proposed fix and regression test. The PR is linked to this issue via Fixes #8083.