Expo Dev Client

Use EAS Build to create development clients for testing native code changes on physical devices. Use this for creating custom Expo Go clients for testing branches of your app.

When to Use

• You need an Expo development client because the app depends on custom native code or targets not supported by Expo Go.
• The task involves building, distributing, or testing EAS development builds on physical devices.
• You need guidance on when to choose a dev client versus staying on plain Expo Go.

Important: When Development Clients Are Needed

Only create development clients when your app requires custom native code. Most apps work fine in Expo Go.

You need a dev client ONLY when using:

• Local Expo modules (custom native code)
• Apple targets (widgets, app clips, extensions)
• Third-party native modules not in Expo Go

Try Expo Go first with npx expo start. If everything works, you don't need a dev client.

EAS Configuration

Ensure eas.json has a development profile:

{
  "cli": {
    "version": ">= 16.0.1",
    "appVersionSource": "remote"
  },
  "build": {
    "production": {
      "autoIncrement": true
    },
    "development": {
      "autoIncrement": true,
      "developmentClient": true
    }
  },
  "submit": {
    "production": {},
    "development": {}
  }
}

Key settings:

• developmentClient: true - Bundles expo-dev-client for development builds
• autoIncrement: true - Automatically increments build numbers
• appVersionSource: "remote" - Uses EAS as the source of truth for version numbers

Building for TestFlight

Build iOS dev client and submit to TestFlight in one command:

eas build -p ios --profile development --submit

This will:

1. Build the development client in the cloud
2. Automatically submit to App Store Connect
3. Send you an email when the build is ready in TestFlight

After receiving the TestFlight email:

1. Download the build from TestFlight on your device
2. Launch the app to see the expo-dev-client UI
3. Connect to your local Metro bundler or scan a QR code

Building Locally

Build a development client on your machine:

# iOS (requires Xcode)
eas build -p ios --profile development --local

# Android
eas build -p android --profile development --local

Local builds output:

• iOS: .ipa file
• Android: .apk or .aab file

Installing Local Builds

Install iOS build on simulator:

# Find the .app in the .tar.gz output
tar -xzf build-*.tar.gz
xcrun simctl install booted ./path/to/App.app

Install iOS build on device (requires signing):

# Use Xcode Devices window or ideviceinstaller
ideviceinstaller -i build.ipa

Install Android build:

adb install build.apk

Building for Specific Platform

# iOS only
eas build -p ios --profile development

# Android only
eas build -p android --profile development

# Both platforms
eas build --profile development

Checking Build Status

# List recent builds
eas build:list

# View build details
eas build:view

Using the Dev Client

Once installed, the dev client provides:

• Development server connection - Enter your Metro bundler URL or scan QR
• Build information - View native build details
• Launcher UI - Switch between development servers

Connect to local development:

# Start Metro bundler
npx expo start --dev-client

# Scan QR code with dev client or enter URL manually

Troubleshooting

Build fails with signing errors:

eas credentials

Clear build cache:

eas build -p ios --profile development --clear-cache

Check EAS CLI version:

eas --version
eas update