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.
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:
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 buildsautoIncrement: true - Automatically increments build numbersappVersionSource: "remote" - Uses EAS as the source of truth for version numbersBuilding 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:
.ipa file.apk or .aab fileInstalling 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:
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
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