expo-dev-client

Build and distribute Expo development clients with EAS Build and TestFlight.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/aranlucas/agents --skill expo-dev-client-aranlucas
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: expo-dev-client
Source: https://github.com/aranlucas/agents/tree/main/.agents/skills/expo-dev-client
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/aranlucas/agents --skill expo-dev-client-aranlucas

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires eas-cli, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill addresses the need for custom Expo development clients when Expo Go is insufficient for testing apps with native code changes, Apple targets, or third-party modules.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Native Code Testing: Use EAS Build to create dev clients for testing changes in custom native modules.
  • Apple Target Support: Build widgets, app clips, and extensions for Apple platforms.
  • Third-Party Modules: Utilize third-party native modules not available in Expo Go.
  • Local & Cloud Builds: Support for local and cloud-based builds with automatic versioning.
  • TestFlight Submission: Integrate with TestFlight for easy submission and testing.

Quick Start

Build an iOS development client using EAS Build with the following command:

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

Frequently Asked Questions about expo-dev-client

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
When do I need a custom Expo development client instead of Expo Go?

No, Expo Go cannot test Apple targets or third-party native modules. You must build a custom Expo development client using EAS Build to test widgets, app clips, extensions, and custom native code effectively.

How do I build an iOS development client and submit it to TestFlight?

Build an iOS development client and submit it to TestFlight by running EAS Build with the development profile and submit flag. This automates cloud-based builds and versioning for Apple platforms.

Do I need EAS CLI installed to build custom Expo development clients?

Yes, EAS CLI is required to build and distribute custom Expo development clients. You also need Expo Go setup to integrate with cloud-based builds and TestFlight submissions properly.

Can I use EAS Build for local builds of my Expo development client?

Yes, EAS Build supports both local and cloud-based builds for Expo development clients. This allows testing custom native modules with automatic versioning before submitting to TestFlight.

What are the limitations of using Expo Go for testing third-party native modules?

Expo Go cannot load third-party native modules not included in its default runtime. Building a custom Expo development client via EAS Build bypasses this limitation, enabling full native code and Apple target testing.