expo-dev-client

Build and distribute Expo development clients locally or via TestFlight using EAS Build.

Updated Sep 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/CYRUS-pinto/pi-bot --skill expo-dev-client-cyrus-pinto
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: expo-dev-client
Source: https://github.com/CYRUS-pinto/pi-bot/tree/main/.agents/skills/expo-dev-client
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/CYRUS-pinto/pi-bot --skill expo-dev-client-cyrus-pinto

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Expo Go cannot run custom native code, local Expo modules, Apple targets, or third-party native libraries, so developers need a way to build and install custom development clients on physical devices for real testing. ## Core Features & Use Cases - EAS Development Profiles: Configure eas.json with developmentClient, autoIncrement, and remote appVersionSource settings for consistent builds. - Cloud and Local Builds: Build iOS and Android dev clients via EAS Build in the cloud or locally with Xcode and Android toolchains, then install via simctl, ideviceinstaller, or adb. - TestFlight Distribution: Build and submit an iOS dev client to TestFlight in one command for internal team testing. - Use Case: You added a config plugin and a native module that Expo Go does not bundle. Use this Skill to create a development profile, run eas build with the development profile, install the client on your device, and connect it to your local Metro bundler. ## Quick Start Use the expo-dev-client skill to configure a development EAS profile and build an iOS development client for my project.

Frequently Asked Questions about expo-dev-client

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I build an Expo development client?

Run eas build with the development profile, for example eas build -p ios --profile development. Add --local to build on your machine or --submit to send an iOS build directly to TestFlight.

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

You need a dev client when using local Expo modules, custom native code, Apple targets like widgets or app clips, third-party native modules not bundled in Expo Go, config plugins, or when testing remote push notifications and universal links.

How do I submit an Expo dev client to TestFlight?

Run eas build -p ios --profile development --submit to build in the cloud and automatically submit to App Store Connect. After the email arrives, install the build from TestFlight and connect it to your Metro bundler.

Does building an Expo dev client cost money?

The expo-dev-client library is open source and local builds are free. Cloud builds via EAS consume your plan's build minutes, and iOS device or TestFlight distribution requires a paid Apple Developer account.

Why does my EAS build fail with signing errors?

Signing errors usually come from missing or outdated credentials. Run eas credentials to manage certificates and provisioning profiles, or use --clear-cache on the build command to clear stale build state.