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expo-dev-client

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

Updated Mar 27, 2026
Search Tags:#iOS#mobile#Expo#react-native#TestFlight#eas build#development client
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gmackie/agent-skills --skill expo-dev-client-gmackie
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: expo-dev-client
Source: https://github.com/gmackie/agent-skills/tree/main/skills/expo-dev-client
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gmackie/agent-skills --skill expo-dev-client-gmackie

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Expo Go cannot run apps that use custom native code, third-party native modules, config plugins, or Apple targets like widgets and app clips. This Skill guides you through creating custom development clients so you can test native code changes on physical devices. ## Core Features & Use Cases - EAS Configuration: Set up a development build profile in eas.json with developmentClient, autoIncrement, and remote app version source settings. - Cloud and Local Builds: Build iOS and Android development clients via EAS Build in the cloud or locally with Xcode and Android toolchains. - TestFlight Distribution: Build and submit an iOS dev client to TestFlight in one command for internal testing. - Use Case: Your React Native app adds a third-party native module that Expo Go does not bundle. Use this Skill to configure a development profile, run eas build for iOS and Android, install the dev 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 app.

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 or eas build -p android --profile development. Add --local to build on your own machine or --submit to send an iOS build directly to TestFlight.

When do I need an Expo development client instead of Expo Go?▼

You need a development client when using local Expo modules, third-party native modules not bundled in Expo Go, config plugins, Apple targets like widgets or app clips, 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 the iOS dev client in the cloud and automatically submit it to App Store Connect. TestFlight distribution requires a paid Apple Developer account and uses EAS build minutes.

Can I build an Expo development client locally for free?▼

Yes, local builds are free since expo-dev-client is open source. Run eas build with the --local flag, which requires Xcode for iOS and outputs an .ipa file, or Android tooling which outputs an .apk or .aab file.

Why does my EAS build fail with signing errors?▼

Signing errors usually come from missing or invalid credentials. Run eas credentials to configure iOS certificates and provisioning profiles, and verify your EAS CLI is current with eas --version and eas update.

How do I connect an Expo dev client to Metro bundler?▼

Start the bundler with npx expo start --dev-client, then scan the QR code with the dev client or enter the Metro URL manually. The dev client launcher UI lets you switch between development servers.

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