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expo-dev-client

Build and distribute Expo development clients for physical-device testing.

Updated May 7, 2026
Search Tags:#react native#expo#testflight#eas build#dev client#metro bundler#native testing
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/softwarebyze/Backgammon-Mastermind --skill expo-dev-client-softwarebyze
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: expo-dev-client
Source: https://github.com/softwarebyze/Backgammon-Mastermind/tree/main/.agents/skills/expo-dev-client
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/softwarebyze/Backgammon-Mastermind --skill expo-dev-client-softwarebyze

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It solves the problem of needing custom native code changes on real devices when Expo Go is not sufficient, so you can test accurately without waiting for full production releases.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Build dev clients with EAS Build: Create iOS/Android development clients that bundle expo-dev-client for branch testing and native-module verification.
  • Enable TestFlight submission (iOS): Build and submit development builds to App Store Connect in one command for faster QA cycles.
  • Connect the dev client to Metro: Use the dev client UI to connect to your local bundler via QR code or URL for rapid iteration.

Use case: you have a third-party native module (or local native code changes) that Expo Go can’t run, and you need to validate the behavior on physical iPhones and Android devices.

Quick Start

Create a development profile in eas.json and run the iOS dev client build with TestFlight submission using: 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
How do I build an Expo dev client for testing native code on a physical device?▼

Use EAS Build with a configured eas.json development profile to generate iOS or Android dev clients, enabling native-module verification on physical devices when Expo Go is insufficient.

When do I need a custom Expo dev client instead of Expo Go?▼

You need a custom Expo dev client when your project includes third-party native modules or local native code changes that Expo Go cannot run, requiring accurate validation on physical iPhones and Android devices.

How do I submit an iOS development build to TestFlight for branch QA?▼

Run the EAS build command with the iOS platform flag, your development profile, and the submit parameter to build and submit the development client to App Store Connect for faster QA cycles.

How does a dev client connect to the Metro bundler for rapid iteration?▼

Use the dev client UI to connect to your local Metro bundler by scanning a QR code or entering the URL, allowing rapid iteration without full production releases.

What is required in eas.json to configure a development client build?▼

You need an eas.json development profile with the developmentClient setting enabled to generate and sign development client artifacts using EAS build commands.

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