skills.rest
sombek
sombekCOMMUNITY
Explore all skills by this author →
WebsiteGitHub

expo-dev-client

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

Updated Sep 6, 2026
Search Tags:#ios#react native#expo#testflight#eas build#development client#metro bundler
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/sombek/fitness-guidance-app --skill expo-dev-client-sombek
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: expo-dev-client
Source: https://github.com/sombek/fitness-guidance-app/tree/main/mobile/.agents/skills/expo-dev-client
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/sombek/fitness-guidance-app --skill expo-dev-client-sombek

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 app version 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. - TestFlight Distribution: Build and submit iOS dev clients to TestFlight in one command for internal team testing. - Use Case: Your app adds a config plugin and push notifications that Expo Go cannot run. Use this Skill to create a development build, install it on your device, and connect it to your local Metro bundler. ## Quick Start Use the expo-dev-client skill to configure a development profile in eas.json and build an iOS development client for my device.

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 a development profile that sets developmentClient to true in eas.json. Use eas build -p ios --profile development for cloud builds, or add --local to build on your own machine with Xcode or Android tools.

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 the dev client in the cloud and automatically submit it to App Store Connect. You receive an email when the build is ready in TestFlight, which requires a paid Apple Developer account.

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

Yes, local builds are free since expo-dev-client is open source. Run eas build with the --local flag to produce an .ipa for iOS or .apk/.aab for Android, then install via simctl, ideviceinstaller, or adb.

Why does my EAS build fail with signing errors?▼

Signing errors usually come from missing or invalid credentials. Run eas credentials to configure certificates and provisioning profiles, or use --clear-cache if stale build artifacts cause failures.

How do I connect a dev client to my local Metro bundler?▼

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

Related Skills

Explore More Software Engineering Skills→
Mark-AtefMark-Atef

expo-dev-client

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

Community
Intermediate
AIBiz-AutomatyzacjeAIBiz-Automatyzacje
16

eas-app-stores

Build and submit Expo apps to the iOS App Store and Google Play using EAS.

Community
Intermediate
curtislmartincurtislmartin

asc-crash-triage

Diagnose TestFlight crashes and beta feedback using the asc CLI and App Store Connect credentials.

Community
Intermediate
aiguy611aiguy611

react-native-builder

Build and configure bare React Native projects with Xcode, Gradle, and Fastlane.

Community
Advanced