---
id: sm-expo-dev-client
name: "expo-dev-client"
url: https://skills.yangsir.net/skill/sm-expo-dev-client
author: expo
domain: mobile
tags: ["expo-go", "expo-development", "react-native-debugging", "mobile-app-testing", "development-workflow"]
install_count: 28100
rating: 4.60 (588 reviews)
github: https://github.com/expo/skills
---

# expo-dev-client

> 此技能集为Expo项目提供AI代理能力，特别支持Expo开发客户端的使用，优化移动应用的开发、调试和测试流程，提升开发效率。

**Stats**: 28,100 installs · 4.6/5 (588 reviews)

## Before / After 对比

### Expo 开发客户端使用对比

| Metric | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |

## Readme

# expo-dev-client

Use EAS Build to create development clients for testing native code changes on physical devices. Use this for creating custom Expo Go clients for testing branches of your app.

## Important: When Development Clients Are Needed

**Only create development clients when your app requires custom native code.** Most apps work fine in Expo Go.

You need a dev client ONLY when using:

- Local Expo modules (custom native code)

- Apple targets (widgets, app clips, extensions)

- Third-party native modules not in Expo Go

**Try Expo Go first** with `npx expo start`. If everything works, you don't need a dev client.

## EAS Configuration

Ensure `eas.json` has a development profile:

```
{
  "cli": {
    "version": ">= 16.0.1",
    "appVersionSource": "remote"
  },
  "build": {
    "production": {
      "autoIncrement": true
    },
    "development": {
      "autoIncrement": true,
      "developmentClient": true
    }
  },
  "submit": {
    "production": {},
    "development": {}
  }
}

```

Key settings:

- `developmentClient: true` - Bundles expo-dev-client for development builds

- `autoIncrement: true` - Automatically increments build numbers

- `appVersionSource: "remote"` - Uses EAS as the source of truth for version numbers

## Building for TestFlight

Build iOS dev client and submit to TestFlight in one command:

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

```

This will:

- Build the development client in the cloud

- Automatically submit to App Store Connect

- Send you an email when the build is ready in TestFlight

After receiving the TestFlight email:

- Download the build from TestFlight on your device

- Launch the app to see the expo-dev-client UI

- Connect to your local Metro bundler or scan a QR code

## Building Locally

Build a development client on your machine:

```
# iOS (requires Xcode)
eas build -p ios --profile development --local

# Android
eas build -p android --profile development --local

```

Local builds output:

- iOS: `.ipa` file

- Android: `.apk` or `.aab` file

## Installing Local Builds

Install iOS build on simulator:

```
# Find the .app in the .tar.gz output
tar -xzf build-*.tar.gz
xcrun simctl install booted ./path/to/App.app

```

Install iOS build on device (requires signing):

```
# Use Xcode Devices window or ideviceinstaller
ideviceinstaller -i build.ipa

```

Install Android build:

```
adb install build.apk

```

## Building for Specific Platform

```
# iOS only
eas build -p ios --profile development

# Android only
eas build -p android --profile development

# Both platforms
eas build --profile development

```

## Checking Build Status

```
# List recent builds
eas build:list

# View build details
eas build:view

```

## Using the Dev Client

Once installed, the dev client provides:

- **Development server connection** - Enter your Metro bundler URL or scan QR

- **Build information** - View native build details

- **Launcher UI** - Switch between development servers

Connect to local development:

```
# Start Metro bundler
npx expo start --dev-client

# Scan QR code with dev client or enter URL manually

```

## Troubleshooting

**Build fails with signing errors:**

```
eas credentials

```

**Clear build cache:**

```
eas build -p ios --profile development --clear-cache

```

**Check EAS CLI version:**

```
eas --version
eas update

```
Weekly Installs11.1KRepository[expo/skills](https://github.com/expo/skills)GitHub Stars1.5KFirst SeenJan 19, 2026Security Audits[Gen Agent Trust HubPass](/expo/skills/expo-dev-client/security/agent-trust-hub)[SocketPass](/expo/skills/expo-dev-client/security/socket)[SnykPass](/expo/skills/expo-dev-client/security/snyk)Installed onopencode8.1Kgithub-copilot8.1Kcodex7.8Kgemini-cli7.6Kcursor7.6Kclaude-code6.4K

---
*Source: https://skills.yangsir.net/skill/sm-expo-dev-client*
*Markdown mirror: https://skills.yangsir.net/api/skill/sm-expo-dev-client/markdown*