> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/expo/expo/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Expo Go

> Understanding Expo Go: features, limitations, and when to use it

Expo Go is a pre-built sandbox app that lets you try Expo and prototype apps without building native projects. It's the fastest way to get started with Expo development.

## What is Expo Go?

Expo Go is a free, open-source app available on iOS and Android that includes a pre-configured runtime with many Expo SDK modules built-in. It allows you to load and run Expo projects by scanning a QR code.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Instant Preview" icon="bolt">
    Scan a QR code and see your app running in seconds
  </Card>

  <Card title="No Build Required" icon="circle-xmark">
    Skip Xcode and Android Studio setup completely
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hot Reload" icon="arrows-rotate">
    See changes instantly with Fast Refresh
  </Card>

  <Card title="50+ SDK Modules" icon="cubes">
    Camera, Location, Sensors, and more included
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Installation

Download Expo Go from your device's app store:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="iOS" icon="apple" href="https://apps.apple.com/app/expo-go/id982107779">
    Download from the App Store
  </Card>

  <Card title="Android" icon="android" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=host.exp.exponent">
    Download from Google Play
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How to Use Expo Go

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create or open a project">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npx create-expo-app my-app
    cd my-app
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start development server">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npx expo start
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan QR code">
    * **iOS**: Use the Camera app to scan the QR code
    * **Android**: Open Expo Go and tap "Scan QR code"
  </Step>

  <Step title="App loads in Expo Go">
    Your app opens and connects to the development server
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Your device and computer must be on the same WiFi network. If they're not, use `npx expo start --tunnel`.
</Info>

## What's Included

Expo Go comes with these SDK modules pre-installed:

### Core Modules

* **expo-asset** - Asset loading system
* **expo-constants** - App and device constants
* **expo-file-system** - File system access
* **expo-font** - Custom fonts
* **expo-keep-awake** - Prevent screen sleep

### Device Features

* **expo-camera** - Camera access
* **expo-location** - GPS and location
* **expo-sensors** - Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
* **expo-battery** - Battery information
* **expo-device** - Device information
* **expo-brightness** - Screen brightness control

### Media & UI

* **expo-image** - Optimized image component
* **expo-image-picker** - Select photos and videos
* **expo-video** - Video playback
* **expo-audio** - Audio playback and recording
* **expo-blur** - Blur effects
* **expo-glass-effect** - Glass morphism (iOS 18+)
* **expo-symbols** - SF Symbols (iOS)

### Storage & Network

* **expo-sqlite** - SQLite database
* **expo-secure-store** - Encrypted storage
* **expo-network** - Network information
* **expo-linking** - Deep linking

### Authentication

* **expo-auth-session** - OAuth flows
* **expo-apple-authentication** - Sign in with Apple
* **expo-local-authentication** - Biometric auth

### Utilities

* **expo-barcode-scanner** - Scan barcodes and QR codes
* **expo-clipboard** - Clipboard access
* **expo-haptics** - Haptic feedback
* **expo-web-browser** - In-app browser
* **expo-sharing** - Share content
* **expo-calendar** - Calendar access
* **expo-contacts** - Contacts access

<Accordion title="See full module list">
  For a complete list of modules included in Expo Go, see the [Expo SDK documentation](https://docs.expo.dev/versions/latest/).

  Note: The exact list depends on the Expo SDK version. Expo Go typically includes the latest stable SDK.
</Accordion>

## Limitations

Expo Go has important limitations you should understand:

<Warning>
  **Cannot add custom native code**

  You cannot:

  * Add custom Swift/Kotlin/Objective-C/Java code
  * Modify native project files (Info.plist, AndroidManifest.xml)
  * Change native build settings
  * Add custom CocoaPods or Gradle dependencies
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Limited to included modules**

  You can only use:

  * Modules pre-installed in Expo Go
  * Pure JavaScript libraries
  * React Native core components

  You cannot use:

  * Third-party native libraries (unless in Expo Go)
  * Custom native modules
  * Many popular React Native libraries
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Configuration restrictions**

  Some app.json settings don't apply in Expo Go:

  * App icon and splash screen (uses Expo Go branding)
  * Bundle identifier / package name
  * Native permissions (uses Expo Go's permissions)
  * Push notification configuration
</Warning>

### What You Can't Do

* Use `react-native-firebase`
* Add custom fonts via native configuration
* Use native payment SDKs
* Integrate analytics that require native code
* Use libraries with native dependencies not in Expo Go
* Test app icons and splash screens
* Test push notifications with your own credentials

## When to Use Expo Go

<Check>
  **Perfect for:**

  * Learning Expo and React Native
  * Rapid prototyping
  * Demos and presentations
  * Quick testing on device
  * Tutorials and workshops
  * Apps using only Expo SDK modules
</Check>

<Warning>
  **Not suitable for:**

  * Production apps
  * Apps requiring custom native code
  * Apps using third-party native libraries
  * Testing platform-specific features
  * Apps with specific branding requirements
  * Complex native integrations
</Warning>

## Transitioning from Expo Go

When you outgrow Expo Go, transition to development builds:

### Option 1: Local Development Build

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate native projects">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npx expo prebuild
    ```

    This creates `ios/` and `android/` directories.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install dependencies">
    ```bash theme={null}
    # iOS
    npx pod-install

    # Android (automatic)
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run on device/simulator">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npx expo run:ios
    npx expo run:android
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Option 2: EAS Build (Cloud)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install EAS CLI">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npm install -g eas-cli
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure EAS">
    ```bash theme={null}
    eas build:configure
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create development build">
    ```bash theme={null}
    eas build --profile development --platform ios
    eas build --profile development --platform android
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install on device">
    Download and install the build on your device
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Development builds work just like Expo Go, but with your exact dependencies and configuration.
</Info>

## Development Workflow Comparison

### Expo Go

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Write Code] --> B[Save]
    B --> C[Expo Go Reloads]
    C --> D[See Changes]
    D --> A
```

**Pros:**

* Instant setup
* No build process
* Fast iteration
* Easy sharing

**Cons:**

* Module limitations
* No custom native code
* Can't test final app

### Development Build

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Write Code] --> B[Save]
    B --> C{Native Changes?}
    C -->|No| D[Fast Refresh]
    C -->|Yes| E[Rebuild App]
    E --> D
    D --> F[See Changes]
    F --> A
```

**Pros:**

* Any native module
* Custom native code
* Full configuration
* Test production features

**Cons:**

* Requires build step
* Longer setup time
* Need native tools (or EAS)

## Common Scenarios

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I use Expo Go for production?" icon="circle-question">
    No. Expo Go is a development tool only. For production:

    1. Create a development build or use `expo prebuild`
    2. Build for production with EAS Build or locally
    3. Submit to app stores

    Your production app will be standalone, not running in Expo Go.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I add a library not in Expo Go?" icon="plus">
    You need to create a development build:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Install the library
    npx expo install react-native-library

    # Generate native projects
    npx expo prebuild

    # Build and run
    npx expo run:ios
    ```

    Or use EAS Build to build in the cloud.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I share my app with others using Expo Go?" icon="share">
    Yes! If your app works in Expo Go, others can try it:

    1. Publish your app:
       ```bash theme={null}
       eas update
       ```

    2. Share the URL or QR code

    3. They scan with Expo Go

    This only works if your app doesn't use custom native code.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does my app work in Expo Go but not in production?" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    Common reasons:

    * Using development-only features
    * Hardcoded localhost URLs
    * Missing permissions in app.json
    * Environment-specific code
    * Different bundle identifiers

    Always test with a development build before production.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Debugging in Expo Go

### Developer Menu

Access the developer menu by:

* **iOS**: Shake device or press Cmd+D (simulator)
* **Android**: Shake device or press Cmd+M / Ctrl+M (emulator)
* **Terminal**: Press `m` where `expo start` is running

**Menu options:**

* Reload
* Toggle Element Inspector
* Toggle Performance Monitor
* Debug Remote JS (legacy)
* Open React DevTools

### Console Logs

View logs in multiple places:

1. **Terminal** where you ran `expo start`
2. **React DevTools** (press `j` in terminal)
3. **Expo Go app** (shake device, tap "Show Dev Menu", "Debug Remote JS")

```tsx theme={null}
console.log('Info message');
console.warn('Warning message');
console.error('Error message');
```

### Element Inspector

1. Shake device
2. Tap "Toggle Element Inspector"
3. Tap any UI element to inspect

## Tips & Tricks

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Speed up development" icon="bolt">
    * Enable Fast Refresh (on by default)
    * Keep Expo Go open between changes
    * Use `r` to manually reload if needed
    * Clear Metro cache if things seem broken:
      ```bash theme={null}
      npx expo start --clear
      ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Test on multiple devices" icon="mobile">
    1. Start dev server: `npx expo start`
    2. Open Expo Go on multiple devices
    3. Scan the same QR code
    4. All devices update together!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Work offline" icon="wifi">
    Expo Go requires network connection to load apps. For offline development:

    1. Create a development build
    2. Load the build on your device
    3. Develop offline (build includes all code)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Share with team" icon="users">
    Share your app easily:

    1. Run `eas update` to publish
    2. Share the project URL
    3. Team members scan with Expo Go
    4. Everyone sees the same version
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Development Workflow" icon="code" href="/core-concepts/development-workflow">
    Master the development cycle
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create a Project" icon="folder-plus" href="/tutorial/create-project">
    Build your first app
  </Card>

  <Card title="Development Builds" icon="hammer" href="https://docs.expo.dev/develop/development-builds/">
    Go beyond Expo Go
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build & Deploy" icon="rocket" href="/tutorial/build-and-deploy">
    Ship to production
  </Card>
</CardGroup>