Expo Dev Client

Overview

A custom development client is a debug build of your app that includes your specific native modules and configuration. It replaces Expo Go when you need native code that Expo Go does not bundle.

Core principle: Use Expo Go for rapid prototyping. Switch to a dev client when you need custom native code, and use EAS Build to create and distribute it.

When to Use

Use a dev client when your app requires:

• Custom native modules not included in Expo Go (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, custom camera pipelines)
• Apple ecosystem integration (HealthKit, HomeKit, CarPlay, App Clips)
• Third-party native SDKs (Stripe native, Mapbox, Firebase Analytics with custom config)
• Custom native configuration (specific entitlements, background modes, custom URL schemes)
• Config plugins that modify native project files
• Expo Modules API for writing your own native modules