Publish Expo React Native App to App Stores

Ready to launch your Expo React Native app? Here's a quick guide to get your app into users' hands:

1. Prep your app:

   • Update app.json with name, version, icons
   • Test thoroughly
   • Follow store guidelines

2. Build your app:

   eas build --platform ios
   eas build --platform android
   

3. Submit to stores:

   eas submit -p ios
   eas submit -p android
   

4. Wait for review:

   • Apple: 1-3 days
   • Google: About 24 hours

5. Handle issues:

   • Fix rejections promptly
   • Use TestFlight for iOS betas

Step	iOS	Android
Account	$99/year	$25 one-time
Build	EAS Build	EAS Build
Submit	EAS Submit	EAS Submit
Review time	1-3 days	~24 hours

Remember: Test extensively, listen to users, and keep improving. Your app journey is just beginning!

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Before You Start

Let's get you set up for app publishing. You'll need a development environment and some accounts.

Setting up Expo CLI

First, install Node.js and npm:

1. Download Node.js from https://nodejs.org/
2. Install it (npm comes with it)
3. Check it's working:

node --version
npm --version

Now, install Expo CLI:

npm install -g expo-cli

Create a new project:

expo init NewProject
cd NewProject
npm start

Make sure your internet's good and your computer can handle it.

Getting Developer Accounts

You'll need accounts for both app stores:

Apple Developer Account

• Costs $99/year
• You need:
  • Apple ID with two-factor auth
  • Up-to-date personal info

To sign up:

1. Go to https://developer.apple.com/
2. Hit "Account"
3. Sign in
4. Agree to terms
5. Click "Enroll Now"
6. Pay up

It might take a day or two to get approved.

Google Play Developer Account

• One-time $25 fee
• You need:
  • Gmail account
  • 2-Step Verification on

To sign up:

1. Visit https://play.google.com/console/signup
2. Log in
3. Pick 'Organization or Business'
4. Enter your dev name
5. Set up payment
6. Fill out your details

Google might ask for more info to verify you.

Getting Your App Ready

Before submitting your Expo React Native app, you need to prep it. Let's cover the essentials.

Updating app.json

Your app.json file is key. Here's what to update:

• name: What users see
• slug: URL-friendly ID
• version: Your app's version
• icon: Path to your icon

For iOS:

• bundleIdentifier: Unique ID (e.g., com.yourcompany.appname)
• buildNumber: Build version string

For Android:

• package: Unique ID (like iOS bundleIdentifier)
• versionCode: Integer that increases with updates

Here's a basic app.json:

{
  "expo": {
    "name": "MyAwesomeApp",
    "slug": "my-awesome-app",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "icon": "./assets/icon.png",
    "ios": {
      "bundleIdentifier": "com.mycompany.myawesomeapp",
      "buildNumber": "1.0.0"
    },
    "android": {
      "package": "com.mycompany.myawesomeapp",
      "versionCode": 1
    }
  }
}

Meeting Store Guidelines

To avoid rejection, focus on:

1. Code Quality: Squash those bugs
2. Performance: Make it snappy
3. User Experience: Keep it intuitive
4. Content: Deliver on your promises
5. Privacy: Be clear about data use

Fun fact: Apple said "no" to 35% of apps from 2017 to 2019. To boost your chances:

• Test on different devices
• Lock down security
• Be honest in your app description
• Use eye-catching screenshots and icon

Building Your App

Your app is ready. Let's build it for the app stores using EAS Build, Expo's cloud service for app binaries.

Using EAS Build

First, install the EAS CLI:

npm install -g eas-cli

Then, build your app:

eas build --platform all

This builds for both iOS and Android. For a single platform:

• iOS: eas build --platform ios
• Android: eas build --platform android

EAS will handle app signing, create certificates (iOS), and generate a provisioning profile (iOS).

For iOS builds, you'll need your app's bundle identifier and Apple Developer account login.

Checking Build Progress

EAS CLI gives you a link to track progress. Click it to open the Expo dashboard.

You'll see:

• Build status
• Detailed logs
• Any errors

Build Status	Meaning
In Progress	Build running
Finished	Build successful
Failed	Build error

If your build fails, check the logs. Common issues include missing dependencies, wrong app.json configs, or JavaScript bundle errors.

To fix most issues, run:

npx expo-doctor

This tool checks for compatibility issues and suggests fixes.

Submitting to Apple App Store

Setting Up App Store Connect

Before you can submit your Expo React Native app to the Apple App Store, you need an App Store Connect account. Here's what to do:

1. Sign up for an Apple Developer account
2. Join the Apple Developer Program ($99/year)
3. Log in to App Store Connect
4. Add your new app

When adding your app, you'll need to provide:

• A unique name
• Primary language
• Bundle ID (from your app.json)
• SKU (can match your Bundle ID)

Can't use "Plants" as your app name? Try "PlantPal" or "GreenThumb Guide" instead.

Using EAS Submit for iOS

Ready to submit? EAS Submit makes it easy:

1. Install EAS CLI:

npm install -g eas-cli

2. Run:

eas submit -p ios

3. Follow the prompts

Set "usesNonExemptEncryption": false in your app.json to skip encryption questions next time.

After submitting, keep an eye on App Store Connect. Reviews usually take 1-3 days.

Step	What to Do
Prepare	Add screenshots, descriptions, keywords
Submit	Use EAS Submit or Transporter
Monitor	Check App Store Connect often
Respond	Fix any issues quickly
Release	Choose manual or auto-release

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Submitting to Google Play Store

Setting Up Google Play Console

To submit your Expo React Native app to Google Play Store:

1. Create a Google Developer Account ($25 one-time fee)
2. Log in to Google Play Console
3. Add your new app

Provide:

• App name
• Default language
• App or game classification
• Free or paid status

Using EAS Submit for Android

EAS Submit makes submission easier:

1. Install EAS CLI:

npm install -g eas-cli

2. Run:

eas submit -p android

3. Follow the prompts

Upload your app manually at least once before using EAS Submit.

Key submission steps:

Step	Description
Binary selection	Choose build or file
Package name	Verify Android package name
Service account	Provide JSON private key
Submission	EAS uploads to Google Play

Google's review takes about 24 hours.

Remember:

• Generate an upload key for app updates
• Use App Signing by Google Play
• Submit in AAB format
• Complete all required Google Play Console sections

A Google Play developer relations expert says: "Google Play's review is faster than Apple's, but thorough app testing is still crucial."

After Submission

Checking App Status

You've submitted your Expo React Native app. Now what?

Apple App Store:

The review takes 24-48 hours. Your app goes through these stages:

Status	Meaning
Waiting for Review	In the queue
In Review	Under active review
Accepted	Meets guidelines (might have minor issues)
Rejected	Doesn't meet guidelines

If rejected, don't sweat it. Use the Resolution Center in App Store Connect to fix and resubmit.

Google Play Store:

Google's review is faster - about 24 hours. Check status in the Google Play Console.

Planning App Updates

Your app's live. What's next?

1. Listen to users

Use tools like UXCam to spot UI/UX issues and get user feedback.

2. Fix what matters

Tackle critical bugs first, then improve features.

3. Use OTA updates

For small changes, use Expo's over-the-air updates. No app store review needed.

4. Big changes? New review

Major updates need another app store review.

5. Keep users in the loop

Use in-app notifications for update info and new features.

Always test before updating. Have a backup plan ready.

"OTA updates are a lifesaver for fixing production errors quickly", says an Expo dev advocate.

Tips for Success

Improving App Quality

Want to make your Expo React Native app better? Here's how:

1. Image handling

Use WebP images, lazy load them, and cache with react-native-fast-image.

2. Prevent re-renders

Memoize components, use useCallback, and pick FlatList over ScrollView for big lists.

3. Faster launch

Turn on Hermes, shrink your bundle, and watch your memory use.

4. Smooth animations

Set useNativeDriver: true and let animations run independently.

5. Debug like a pro

Try Flipper, use React Native's performance monitor, and hunt for memory leaks.

Writing Good App Descriptions

Your app description can make or break downloads. Here's what to do:

Part	What to do
Title	Short, catchy, with keywords
Short description	One-sentence app summary
Long description	Benefits, features, natural keywords
Visuals	4+ great screenshots, demo video
Icon	Stand-out app icon

Remember:

• Talk about user benefits
• Use keywords (but don't go crazy)
• Keep it simple
• Show off what's special
• Update based on user feedback

"Your app description is your pitch to potential users. Make every word count", says a Sensor Tower App Store pro.

Fixing Common Problems

Build Errors

Building your Expo React Native app and hit a snag? Here's how to fix some common issues:

1. Metro bundler connection error

Seeing ECONNREFUSED 127.0.0.1:19001? Try this:

rm -rf .expo

This wipes your local state. Also, check your network for firewalls or proxies.

2. Module AppRegistry not registered

Reproduce the production JS bundle locally:

npx expo start --no-dev --minify

3. SDK version issues

"XX.X.X is not a valid SDK version"? Upgrade to a supported SDK version.

4. React Native version mismatch

Check app.json and package.json. Make sure versions match to avoid bundling issues.

App Store Rejections

Got rejected? Don't panic. Here's what to do:

1. Understand why

Apple tells you why. Common reasons:

• Privacy policy problems
• Broken links
• Iffy content

2. Fix it

Rejection Reason	Fix
Privacy policy	Add clear policy explaining data use
Broken links	Test ALL links
Placeholder content	Remove ALL dummy stuff

3. Use TestFlight

For demos and betas, stick to TestFlight instead of the App Store.

4. Resubmit smart

Fixed everything? Resubmit. Be thorough to avoid multiple rejections.

"App Store reviews are tough, but they keep quality high. Test like crazy before submitting", says a seasoned iOS dev.

Conclusion

Publishing your Expo React Native app isn't a walk in the park. But don't sweat it. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Prep work: Update app.json, test like crazy, and follow store rules.

2. Build it: EAS Build is your friend.

eas build --platform ios
eas build --platform android

3. Submit: Use EAS submit for both platforms.

4. Troubleshoot: Common hiccups? Check this out:

Problem	Fix
Build fails	Check SDKs, clear cache
App rejected	Fix issues, try again
App crashes	Install all packages

5. Stay fresh: Use OTA for quick fixes. Big changes? Bump up that version number.

Heads up: Apple takes about a day to review. Google's usually quicker.

"React Native's a solid choice, but things can get tricky as your app grows. Stick with it - the tools and community are top-notch."

It's a journey, but you've got this. Keep improving, listen to your users, and don't be shy about asking for help. Before you know it, your app will be out there in the wild.

FAQs

How to upload React Native Expo app to App Store?

Here's how to get your React Native Expo app on the App Store:

1. Log into Expo
2. Check your app's on EAS servers
3. Make sure it's on App Store Connect
4. Register your Bundle ID on Apple Developer Portal
5. Set up your credentials
6. Run eas submit -p ios in your project folder

This command walks you through the whole process.

How to publish React Native app on Expo?

To publish your React Native app on Expo:

1. Log into Expo in your project terminal
2. Install eas-cli: npm install -g eas-cli
3. Create an Expo org
4. Make a new Expo project
5. Copy the project ID
6. Initialize it in your Expo project

How to publish to expo app store?

Publishing to the Expo app store is similar to the App Store:

1. Get your app on EAS servers
2. Check App Store Connect listing
3. Register your Bundle ID
4. Set up credentials
5. Pick which binary to submit

You'll need a paid developer account for this.

"EAS CLI makes submitting apps a breeze. It's a game-changer for developers", says an Expo dev advocate.

Double-check everything before you submit. It'll save you headaches and speed things up.