Scan a QR code and run your in-progress Expo app on your real iPhone or Android phone, with changes showing up live as you edit.
Put the app I'm building on my phone so I can tap around in it
How it works
- Install Expo Go on your phone: Vovy tells you to grab Expo Go from the App Store or Google Play. It is the free app that loads your project over Wi-Fi.
- Start the dev server: Vovy runs npx expo start in your project folder. Terminal shows a QR code that points your phone at your Mac.
- Scan the QR code: On iPhone you scan with the Camera app, on Android from inside Expo Go. Your app opens on the phone in a few seconds.
- Fix it if the phone cannot connect: If it hangs, Vovy checks both devices share Wi-Fi and restarts with npx expo start --tunnel, which routes around network blocks like office firewalls.
- Confirm live reload works: Vovy makes a tiny text change and you watch it appear on your phone. A card explains shake-to-open the dev menu.
What you provide
- An iPhone or Android phone
- An Expo project on your Mac
- The same Wi-Fi for both
What you get
- Your app running on your real phone
- Live updates as you edit
- A fix for connection problems
FAQ
Is this how users will install my app?
No. Expo Go is only for you while building. Real users get your app from TestFlight, the App Store or Google Play.
Why does it say my project is incompatible with Expo Go?
The store version of Expo Go only supports the newest Expo SDK. Upgrade your project or use a development build instead.
Does this cost anything?
No. Expo Go is free and you do not need an Apple Developer account for it.
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