Essential Expo and EAS Commands Every React Native App Developer Should Know

As a React Native app developer, one of the most powerful toolchains I rely on is Expo Application Services (EAS). EAS streamlines the way we build, test, and deliver apps, taking care of the complex native build steps that often trip up even experienced teams. For developers, it means faster iteration and fewer headaches when dealing with app stores. For clients, it translates into quicker releases, fewer delays, and confidence that your app can scale smoothly from the first prototype to production-ready builds.

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But like any powerful tool, EAS comes with its own quirks. Knowing the right commands — and the gotchas that come with them — makes the difference between a smooth development cycle and wasted hours troubleshooting. In this article, I’ll walk through the most common Expo and EAS commands I use as a React Native app developer, highlighting not just what they do, but why they matter to the success of your project.

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These are some commands I use very often for developing React Native apps with Expo. Keep in mind some additional packages such as expo-dev-client and expo-updates may be required. You may also need to update your eas.json channels.

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Previewing your App Locally

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expo start -c

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The -c flag just clears the cache, which I find helpful. In the latest version of Expo it will prompt you to run the development build or inside Expo Go. You can also just add the –dev-client flag to your command if you’d like to run your app in your development build.

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Creating a Dev Build

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eas build --profile development

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Creating a Dev Build for iOS Simulators

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eas build --profile development-simulator --platform ios

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This will require a separate “development-simulator” profile with some additional configuration inside your eas.json file.

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ESA Updates

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eas update

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Updates are self-explanatory but can be used, also to distribute your app internally whiteout having to run a local server. You will need expo-updates installed for this one.

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Submit your App to the GooglePlay and App Stores

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eas submit

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This will bundle your build and send it to the appropriate store for people to download and enjoy!

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Mastering Expo and EAS isn’t just about knowing the commands — it’s about understanding how to avoid pitfalls and keep projects moving forward without costly delays. If you’re looking for a React Native app developer who can deliver high-quality apps while steering clear of common roadblocks, let’s talk. I’d love to hear about your project and help you bring it to life with the right tools and expertise.