# ios-expo-go-dev

> Hot reload development on iPad/iPhone from Windows using Expo Go.

- Author: Mason Campbell
- Repository: zekkathura/10K_Project
- Version: 20260124180122
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-07
- Source: https://github.com/zekkathura/10K_Project
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@zekkathura/10K_Project~ios-expo-go-dev:20260124180122

---

# iOS Expo Go Development (Windows - No Mac Required)

Hot reload development on iPad/iPhone from Windows using Expo Go.

**Key Rule:** Use `--go` flag and tunnel mode. Connect via Safari URL, not QR code.

## Prerequisites

- **Expo Go** installed on iPad/iPhone (App Store, free)
- Both devices on same network OR use tunnel mode (recommended)
- No Mac required - this uses Expo Go, not native builds

## Quick Start

### Step 1: Kill Existing Processes

```bash
npx kill-port 8081
```

### Step 2: Start Expo with Correct Flags

```bash
cd c:\Users\blink\Documents\10K\10k-scorekeeper
npx expo start --tunnel --clear --go
```

| Flag | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `--tunnel` | Routes through Expo servers (bypasses network issues) |
| `--clear` | Clears Metro cache (use after .env or config changes) |
| `--go` | **Critical:** Forces Expo Go mode instead of development build |

### Step 3: Connect iPad

1. Find the URL in terminal after "Metro waiting on":
   ```
   › Metro waiting on exp://abc123-tuesdaylabs-8081.exp.direct
   ```

2. On iPad, open **Safari** (not Camera, not Expo Go directly)

3. Type in Safari address bar:
   ```
   exp://abc123-tuesdaylabs-8081.exp.direct
   ```
   (Use the actual URL from your terminal)

4. Safari prompts "Open in Expo Go?" → Tap Open

5. App loads with hot reload enabled

### Step 4: Develop

- Edit code on Windows → saves automatically reload on iPad
- Press `r` in terminal to force reload
- Press `m` to toggle dev menu

## Why These Specific Steps?

### Why `--go` flag?

This project has `expo-dev-client` installed, which makes Expo default to "development build" mode. Without `--go`:

- Terminal shows: `› Using development build`
- QR code generates `exp+10k-scorekeeper://...` URL
- Expo Go can't open it (expects a custom dev client app)

With `--go`:
- Terminal shows: `› Using Expo Go`
- QR code generates simple `exp://...` URL
- Expo Go opens it correctly

### Why Tunnel Mode?

Local network issues are common:
- iPad on WiFi, PC on ethernet → router may isolate them
- Firewall blocking port 8081
- Different subnets

Tunnel routes through Expo's servers, bypassing all local network issues.

### Why Safari Instead of Camera/QR?

iOS Camera app often fails with Expo QR codes:
- Shows "QR code detected" then "No usable data found"
- Even with tunnel mode, iOS may not recognize `exp://` scheme from Camera

Typing the URL directly in Safari works reliably.

## Troubleshooting

### "No usable data found" when scanning QR

**Cause:** iOS Camera doesn't recognize the URL scheme.

**Solution:** Type the URL manually in Safari with `exp://` prefix.

### "Parse manifest JSON: data isn't in correct format"

**Cause:** Version mismatch or stale cache.

**Solution:**
```bash
npx kill-port 8081
npx expo start --tunnel --clear --go
```

### Still Shows "Using development build"

**Cause:** `--go` flag not included.

**Solution:** Make sure command includes `--go`:
```bash
npx expo start --tunnel --clear --go
```

### Port Already in Use

**Solution:**
```bash
npx kill-port 8081 8082 8083
```

### iPad Can't Connect (Timeout)

**Cause:** Network isolation or firewall.

**Solution:** Use `--tunnel` flag (routes through Expo servers).

### Wrong URL Format

| Mode | URL Format | Opens In |
|------|------------|----------|
| Expo Go (correct) | `exp://xxx.exp.direct` | Expo Go app |
| Dev Build (wrong) | `exp+10k-scorekeeper://...` | Custom dev client |

If you see `exp+10k-scorekeeper://`, press `s` in terminal or restart with `--go`.

## Comparison: iOS vs Android

| Aspect | Android | iOS (iPad/iPhone) |
|--------|---------|-------------------|
| App | Expo Go (Play Store) | Expo Go (App Store) |
| QR Code | Works via Camera | Often fails |
| Connect Method | Scan QR or enter URL | **Safari URL only** (recommended) |
| Command | `npx expo start --tunnel --go` | Same |
| Hot Reload | Yes | Yes |
| Network | LAN or tunnel | **Tunnel recommended** |

## Full Command Reference

```bash
# Standard iOS development (recommended)
npx expo start --tunnel --clear --go

# If tunnel not needed (same WiFi, no isolation)
npx expo start --clear --go

# Kill ports before starting
npx kill-port 8081 && npx expo start --tunnel --clear --go
```

## Limitations of Expo Go

Expo Go is convenient but has limits:
- Cannot test custom native modules not in Expo SDK
- Cannot test push notifications (need development build)
- Some native features unavailable

If you hit these limits, you need a **development build** (custom dev client) which requires:
- One-time EAS build: `npx eas-cli build --profile development --platform ios`
- Install via TestFlight
- Then hot reload works with that custom client

## Expected Console Output

Normal startup shows:
```
iOS Bundled 6973ms index.js (876 modules)
WARN  The global process.env.EXPO_OS is not defined...
WARN  🚨 React Native's New Architecture is always enabled in Expo Go...
```

These warnings are normal and don't affect development.