Expo EAS Build

Expo EAS (Expo Application Services) Build is a cloud-based build service for React Native applications. Alternative to AppChef and CLI builds with Expo ecosystem integration.

Expo Documentation: docs.expo.dev/build

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Setup

1. Install Expo CLI and EAS CLI:

npm install -g expo-cli eas-cli

2. Create Expo account:

eas login

Or sign up at expo.dev/signup

3. Initialize EAS configuration:

cd /path/to/react-native-export
eas build:configure

Creates eas.json in project root.

4. Configure app.json:

{
  "expo": {
    "name": "My App",
    "slug": "my-app",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "ios": {
      "bundleIdentifier": "com.company.myapp",
      "buildNumber": "1"
    },
    "android": {
      "package": "com.company.myapp",
      "versionCode": 1
    }
  }
}

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Pricing

Free Plan:

• 30 builds per month
• Standard build queue
• Both Android and iOS

Production Plan ($29/month):

• Unlimited builds
• Priority queue
• Concurrent builds

Check current pricing: expo.dev/pricing

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Android Builds

Build command:

eas build --platform android --profile production

Keystore Setup

Generate new keystore (automatic):

Run build command, select "Generate new Android Keystore" when prompted. Expo generates and stores securely.

Upload existing keystore:

eas credentials

Select Android → Production → Upload Keystore

Provide:

• Keystore file
• Keystore password
• Key alias
• Key password

Build Output

APK (default for preview):

{
  "build": {
    "preview": {
      "android": {
        "buildType": "apk"
      }
    }
  }
}

AAB (for Play Store):

{
  "build": {
    "production": {
      "android": {
        "buildType": "app-bundle"
      }
    }
  }
}

Download: From expo.dev → Projects → Builds

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iOS Builds

Build command:

eas build --platform ios --profile production

Certificate Setup

Option 1: Automated (recommended)

Run build command, select "Generate new Apple credentials". Expo automatically:

• Generates distribution certificate
• Creates provisioning profile
• Stores securely

Option 2: Manual upload

eas credentials

Select iOS → Production → Upload Certificate

Provide:

• P12 certificate file
• P12 password
• Provisioning profile file

Build Output

IPA file for App Store, TestFlight, or device testing.

Download: From Expo dashboard after build completion.

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Build Profiles

Configure in eas.json:

Development:

{
  "build": {
    "development": {
      "developmentClient": true,
      "distribution": "internal"
    }
  }
}

Preview (internal testing):

{
  "build": {
    "preview": {
      "distribution": "internal"
    }
  }
}

Production (app stores):

{
  "build": {
    "production": {}
  }
}

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CI/CD Integration

Expo works with all major CI/CD platforms.

GitHub Actions example:

- name: Setup Expo
  uses: expo/expo-github-action@v8
  with:
    eas-version: latest
    token: ${{ secrets.EXPO_TOKEN }}

- name: Build Android
  run: eas build --platform android --profile production --non-interactive

Generate Expo token:

eas build:configure

Store token in CI secrets.

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Comparison with Other Methods

Feature	Expo EAS	AppChef	CLI
Setup	Expo CLI	Web browser	Node + SDKs
Cost	30 free/month	Free	Free
Build location	Expo cloud	WaveMaker cloud	Local
iOS builds	Any OS	Any OS	macOS only
Certificate management	Manual or automated	Manual	Manual
Build limits	30/month (free)	25 apps, 10 builds/app	Unlimited
Integration	Expo ecosystem	WaveMaker Studio	CI/CD

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When to Use Expo

Use Expo when:

• Using Expo SDK and libraries
• Want automated certificate management
• Need custom native code with expo-dev-client
• CI/CD pipeline with Expo CLI

Use AppChef or CLI instead when:

• WaveMaker-centric workflow
• No Expo ecosystem integration
• Want GUI-based builds (AppChef)
• Need unlimited builds without cost (CLI)

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Troubleshooting

Build Failed

View logs:

eas build:list
eas build:view [BUILD_ID]

Download logs from Expo dashboard.

Keystore/Certificate Issues

Android:

Verify keystore credentials correct.

iOS:

• Check P12 password
• Verify provisioning profile includes certificate
• Ensure bundle identifier matches

Build Limit Reached

Free plan: 30 builds/month limit

Solutions:

• Wait for monthly reset
• Upgrade to Production plan ($29/month)
• Use CLI builds locally (unlimited)

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Summary

• Setup: Expo CLI, EAS CLI, Expo account
• Build command: eas build --platform android/ios --profile production
• Certificates: Automated generation or manual upload
• Pricing: 30 builds/month (free), unlimited ($29/month)
• Download: From expo.dev dashboard
• Best for: Expo ecosystem integration, automated certificate management

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Related Documentation

Build Documentation:

• Overview – Build methods comparison
• AppChef – WaveMaker cloud builds alternative
• CLI – Local builds alternative
• Configuration – App settings

Publishing Documentation:

• Publishing Overview – Distribution channels
• Android Publishing – Upload AAB to Play Store
• iOS Publishing – Upload IPA to App Store
• Certificates and Signing – Certificate setup

External Resources:

• Expo Documentation – Official Expo ecosystem docs
• EAS Build Documentation – Cloud build service
• Expo Pricing – Build plans and pricing
• Expo CLI – Command-line interface