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Learn how to create simulator builds for your Expo React Native app that work with Revyl’s testing platform.

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:
  • Expo CLI installed: npm install -g @expo/cli
  • EAS CLI installed: npm install -g eas-cli

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Setup

Navigate to your Expo project and initialize EAS Build: 
cd /path/to/your-expo-project
eas build:configure
This creates an eas.json configuration file in your project root.

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iOS Simulator Build

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Step 1: Configure iOS Build Profile

Update your eas.json file to include an iOS simulator build profile: 
{
  "build": {
    "ios-simulator": {
      "ios": {
        "simulator": true
      }
    },
    "production": {}
  }
}

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Step 2: Build for iOS

Run the build command for iOS: 
eas build -p ios --profile ios-simulator
EAS will process your build in the cloud. When completed, you’ll see output like: 
✔ Build finished
🍎 iOS simulator build:
https://expo.dev/artifacts/eas/abc123def456.tar.gz

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Step 3: Download and Extract

  1. Download the .tar.gz file from the provided URL
  2. Extract the archive (double-click on macOS or use terminal)
  3. Inside you’ll find your .app file ready for upload

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Step 4: Verify iOS Build

Test your build before uploading:
  1. Open iOS Simulator
  2. Drag the .app file onto the simulator
  3. The app should install and launch successfully
If manual testing doesn’t work, perform this quick check:
  • Right-click .app → Get Info → verify “Kind” shows iOS App (Simulator)

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Android Emulator Build

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Step 1: Configure Android Build Profile

Add an Android build profile to your eas.json: 
{
  "build": {
    "android-emulator": {
      "android": {
        "buildType": "apk"
      }
    },
    "production": {}
  }
}

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Step 2: Build for Android

Run the build command for Android: 
eas build -p android --profile android-emulator
When the build completes, you’ll receive: 
✔ Build finished
🤖 Android emulator build:
https://expo.dev/artifacts/eas/xyz789uvw012.apk

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Step 3: Download APK

Download the .apk file directly from the provided link. No extraction needed - the APK is ready to use.

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Step 4: Verify Android Build

Test your build before uploading:
  1. Start your Android Emulator
  2. Install with: adb install your-app.apk
  3. Launch the app to verify functionality
If manual testing doesn’t work, perform this quick check:
  • Confirm .apk file extension and reasonable file size

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Build Both Platforms Simultaneously

You can build for both platforms at once by creating a universal profile: 
{
  "build": {
    "simulator-builds": {
      "ios": {
        "simulator": true
      },
      "android": {
        "buildType": "apk"
      }
    }
  }
}
Then run: 
eas build --platform all --profile simulator-builds
Your builds are now ready for upload to Revyl. We’ll automatically handle compression if needed.

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Next Steps

  1. Check out Uploading your app for more detailed instructions on how to upload your new build!

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Check your Expo account build credits and quotas
  • Verify all dependencies are listed in package.json
  • Review error logs in the EAS Build dashboard
  • Ensure your eas.json syntax is valid
  • Confirm you fully extracted the .tar.gz file
  • Drag the .app file itself, not its containing folder
  • Check simulator iOS version compatibility
  • Restart iOS Simulator if needed
  • Verify emulator is running: adb devices
  • Clear emulator storage if full
  • Try force reinstall: adb install -r your-app.apk
  • Re-download APK if file appears corrupted

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Additional Resources

Need help? Contact our support team at [email protected].