React Native Simulator Setup: iOS Simulator and Android Emulator

You do not need a phone on your desk to start, but you do need one before launch.

Direct answer

For iOS, use the iOS Simulator that comes with Xcode on a Mac. For Android, install Android Studio and create a virtual device in Device Manager. Start your project with npx expo start, then press i for iOS or a for Android. Test on a real device as well.

iOS Simulator

1. Install Xcode from the Mac App Store.
2. Open Xcode once and accept the licence.
3. Run npx expo start and press i.

Android Emulator

1. Install Android Studio.
2. Open Device Manager and create a virtual device.
3. Start the emulator.
4. Run npx expo start and press a.

Real devices

Install Expo Go, scan the QR code and make sure the phone and computer are on the same network.

Troubleshooting

• Emulator slow: enable hardware acceleration and give it enough memory.
• App not found: restart the dev server.
• Network errors: check Wi-Fi and firewalls.

Where Teyro fits

Teyro's React Native for Beginners course turns this into short lessons you can play in a few minutes a day. It has 80 lessons, and you can start free.

The bottom line

Simulators for speed, real devices for truth.

More guides

• What Is Expo? The Easiest Way to Start With React Native
• React Native Core Components
• React Native FlatList
• What is expo react native
• Debugging react native
• React Native for Beginners course