Develop

Expo for React Native

Updated: Sep 8, 2026

Meta Horizon OS is built on AOSP, so React Native apps use the familiar Android development workflow. With Expo, you can use the same project, CLI, Metro server, and Fast Refresh workflow you use for Android, iOS, or web, with Meta VR devices as another development target.

How Expo works on Meta VR devices

Your core Expo workflow works the same on Meta VR devices:

Create and manage a standard Expo project.
Use Expo CLI and Metro.
Preview changes with Expo Go.
Use Fast Refresh while developing.
Submit your app to the store with Expo Launch.

To create a native Quest build, add expo-horizon-core. It configures your app for Horizon OS and provides Quest build variants.

Choose your development loop

Development loop	Use it for
Expo Go	Quickly preview JavaScript and UI changes
Development build	Test Horizon OS configuration and native functionality on a physical device or Meta Spatial Simulator

Expo Go

Install Expo Go from the Meta Horizon Store⁠, start Metro, and scan the QR code from your device:

npx expo start

Your app opens in a new window and updates through Fast Refresh.

The Expo SDK version in your project must match the version supported by Expo Go. Expo Go does not apply expo-horizon-core settings or include Horizon OS-specific or custom native modules.

Development builds

An Expo development build is a debug APK of your app that includes its native configuration and modules. Use one when your app needs expo-horizon-core, Horizon OS features, or custom native modules.

Follow Build an Expo app to create the questDebug APK. You can then install the APK on your device or Meta Spatial Simulator.

Development builds still use Metro and Fast Refresh. Rebuild the APK only when native dependencies or configuration change.

Use Expo Launch to submit to Release Channels or the Meta Horizon Store

Use Expo Launch⁠ to build and share your Expo app through Release Channels, or submit to the Meta Horizon Store. Expo Launch takes your project, creates a production build, and guides you through the submission process. You must first create a new app in the Developer Dashboard. Expo Launch prompts you for the App ID and secret, which are both available in the Developer Dashboard.