In this article, I am going to share the steps to install an Expo app on a phone for anyone for a an Expo.
Due to restrictions of Apple, people can’t use the Expo to install the app on anyone’s phone. But if a developer wants to share the React Native app he or she made with Expo, he or she could use TestFlight to install the app on anyone’s iPhone.
You will need to join the Apple Developer Membership first, which is $99 a year. Then build the app to a .ipa file, created an app on App Store Connect, upload the .ipa with Transporter, finally invite users via email and have them install TestFlight app on their phone to download your app.
Enroll in Apple Developer Program
click this link to enroll. Btw, after enrolling, you can invite other users as admin.
Create the app in App Store Connect
You will need to create the app in App Store Connect and provide screenshots , icons and other metadata.
For screenshots, at minimum you need to provide screenshots for 6.5" and 5.5" screen sizes iPhones:
To generate the icon, you can google for “app icon generator”.
Build .ipa
follow the direction here on the Expo doc to build the .ipa file.
Upload .ipa
follow the direction here to upload the .ipa with Transporter (download it from the App Store).
Waiting for processing
After uploading, the app won’t be immediately available. It will be in processing state. I remember you need to wait about 5–15min.
Invite users
Add user in the Internal Testing.
