How to Effectively Clear Cache in React Native Using Expo

How to Effectively Clear Cache in React Native Using Expo

17 December 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Working with React Native and Expo can sometimes lead to performance issues, such as slow start times or the packager getting stuck. One common solution to these problems is clearing the cache. This guide will walk you through the steps to reset the cache in Expo, ensuring smooth and quick startup of your React Native app.

Understanding the Cache Issue

Over time, as you develop your React Native app, the cache can accumulate data that may slow down the startup process. If your app takes longer to start or gets stuck on “Starting packager…”, it might be time to clear the cache.

Steps to Clear Cache in Expo

For Expo 46 and Above

Use the following command to clear the cache for Expo versions 46 and above:

npx expo start --clear

This command will reset the cache and start the packager fresh.

For Expo 45 and Below

If you are using an older version of Expo, you can clear the cache with:

expo r -c

This will achieve the same result as the command above, but is specific to older Expo versions.

Additional Cache Clearing Methods

For users who are building their app using the Expo Application Services (EAS), you can clear the build cache with:

npx eas build -p ios --clear-cache
npx eas build -p android --clear-cache

These commands are useful for ensuring that the build cache is also reset, which can be particularly helpful if you encounter issues during the build process.

Conclusion

Clearing the cache in Expo is a straightforward process that can significantly improve the performance and startup time of your React Native app. By using the appropriate commands based on your Expo version, you can maintain a smooth development workflow.

Enhancing Your Testing Workflow

If you’re looking to optimize your testing process for React Native apps, consider using Repeato. This no-code test automation tool allows you to efficiently create, run, and maintain automated tests for your iOS and Android applications. With its computer vision and AI capabilities, Repeato offers a fast and reliable testing solution that can seamlessly integrate into your development cycle.

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