Resolving the “java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: couldn’t find DSO to load: libhermes.so” Error in React Native

Resolving the "java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: couldn't find DSO to load: libhermes.so" Error in React Native

17 December 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

If you’ve recently updated your React Native project and encountered the “java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: couldn’t find DSO to load: libhermes.so” error, you’re not alone. This is a common issue faced by developers upgrading to newer versions of React Native. In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions to help you resolve this error and get your application running smoothly again.

Understanding the Error

This error typically occurs when there’s a misconfiguration in your project’s build files, particularly related to the Hermes JavaScript engine or missing dependencies. Hermes is an open-source JavaScript engine optimized for running React Native apps on Android.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Modify build.gradle Files

Ensure that your app/build.gradle file is correctly set up to handle Hermes and other dependencies. Here’s a configuration that has been effective for many developers:


project.ext.react = [
    enableHermes: false, // Change to true if you want to enable Hermes
]

def jscFlavor = 'org.webkit:android-jsc:+'
def enableHermes = project.ext.react.get("enableHermes", false)

dependencies {
    implementation fileTree(dir: "libs", include: ["*.jar"])
    implementation "com.facebook.react:react-native:+"
    
    if (enableHermes) {
        def hermesPath = "../../node_modules/hermes-engine/android/"
        debugImplementation files(hermesPath + "hermes-debug.aar")
        releaseImplementation files(hermesPath + "hermes-release.aar")
    } else {
        implementation jscFlavor
    }
}

2. Add Hermes Maven Repository

Make sure the Hermes Maven repository is included in your root build.gradle file:


maven {
    url("$rootDir/../node_modules/jsc-android/dist")
}

3. Clean Your Build

Sometimes, a clean build is all you need to resolve the issue. Run the following commands in your terminal:


cd android
./gradlew clean

4. Additional Configurations

If the above solutions do not work, consider checking the following:

  • Ensure all necessary dependencies are included in your build.gradle files.
  • Verify that your project’s minSdkVersion and other configurations align with the requirements of your React Native version.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: couldn’t find DSO to load: libhermes.so” error. As React Native continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest documentation and community solutions is crucial.

Enhance Your Development with Repeato

For developers looking to streamline their testing process, consider using Repeato, a no-code test automation tool designed for iOS and Android applications. With Repeato, you can efficiently create, run, and maintain automated tests for your apps, leveraging computer vision and AI. This tool is particularly beneficial for React Native projects, offering an easy-to-use interface that accelerates your development workflow. Learn more about setting up virtual test devices in our documentation.

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