Learn how to create a debug/development APK for your Expo project locally, without using EAS (Expo Application Services). This step-by-step tutorial will show you:
1. How to set up your Expo project for local builds
2. Required tools and dependencies
3. Commands to generate the debug APK
4. Common troubleshooting tips
Want to jump straight to the main process? Skip to 2:00
Quick steps overview:
1. Run pnpm expo prebuild (add your package name if prompted)
2. Execute pnpm expo run:android --variant debug
3. Locate your APK in android/app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk
4. Install the APK on your Android device or emulator using the adb install command
5. For later development use, pnpm start -d
