Run on Phone (Expo Go & PWA)
The Run on Phone button in the RapidNative header lets you open your app on a real phone in seconds. It surfaces two QR codes — one launches the app as a Progressive Web App, the other launches it as a real React Native build inside Expo Go.
For the in-browser Play button and the broader preview flow, see Play & Preview.
Run as Android/iOS app (Expo Go)
This is the closest thing to running a native build of your app without setting up a build pipeline.
Open your project in the RapidNative editor
Click Run on Phone in the header
Switch to the "Run as Android/iOS app" tab
Open Expo Go on your phone and scan the QR code
Your app loads and runs live on your device. Tap Reload Preview under the QR to refresh after edits.
- Download Expo Go from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Run as web app (PWA)
If your stakeholder doesn't have Expo Go and you don't want them to install anything, share the Run as web app QR instead. Scanning it with the phone camera opens your app as a Progressive Web App in the browser.
- Tap the share menu and choose Add to Home Screen for a native-feeling icon
- Works on iOS and Android with no app store account
- Same live build, just rendered in the browser engine instead of Expo Go
Sharing with others
Either QR is shareable. Pick the one that matches the audience:
- Expo Go QR for developers and anyone who already has the app installed. You get the closest-to-production rendering.
- PWA QR for clients, founders, or non-technical stakeholders. Zero setup, no app installs.
Your teammates don't need a RapidNative account either way.
Why it's valuable
- Test your app on a real device with zero setup
- Share a live preview with clients or teammates instantly
- No build process or deployment required
- Works on both iOS and Android, via Expo Go or PWA