Websites · How it works
What is EAS Build?
EAS Build is Expo's cloud service that compiles a React Native or Expo project into installable iOS and Android app binaries, handling signing credentials and native build tools on Expo servers. Its companion, EAS Submit, uploads those builds to App Store Connect and Google Play, so you can publish without setting up Xcode or Android Studio yourself.
Building an app for the stores used to mean a Mac with Xcode, Android Studio and a pile of signing certificates. EAS moves that work to the cloud and drives it from a few terminal commands.
Nuwan Madhusanka · Co-founder
3 min read · Published
- 1
Set up accounts
Create an Expo account, join the Apple Developer Program and register a Google Play developer account.
- 2
Install and log in
Install the EAS command line tool and run eas login with your Expo account.
- 3
Set the app identity
Confirm the app name and bundle identifier in the app config; they must match what you register in the stores.
- 4
Run eas build
Choose iOS, Android or both; EAS compiles signed binaries in the cloud and gives you download links.
- 5
Run eas submit
Upload the builds to App Store Connect and Google Play, then complete the store listings and send for review.
What EAS Build does
It takes your project, installs dependencies, runs the native build for each platform with the right tools, signs the app with credentials it can generate and store for you, and produces an iOS archive and an Android app bundle. Build profiles in an eas.json file set options for development, preview and production builds.
What EAS Submit does
It uploads a finished build to the store consoles, App Store Connect for Apple and the Play Console for Google, using credentials you provide or let EAS manage. Submission is not approval: after upload you still fill in listings, privacy details and screenshots, and the stores review the app.
What you still need
Your own Apple Developer Program membership, 99 USD a year, and a Google Play developer account, a one time 25 USD fee with identity verification. Store listings, a privacy policy, screenshots, test accounts for reviewers and, for new personal Google accounts, a closed test with testers before production.
Common mistakes
Changing the bundle identifier after the first store release, which creates a new app; running out of free build credits mid release; submitting before store listings are complete; and treating a successful build as approval, when review can still reject the app.
Where it shows up in OneCraft
The app builder for a Code mode site has a phone panel where you set the app name and bundle ID, with the EAS steps listed with copy buttons: eas login, eas build and eas submit. The project zip has the app config filled with your name and bundle ID. OneCraft never submits for you; builds and store accounts are yours.
Questions people ask
Is EAS Build free?
Expo offers a free tier with a limited number of builds per month and slower queues, and paid plans for more and faster builds. Store fees are separate: Apple charges for its developer programme yearly and Google charges a one time registration fee.
Do I need a Mac to use EAS Build for iOS?
No. EAS compiles iOS apps on its own machines, so you can run the commands from Windows, macOS or Linux. You still need an Apple Developer account for signing and submission, and testing on a real iPhone before release is strongly recommended.
Does EAS Submit publish my app to the store?
It uploads your build to the store console. Publishing still requires completing the listing, answering privacy and content questions, adding screenshots and passing review. Apple and Google decide whether and when the app goes live, and either can ask for changes before approving it.
What is a build profile?
A named set of options in eas.json, such as development, preview or production, controlling things like which credentials to use, the distribution method and environment values. Production builds are the ones you submit to the stores, while preview builds are handy for sharing with testers first.
Can I update my app without a store release?
EAS Update can deliver some JavaScript and asset changes to installed apps without a new store build, within store rules. Changes to native code, permissions or app identity still need a new build and review. Many small apps simply release new builds occasionally.
Make one with websites
The button opens the generator with this use case already described. Change the wording to match your own.
Create a website with OneCraftRelated questions
- What is Expo for React Native?What is Expo? An open source framework and set of services for building iPhone, Android and web apps with React Native from one codebase. How it fits together.
- What is a bundle ID?What is a bundle ID? The unique reverse domain identifier for an app, like com.yourbusiness.app, used by Apple and Google. Format, rules and why it stays.
- How much does the Apple Developer Program cost?Apple Developer Program cost: 99 USD a year for individuals and organisations, with waivers for some nonprofits. What it includes and what it does not.
Written and checked by the OneCraft team. Last checked .