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Android Development Setup

Set up your development environment to build and run React Native applications on Android devices and emulators.

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:
  • Node.js (^20.19.4 || ^22.13.0 || ^24.3.0 || >= 25.0.0)
  • Java Development Kit (JDK) 17 or newer
  • Android Studio
  • Android SDK

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Installing Android Studio

1

Download Android Studio

Download and install Android Studio from developer.android.com.
2

Install Android SDK

During installation, make sure the following components are selected:
  • Android SDK
  • Android SDK Platform
  • Android Virtual Device (AVD)
3

Configure SDK Manager

Open Android Studio, go to Settings > Appearance & Behavior > System Settings > Android SDK.Install the following SDK tools:
  • Android SDK Platform 35 or higher
  • Android SDK Build-Tools
  • Android SDK Platform-Tools
  • Android SDK Command-line Tools

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Environment Variables

Configure your environment variables to point to the Android SDK: 
export ANDROID_HOME=$HOME/Library/Android/sdk
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/emulator
export PATH=$PATH:$ANDROID_HOME/platform-tools

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Gradle Configuration

React Native uses Gradle as its build system. The main configuration is in android/build.gradle: 
buildscript {
    ext {
        buildToolsVersion = "35.0.0"
        minSdkVersion = 24
        compileSdkVersion = 35
        targetSdkVersion = 35
    }
    repositories {
        google()
        mavenCentral()
    }
    dependencies {
        classpath("com.android.tools.build:gradle:8.12.0")
        classpath("org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin")
    }
}

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Key Gradle Properties

Configure your gradle.properties file: 
# Use AndroidX library
android.useAndroidX=true

# Enable Hermes JavaScript engine
hermesEnabled=true

# Enable New Architecture
newArchEnabled=false

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Android Manifest Configuration

Your AndroidManifest.xml requires specific permissions and configurations: 
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW"/>
    
    <application
        android:name=".MainApplication"
        android:allowBackup="false"
        android:theme="@style/AppTheme">
        <activity
            android:name=".MainActivity"
            android:configChanges="keyboard|keyboardHidden|orientation|screenSize|uiMode"
            android:launchMode="singleTask"
            android:windowSoftInputMode="adjustResize"
            android:exported="true">
            <intent-filter>
                <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
                <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
            </intent-filter>
        </activity>
    </application>
</manifest>

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MainApplication Configuration

Implement the ReactApplication interface in your main application class: 
package com.yourapp

import android.app.Application
import com.facebook.react.ReactApplication
import com.facebook.react.ReactHost
import com.facebook.react.ReactNativeHost
import com.facebook.react.ReactPackage
import com.facebook.react.defaults.DefaultReactHost
import com.facebook.react.defaults.DefaultReactNativeHost
import com.facebook.soloader.SoLoader

class MainApplication : Application(), ReactApplication {

    override val reactNativeHost: ReactNativeHost =
        object : DefaultReactNativeHost(this) {
            override fun getPackages(): List<ReactPackage> =
                listOf(
                    // Add your packages here
                )

            override fun getJSMainModuleName(): String = "index"

            override fun getUseDeveloperSupport(): Boolean = BuildConfig.DEBUG

            override val isNewArchEnabled: Boolean = BuildConfig.IS_NEW_ARCHITECTURE_ENABLED
            override val isHermesEnabled: Boolean = BuildConfig.IS_HERMES_ENABLED
        }

    override val reactHost: ReactHost
        get() = DefaultReactHost.getDefaultReactHost(applicationContext, reactNativeHost)

    override fun onCreate() {
        super.onCreate()
        SoLoader.init(this, false)
    }
}

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Running on Android

1

Start Metro bundler

npx react-native start
2

Run on device or emulator

npx react-native run-android

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Common Build Issues

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Gradle Sync Failed

If Gradle sync fails, try: 
cd android
./gradlew clean
cd ..

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SDK Version Mismatch

Ensure your compileSdkVersion matches the installed SDK: 
android {
    compileSdkVersion 35
    
    defaultConfig {
        minSdkVersion 24
        targetSdkVersion 35
    }
}

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Native Modules Cache

Clear React Native cache: 
npx react-native start --reset-cache

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Next Steps

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