Part 1 — Install Expo Environment on Windows

Before building your app, you need to install a few essential tools on your Windows computer.

1️⃣ Install Node.js

First, install Node.js, which is required to run JavaScript development tools.

1. Open your browser and go to:
   https://nodejs.org

2. Download the LTS (Long Term Support) version.

3. Run the installer and complete the installation.

After installation, verify that Node.js is installed correctly.

Open Command Prompt and run:

If version numbers appear, Node.js and npm are installed successfully.

2️⃣ Install Expo Project Creator

Next, install the tool used to create Expo projects.

Run this command in Command Prompt:

This installs the create-expo-app tool globally.

3️⃣ Install EAS CLI (Required for APK and Play Store Builds)

Expo now uses EAS Build to generate APK and AAB files.

Install it using:

Verify installation:

If a version number appears, the installation was successful.

Part 2 — Open Your Existing App Source Code

If you created your app using Replit AI, download the project source code.

Steps

1️⃣ Download the source code ZIP from Replit
2️⃣ Extract the ZIP file on your computer

Example project folder:

Part 3 — Open the Project Folder in Terminal

Open Command Prompt and navigate to your project folder.

Example:

Now your terminal is working inside the Expo project.

Part 4 — Install Project Dependencies

Before running the project, install all required packages.

Run:

This installs all dependencies required for the application.

Part 5 — Run the App Using Expo Go

Start the development server:

A QR code will appear.

Test the App on Your Phone

1. Install Expo Go from the Play Store.

2. Open the Expo Go app.

3. Scan the QR code.

Your app will instantly load on your phone.

This method allows you to test your app without building an APK file.

Part 6 — Login to Expo

To generate APK or Play Store builds, you need an Expo account.

Login using:

If you don’t have an account, create one at:

https://expo.dev

Part 7 — Configure the Build

Inside your project folder run:

This command creates the configuration file:

When prompted, select:

Your project is now ready for Android builds.

Part 8 — Build APK File

To generate an APK file run:

Expo uploads your project and builds the APK on their servers.

After the build completes, you will receive a download link for the APK file.

This file can be installed directly on Android devices.

Part 9 — Build Play Store File (AAB)

To upload your app to the Play Store, you must generate an AAB file.

Run:

This will generate an AAB file, which is required by Google Play.

Part 10 — Upload the App to Google Play Store

Go to Google Play Console.

Steps:

1. Create a new app

2. Upload the AAB file

3. Add your app icon

4. Upload app screenshots

5. Fill in app information

6. Publish the app

After Google reviews your app, it will be available on the Play Store.