React-Native IOS real device does not connect to Metro server

Question

My Simulator works fine it connects to the development server first try. But on my real device I have to delete node modules, reinstall Podfiles, clean building folder and delete Derived Data then it loads a bunch of time in Xcode and finally connects to dev server. But after I stop it and I want to run it again it wont connect. I used to able to just run npm start and launch my app on my phone and it connected automatically, and I could make changes, it refreshed and everything, but now even with Xcode running it doesn't work 10/9 times.

And yes I'm on the same network with my phone as the computer. I tried to set my mac's IP on Bundle Settings on the phone, no success.

Anyone got any idea?

Answer 1

For me it was the XCode build which was targeted for Release, not Debug.

Simply navigate Product > Scheme > Edit Scheme and change the Build Configuration to Debug.

Answer 2

Have the same problems. These are my steps to 'fix' this:

• Ensure that you don't have ethernet internet cable plugged in. Only wifi network (iPhone and Mac has to be on the same wifi network)! I think that this was the main problem in my situation.
• Turn off the metro, the app usually starts (because the native app build contains also js build).
• Then run the metro again.
• Shake your device and Configure Bundler with your Mac's IP
• it seams that only resave of this screen helps - so you don't have to spend time with finding and entering the IP
• Then it should connect to your metro

I spent hours trying all possible fixes...

Another hints:

• https://github.com/facebook/react-native/issues/29587
• https://github.com/facebook/react-native/issues/29396
• delete pods file
• update ios pod
• cleanup DerivedData
• update react-native (I don't have problem with clean RN app)
• update xCode, iPhone, Mac
• try different iPhone device

Answer 3

Once the app is launched shake the device to enter the dev menu, click configure bundler and put the IP address of the machine running metro. Mine was set to default localhost. There is also a metro.config.js that I think you can set this up to use a spec.

If you're on a mac the local IP address can be found in system pref -> network -> WIFI

Answer 4

As a rule of thumb whenever running an app on iOS device, or even a simulator I've used before I uninstall the app before running again.

Unsure if you had a previous version in this instance but worth a shot in the dark.

I find running via Xcode rather than react-native run-ios is more consistent also.

Answer 5

Turn off/on wi-fi on device / on mac, rebuild app

Answer 6

For me it was enough to remove node_modules folder

rm -rf node_modules

Then I have run

npm install; 
npm start -- --reset-cache;

And reinstalled pods

cd ios; rm -rf Podfile.lock Pods; pod --repo-update install; cd ..;