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Expo Go API Setup Guide

When using Expo Go on a physical device, the app can't access localhost. You need to use your computer's IP address.

Quick Setup

Step 1: Find Your Computer's IP Address

Mac/Linux:

ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1

Look for something like 192.168.1.100 or 10.0.0.5

Windows:

ipconfig

Look for "IPv4 Address" under your active network adapter (usually 192.168.x.x)

Or check Network Settings:

  • Mac: System Preferences → Network
  • Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Properties

Step 2: Update app.json

Edit app.json and update the apiUrl in the extra section:

{
  "expo": {
    "extra": {
      "apiUrl": "http://YOUR_IP_ADDRESS:3000"
    }
  }
}

Example:

{
  "expo": {
    "extra": {
      "apiUrl": "http://192.168.1.100:3000"
    }
  }
}

Step 3: Restart Expo

After updating app.json, restart Expo:

# Stop Expo (Ctrl+C)
# Then restart
npm start

Step 4: Make Sure API Server is Running

In a separate terminal:

npm run api

The API server should show:

🚀 PDF API Server running on http://localhost:3000

Step 5: Test Connection

  1. Open the app in Expo Go
  2. Try to search for a PDF
  3. Check the status logs - you should see "✅ API connected"

Troubleshooting

"API server is not available"

  • Make sure npm run api is running
  • Check that your IP address is correct
  • Make sure your phone and computer are on the same WiFi network

"Connection refused"

  • Check firewall settings - port 3000 might be blocked
  • Try temporarily disabling firewall to test
  • Make sure API server is actually running

"Network request failed"

  • Verify IP address is correct
  • Make sure phone and computer are on same network
  • Try pinging your computer's IP from another device

Alternative: Using Environment Variable

You can also set the API URL via environment variable:

# Mac/Linux
export API_URL=http://192.168.1.100:3000
npm start

# Windows
set API_URL=http://192.168.1.100:3000
npm start

Then update app.json:

{
  "expo": {
    "extra": {
      "apiUrl": process.env.API_URL || "http://localhost:3000"
    }
  }
}

For Production

When deploying, update apiUrl in app.json to your production API server URL.