Configuring Signing with EAS Build
Set up eas.json with a production build profile, run eas credentials to manage certificates, and trigger an EAS Build that produces a signed .ipa file.
What Is EAS Build
EAS Build (Expo Application Services Build) is a cloud build service that compiles your React Native or Expo app on Expo's infrastructure, producing a signed .ipa for iOS or .apk/.aab for Android. You do not need Xcode, Android Studio, or a Mac for iOS builds — EAS provides managed macOS machines. It also handles code signing credentials automatically.
Installing and Logging in to EAS CLI
EAS CLI is the command-line tool you use to trigger builds, manage credentials, and submit apps. Install it globally with npm, then log in with your Expo account. You need an Expo account (free) in addition to your Apple Developer account. Once logged in, EAS can communicate with Apple's API on your behalf to manage certificates and provisioning profiles.
# Install EAS CLI globally
npm install -g eas-cli
# Verify installation
eas --version
# Log in with your Expo account
eas login
# Check who you are logged in as
eas whoami
# Link your project (run from project root)
eas init