"Project is incompatible with this version of Expo Go" error

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Learn why an Expo project is incompatible with the installed version of Expo Go and how to install a compatible version.

Expo Go displays this error when the Expo SDK version in a project does not match the SDK version included in the installed Expo Go app:

Project is incompatible with this version of Expo Go

You may also see one of these messages:

The project you requested requires a newer version of Expo Go.
This project requires a newer version of Expo Go.

Why this happens

Each build of Expo Go includes one Expo SDK version. The expo package version in package.json sets the project's SDK version. The project and Expo Go SDK versions must match.

Expo Go on the Apple App Store stops at SDK 54, and SDK 55 and later are not available there. The Google Play version can also lag behind a new SDK release. If your project uses a newer SDK than the store build, use one of the options below instead of waiting for a store update.

Install a compatible version of Expo Go

Use the instructions for the device where you are testing your project.

Physical iPhone or iPad

For projects using SDK 55 or later, open sign.expo.dev, select the SDK version used by your project, and follow the steps to install that Expo Go build on your device.

This installer uses your Apple ID's free developer provisioning, so it does not require a paid Apple Developer Program membership. The certificate is valid for about seven days. Return to sign.expo.dev to re-sign and reinstall Expo Go when the certificate expires.

For projects using SDK 54, install Expo Go from the Apple App Store. You can also use eas go to build Expo Go for SDK 54 or later and distribute it through your TestFlight internal team, which needs an Apple Developer Program membership.

For projects using SDK 53 or earlier, you cannot install an older version of Expo Go on a physical iOS device. Upgrade the project, use an Android device or iOS Simulator, or create a development build.

Android device, Android Emulator, or iOS Simulator

Visit expo.dev/go, select the SDK version used by your project and your target platform, then install the compatible Expo Go build.

You can also use the expo-go CLI to download a specific version.

After installing the compatible build, restart the development server with npx expo start and open the project again.

Check the project's SDK version

If the error remains after installing the correct Expo Go build:

Check the expo dependency in package.json to confirm the project's SDK version.
If your app config contains an sdkVersion field, remove it or make sure that it matches the expo dependency.
Run npx expo-doctor@latest to check for dependency version issues.
Run npx expo install --fix to align package versions with the installed Expo SDK.

Upgrade the project or use a development build

You can upgrade the project to a newer Expo SDK instead of installing another version of Expo Go.

Expo Go is a learning environment and sandbox. For a production project, create a development build so the native app and its dependencies are controlled by your project.