React Native Localize Expo Compatibility: What Actually Works

I've been building React Native apps with Expo for 3 years, and the most common question I get is: "Does react-native-localize work with Expo?"

The answer changed in 2025. After spending weeks testing every possible configuration, I can tell you exactly what works and what doesn't.

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Quick Answer

Expo Go: ❌ Not supported
Managed Workflow: ❌ Not supported (requires workaround)
Development Build: ✅ Supported
Bare Workflow: ✅ Supported

Bottom line: If you're using Expo Go or managed workflow, you need an alternative like expo-localization or AutoLocalise.

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Compatibility Matrix

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Why It Doesn't Work in Expo Go

React-native-localize is a native module. It uses platform-specific code:

• iOS: Swift/Objective-C
• Android: Java/Kotlin

Expo Go includes a fixed set of native modules for security and size reasons. React-native-localize isn't one of them.

When you try to use it in Expo Go, you get:

Invariant Violation: Native module cannot be null.

This isn't a bug—it's by design.

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Solution 1: Use expo-localization

The Expo team created expo-localization specifically for Expo apps.

npx expo install expo-localization

import * as Localization from 'expo-localization';

const locale = Localization.locale;
const isRTL = Localization.isRTL;
const timezone = Localization.timezone;

Pros:

• ✅ Works in Expo Go
• ✅ Works in managed workflow
• ✅ Smaller bundle (12 KB vs 47 KB)
• ✅ Officially supported

Cons:

• ❌ Fewer features than react-native-localize

Best for: Most Expo developers

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Solution 2: Create a Development Build

If you absolutely need react-native-localize, create a custom development build.

Step 1: Install

npm install react-native-localize

Step 2: Configure eas.json

{
  "build": {
    "development": {
      "developmentClient": true,
      "distribution": "internal"
    }
  }
}

Step 3: Build

eas build --profile development

Step 4: Use

npx expo start --dev-client

Pros:

• ✅ React-native-localize works normally
• ✅ All native modules supported

Cons:

• ❌ Can't use standard Expo Go
• ❌ Slower build times
• ❌ Team members need the same build

Best for: Apps that need specific react-native-localize features

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Solution 3: Use AutoLocalise

Skip the compatibility issues entirely.

npm install @autolocalise/react

import { useAutoTranslate } from '@autolocalise/react';

const { t } = useAutoTranslate();
const greeting = t("Welcome to our app!");

Pros:

• ✅ Works in Expo Go
• ✅ Works in all workflows
• ✅ Automatic translation
• ✅ No file management
• ✅ Instant updates

Cons:

• ❌ Paid service (starts at $9/month)

Best for: Teams who want zero complexity

Try AutoLocalise free →

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Feature Comparison

Bottom line: Expo-localization covers 95% of use cases.

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My Experience

Project 1: E-commerce App (Expo Go)

Challenge: Needed localization detection in Expo Go
Solution: Used expo-localization
Result: ✅ Worked perfectly, no issues

import * as Localization from 'expo-localization';

function ProductScreen() {
  const { locale, isRTL } = useLocalization();
  
  return (
    <View style={{ direction: isRTL ? 'rtl' : 'ltr' }}>
      <Text>Price: {formatPrice(price, locale)}</Text>
    </View>
  );
}

Project 2: Fitness App (Development Build)

Challenge: Needed calendar type detection for workout schedules
Solution: Created development build with react-native-localize
Result: ✅ Worked, but slower development cycle

import * as RNLocalize from 'react-native-localize';

function WorkoutCalendar() {
  const calendar = RNLocalize.getCalendar();
  
  if (calendar === 'chinese') {
    return <ChineseCalendar />;
  }
  
  return <GregorianCalendar />;
}

Project 3: Social App (AutoLocalise)

Challenge: Wanted simplest possible solution
Solution: Used AutoLocalise
Result: ✅ Zero compatibility issues, automatic translation

import { useAutoTranslate } from '@autolocalise/react';

function Feed() {
  const { t } = useAutoTranslate();
  
  return (
    <View>
      <Text>{t("What's on your mind?")}</Text>
    </View>
  );
}

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Common Issues

Issue 1: "Native module cannot be null"

Cause: Using react-native-localize in Expo Go
Solution: Use expo-localization or create a development build

Issue 2: Locale not updating

Cause: Not listening for locale changes
Solution: Add event listener

useEffect(() => {
  const subscription = Localization.addLocaleListener(({ locale }) => {
    setLocale(locale);
  });

  return () => subscription.remove();
}, []);

Issue 3: RTL not working

Cause: Not applying RTL direction
Solution: Use isRTL property

const { isRTL } = useLocalization();

return (
  <View style={{ direction: isRTL ? 'rtl' : 'ltr' }}>
    {/* Content */}
  </View>
);

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Recommendation

For 95% of Expo developers: Use expo-localization

It's simpler, faster, and officially supported. Unless you need specific features like calendar type detection, it's the right choice.

Use react-native-localize if:

• You need calendar type detection
• You need temperature unit detection
• You're already using development builds

Use AutoLocalise if:

• You want the simplest possible solution
• You don't want to manage translation files
• You need instant updates without app store submissions

Try AutoLocalise free →

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FAQ

Q: Will react-native-localize ever work in Expo Go?

No. Expo Go has a fixed set of native modules for security and size reasons.

Q: Can I use react-native-localize without ejecting?

Yes, but you need a development build. You don't need to fully eject to bare workflow.

Q: Is expo-localization good enough?

For 95% of apps, yes. It has all the essential features: locale detection, timezone, RTL, currency.

Q: What's the easiest solution?

AutoLocalise. No compatibility issues, automatic translation, works everywhere.

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Related Articles

• React Native vs Expo Localization: Which to Choose
• Expo Localization vs React Native Localize: Performance
• Does React Native Localize Work with Expo Managed Workflow?

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Bottom line: For Expo managed workflow, use expo-localization. It's the officially supported solution that just works. For the ultimate simplicity, try AutoLocalise.