How to Run React Native Apps on a Specific Device in the iOS Simulator

It can be frustrating when the officially recommended method for doing a thing doesn’t work. Here are some steps and commands to help you get your React Native app running on your preferred device in the iOS Simulator:

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If you run into (like I did):

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List Available Devices

List available iOS devices:

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Add Devices

To add additional devices:

1. Launch Xcode

2. Open Devices and Simulators (⇧⌘2)

3. Press Simulators Tab

4. Press plus “+” button in the bottom left corner
5. Choose a Simulator Name, Device Type, and OS Version
6. Press blue button labeled “Create”

Commands for Your Convenience

Here are some commands with yarn that are ready-to-use for your convenience:

Note

There is currently no way to set a default device for the Simulator.

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