Why is expo apk file very large even with just one screen code?

Question

My expo apk file has a size of 45.8 MB.

Look at the apk size in the screenshot below.

• App Info on Device
• Expo apk size Vs android studio apk

How can I get a smaller APK-Size?

Answer 1

There are many way's to reduce the size of your distributed app. I'm afraid you have to read & learn something about this, because this isn't a short & easy answer - at least, because there are many hooks where you can adjust your deployment-process to optimize your app(size).

But here some first suggestions:

1. If possible use React Native CLI to initialize your Project (instead of EXPO)
2. Don't use an existing React-Native Module for each stuff you do. Sometimes it gives you a lower footprint to code easy stuff by your own instead to import an npm-module from third-party
3. Keep your files (audio, video, images) bundled with your app as low as possible, think about to use SVG where possible.
4. Better use "app-bundle" for Android-Apps as general "apk-releases" (keyword: gradlew bundleRelease vs gradlew assembleRelease)
5. Don't miss to read the Performance Section in React-Native Docs
6. build.gradle gives you additional Options to optimize your App for bundling-Process. Be sure that you use Proguard with shrinkRessources to minimize your apk / bundle (keywords: Proguard, seperateBuildPerCPUArchitecture)

PS: Best result you can gain, with lowest effort to spend (only for Android-Apps): Switch from APK to Bundle (AAP) see Docs