CRAFT Studio

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Mobile Setup ​

Development (Expo Go) ​

The fastest way to test the app on your phone:

  1. Install Expo Go from the Play Store
  2. Start the dev server:
    bash
    cd mobile
npm install     # first time only
npx expo start --lan
  3. Scan the QR code with Expo Go
  4. Open Settings tab and enter your backend URL:
    • Helm/k3s: https://<hostname>/studio (your ingress hostname)
    • Local dev: http://192.168.x.x:3000 (your PC's LAN IP)
  5. Tap Test Connection — should show green

Finding Your IP

Run ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac/Linux). Use the Wi-Fi adapter's IPv4 address. Your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

APK Install ​

For a standalone app that doesn't need Expo Go:

  1. Download the latest APK from the EAS build page
  2. Transfer to your phone and install (allow "Unknown sources" in Android settings)
  3. Open the app, go to Settings, configure your server URL

Building Your Own APK ​

bash
cd mobile
npx eas-cli login          # Expo account required
npx eas build --platform android --profile preview --non-interactive

The APK downloads from Expo's cloud build servers.

Server Connection ​

The mobile app connects to the same Express backend as the web app:

  • Helm/k3s: Use your ingress hostname (e.g. https://craft.example.com/studio) — accessible from anywhere on your network
  • Local dev: Both must be on the same network (or use a VPN like Tailscale); use http://192.168.x.x:3000
  • The server URL is saved and persists between app launches

HTTP on Android

Android blocks cleartext HTTP by default. The app uses expo-build-properties with usesCleartextTraffic: true to allow local network HTTP connections.