Expo — Xcode Must Be Fully Installed Before You Can Continue. Continue To The App Store?

If you’ve ever run into the message “Xcode must be fully installed before you can continue. Continue to the App Store?” while working with Expo, it can be frustrating — especially when you’re eager to test your app on iOS. But don’t worry; this guide will walk you through a simple fix that should get you back on track in no time.

The Issue

When trying to run an iOS project using Expo, you might encounter this prompt. It happens because Xcode’s Command Line Tools might not be configured correctly, even if you already have Xcode installed. This configuration is necessary for macOS to run essential commands for building and running iOS apps.

The Solution: Configuring Command Line Tools in Xcode

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix this issue:

1. Open Xcode

First things first, open Xcode on your Mac. If you don’t have it installed, you can download it from the App Store. Once installed, launch Xcode.

2. Navigate to Settings

Once Xcode is open, follow these steps:

• Click on Xcode in the top-left corner of your screen.
• From the dropdown menu, select Settings (or Preferences, depending on your version of Xcode).

3. Go to the Locations Tab

Inside the Settings/Preferences window, click on the Locations tab. This is where you’ll find an option to configure the Command Line Tools.

4. Select Command Line Tools

Now, here’s the crucial step: Tap the Command Line Tools dropdown. Even if you already see an option selected (e.g., Xcode 15.0), tap it again anyway. This forces the system to re-register the Command Line Tools, which might solve the problem.

You’ll be prompted to enter your machine’s password. This is a normal security measure, so enter your password when prompted.

5. Run Your Expo Command Again

Now that Xcode’s Command Line Tools are properly configured, you can return to your terminal and try running the following commands again:

For Yarn:

yarn ios

For npm

npm run ios

With a bit of luck, your iOS project should now launch without any issues!

Why This Fix Works

Xcode’s Command Line Tools are essential for performing key build actions like compiling code and running simulators. Even if Xcode is already installed, sometimes the Command Line Tools are not fully registered with macOS. By manually selecting the Command Line Tools option, you are ensuring that all necessary tools are linked properly, allowing Expo to work as expected.

Final Thoughts

Running into the “Xcode must be fully installed” prompt is a common issue when working with iOS projects on Expo. Fortunately, the fix is relatively simple and can be done in just a few minutes by configuring Xcode’s Command Line Tools. Once that’s set up, you should have no trouble running your project on an iOS simulator.

Now, you’re ready to keep building that awesome app — without interruptions!