React Native Expo App – Crashing on tap on Push Notification (Only on Android device): A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing the Issue

Causes of the Issue

There are a few reasons why your React Native Expo app might be crashing on tap on push notification on Android devices. Here are some common culprits:

• Incorrectly configured AndroidManifest.xml file: A misconfigured AndroidManifest.xml file can cause the app to crash when handling notification clicks.
• Missing or incorrect notification channel configuration: Failing to configure notification channels correctly can lead to app crashes on Android devices.
• Incompatible Expo SDK version: Using an outdated or incompatible Expo SDK version can cause issues with notification handling on Android devices.
• Conflicting dependencies or plugins: Sometimes, conflicting dependencies or plugins can cause the app to crash when handling notification clicks.

Fixing the Issue

Now that we’ve covered the causes, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these steps to fix the issue and get your app running smoothly:

Step 1: Update Expo SDK to the Latest Version

Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Expo SDK. Run the following command in your terminal:

expo upgrade

This will ensure you have the latest version of the Expo SDK and its dependencies.

Step 2: Configure AndroidManifest.xml File

Open your `AndroidManifest.xml` file and add the following code:

<receiver android:name="com.google.firebase.messaging.DefaultFirebaseMessagingService"
  android:enabled="true"
  android:exported="true">
  <intent-filter>
    <action android:name="com.google.firebase.MESSAGING_EVENT" />
  </intent-filter>
</receiver>

This code configures the Firebase Messaging Service to handle notification clicks correctly.

Step 3: Configure Notification Channels

Create a new file called `notification.js` in your project’s root directory and add the following code:

import { Notifications } from 'expo';

const createNotificationChannel = async () => {
  const channel = new Notifications.Android.Channel('default', 'Default Channel', 'This is the default channel');

  await Notifications.android().createChannel(channel);
};

createNotificationChannel();

This code creates a default notification channel for your app. Make sure to call the `createNotificationChannel` function when your app initializes.

Step 4: Handle Notification Clicks Correctly

In your app’s `App.js` file, add the following code:

import { Notifications } from 'expo';

const handleNotificationClick = (notification) => {
  // Handle notification click logic here
};

Notifications.addNotificationReceivedListener((notification) => {
  handleNotificationClick(notification);
});

This code sets up a listener to handle notification clicks. When a notification is clicked, the `handleNotificationClick` function will be called.

Step 5: Test Your App

Build and run your app on an Android device. Send a push notification to your app and tap on it. If everything is configured correctly, your app should open and navigate to the specified screen.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re still experiencing issues, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you identify and fix the problem:

1. Check AndroidManifest.xml file configuration: Double-check that your `AndroidManifest.xml` file is configured correctly and that the Firebase Messaging Service is enabled.
2. Verify notification channel configuration: Ensure that your notification channels are configured correctly and that you’re using the correct channel ID when sending notifications.
3. Check Expo SDK version compatibility: Make sure you’re using a compatible Expo SDK version with your React Native version.
4. Review dependencies and plugins: Review your dependencies and plugins to ensure there are no conflicts that could be causing the issue.

Conclusion

Fixin’ app crashes on tap on push notification on Android devices can be a real pain, but with these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the issue. Remember to keep your Expo SDK version up to date, configure your `AndroidManifest.xml` file correctly, set up notification channels, and handle notification clicks correctly. If you’re still stuck, try troubleshooting with the tips provided above. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Question

Having trouble with your React Native Expo app crashing on tap of push notifications, only on Android devices? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these FAQs to troubleshoot the issue.