Expo

Compatibility matrix

Library version	Expo SDK	React Native	Notes
6.0.x (GA)	52+	0.80–0.85	Nitro Modules, New Architecture only. Current stable.
5.6.x	49–51	0.71–0.74	Legacy bridge build, maintenance mode (security only).

react-native-sensitive-info ships native code, so it cannot run inside Expo Go. You need either a custom Dev Client (npx expo run:ios / npx expo run:android) or an EAS Build.

When the native module is unavailable at runtime (typically Expo Go), every API throws a SensitiveInfoError with a hint that points to the Dev Client / EAS workflow.

Installation

npx expo install react-native-sensitive-info

Add the plugin to your app.json / app.config.ts:

{
	"expo": {
		"plugins": [
			[
				"react-native-sensitive-info",
				{
					"faceIDPermission": "Authenticate to unlock your account.",
					"enableNewArchitecture": true
				}
			]
		]
	}
}

Plugin options

Prop	Type	Default	Effect
faceIDPermission	string | null	"Authenticate to access your secure data."	When a string is provided, it is written to NSFaceIDUsageDescription if the key is missing; a pre-existing value in your Info.plist is always preserved. Pass null to skip the modifier entirely (e.g. another plugin owns the key).
enableNewArchitecture	boolean	true	Writes newArchEnabled (Android) and RCT_NEW_ARCH_ENABLED (iOS) flags.

The plugin also adds the following Android permissions automatically:

• android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC (API 28+)
• android.permission.USE_FINGERPRINT with android:maxSdkVersion="28" (legacy fallback)

Generating the native projects

After adding the plugin:

npx expo prebuild --clean   # Regenerates ios/ and android/ with the plugin applied
npx expo run:ios            # or run:android

For EAS Build:

eas build --profile development --platform ios

Troubleshooting

• "native module is not available" at runtime — you are running in Expo Go. Switch to a Dev Client.
• Face ID prompt has no usage string — confirm NSFaceIDUsageDescription is in the rendered ios/<app>/Info.plist after prebuild.
• Biometric APIs return software security level on Android — confirm the device is enrolled and that USE_BIOMETRIC was written to the rendered AndroidManifest.xml.