Expo Go shows “Development server” or “npx expo start” instead of Barterloo
Quick answer
Expo Go is installed correctly but Barterloo has not been opened yet. The generic Expo Go home screen says “Development server” or “npx expo start” — to open Barterloo you still need to open the Barterloo exp:// beta link.
Platform
iOS, Android
Area
App Access & Beta Setup
Related system
Expo Go
Symptoms
If any of these match, this article is for you.
- Expo Go opens to a home / settings / diagnostics screen.
- It says “Development server.”
- It mentions npx expo start.
- “I downloaded Expo Go but I don’t see Barterloo.”
Step-by-step solution
On iPhone
- Leave Expo Go installed.
- Go back to the Barterloo email.
- Copy the full beta link that starts with exp://.
- Paste it into Safari and confirm the beginning is still exp://.
- Tap Open in Expo Go.
On Android
- Leave Expo Go installed.
- Copy the full Barterloo beta link that starts with exp://.
- Open Expo Go.
- Paste the link into Expo Go’s URL / project field.
- If you see Chrome or a browser address bar, you are not in the right place.
If it still does not work
- Send support a full screenshot of the screen you are on (not just the center).
- We need to see whether you are in Expo Go, Safari, Chrome, Gmail, or another app.
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