# Upgrading React Native

Upgrades React Native apps to newer versions by applying rn-diff-purge template diffs...

- Repository: https://github.com/callstackincubator/agent-skills (1694 stars)
- Category: Mobile
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-08
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add callstackincubator/agent-skills --skill upgrading-react-native -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add callstackincubator/agent-skills --skill upgrading-react-native -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add callstackincubator/agent-skills --skill upgrading-react-native -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add callstackincubator/agent-skills --skill upgrading-react-native -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add callstackincubator/agent-skills`

## Description

Upgrades React Native apps to newer versions by applying rn-diff-purge template diffs, updating package.json dependencies, migrating native iOS and Android configuration, resolving CocoaPods and Gradle changes, and handling breaking API updates. Use when upgrading React Native, bumping RN version, updating from RN 0.x to 0.y, or migrating Expo SDK alongside a React Native upgrade.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Upgrading React Native

## Overview

Covers the full React Native upgrade workflow: template diffs via Upgrade Helper, dependency updates, Expo SDK steps, and common pitfalls.

## Typical Upgrade Sequence

1. **Route**: Choose the right upgrade path via [upgrading-react-native.md][upgrading-react-native]
2. **Diff**: Fetch the canonical template diff using Upgrade Helper via [upgrade-helper-core.md][upgrade-helper-core]
3. **Dependencies**: Assess and update third-party packages via [upgrading-dependencies.md][upgrading-dependencies]
4. **React**: Align React version if upgraded via [react.md][react]
5. **Expo** (if applicable): Apply Expo SDK layer via [expo-sdk-upgrade.md][expo-sdk-upgrade]
6. **Verify**: Run post-upgrade checks via [upgrade-verification.md][upgrade-verification]

```bash
# Quick start: detect current version and fetch diff
npm pkg get dependencies.react-native --prefix "$APP_DIR"
npm view react-native dist-tags.latest

# Example: upgrading from 0.76.9 to 0.78.2
# 1. Fetch the template diff
curl -L -f -o /tmp/rn-diff.diff \
  "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/react-native-community/rn-diff-purge/diffs/diffs/0.76.9..0.78.2.diff" \
  && echo "Diff downloaded OK" || echo "ERROR: diff not found, check versions"
# 2. Review changed files
grep -n "^diff --git" /tmp/rn-diff.diff
# 3. Update package.json, apply native changes, then install + rebuild
npm install --prefix "$APP_DIR"
cd "$APP_DIR/ios" && pod install
# 4. Validate: both platforms must build successfully
npx react-native build-android --mode debug --no-packager
xcodebuild -workspace "$APP_DIR/ios/App.xcworkspace" -scheme App -sdk iphonesimulator build
```

## When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:
- Moving a React Native app to a newer version
- Reconciling native config changes from Upgrade Helper
- Validating release notes for breaking changes

## Quick Reference

The rest: https://github.com/callstackincubator/agent-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/upgrading-react-native/SKILL.md