5 Expo SDK features you should be using (but might not be)

It’s possible that you’re missing out on powerful, built-in, Expo SDK features that could fundamentally raise the quality of your apps.

We don’t blame you for it. The Expo SDK is vast. It’s impossible to keep all the libraries and capabilities in your mind as you build. But there are some hidden gems can dramatically enhance your workflow, elevate user experiences, and improve app performance. In this post, I'll highlight five underrated Expo SDK features, plus one bonus tip that makes your app full stack. Let's dive in—starting with the one that'll save you the most time! You can also watch the video if that’s your preferred medium:

Expo SDK 53 introduced Remote Build Cache, a feature that prevents unnecessary rebuilds by leveraging fingerprint matching. This means fewer builds across your team, quicker CI pipelines, and more productive workflows. You can integrate it easily with EAS, GitHub, or even a custom provider. Just add a few lines in your app.json file, and you're good to go. Faster builds, less waiting, huge productivity wins.

Expo Speech taps into the built-in text-to-speech capabilities of your device. It’s totally free and straightforward to use. Not only does it enhance accessibility, but it also opens up creative possibilities for richer user interactions. For example, in my Foundation Models app, I used Expo Speech to add a fun voice interaction. You just pass a string and your app instantly speaks! Multiple voice options are available to customize the experience which make the interactions feel more custom.

Expo SQLite is a powerhouse. It’s fast, reliable, and cross-platform compatible (iOS, Android, web, and macOS). But the standout feature here is its built-in key-value storage API, seamlessly replacing React Native Async Storage with zero hassle. Switching is as easy as changing the import statement. Additionally, SQLite supports synchronous APIs, meaning fewer unnecessary await calls—you can skip await when you don't need it, resulting in more efficient code.

Expo Router UI, a submodule of Expo Router, offers precise control over your app's navigation layout, solving the hassle of styling navigation across various platforms like phones, tablets, desktops, and even TVs. With headless tabs, you separate navigation logic from styling, enabling fully customized navigation experiences tailored for different screen sizes and platform expectations. Ideal for responsive designs and multi-platform apps.

Expo Background Task lets your app run custom logic—even when the app is closed. It's a must-have for tasks like data syncing, content preloading, or scheduled updates. Compatible with both iOS and Android, this module significantly enhances the user experience by ensuring your app stays fresh and responsive. Integration is simple and well-documented, unlocking new capabilities in your Expo apps.

Expo Router API Routes empower your React Native apps with server-side functionality without leaving your project. Ideal for rapid development of APIs for integrations like Stripe, file uploads, or custom endpoints. Deploy effortlessly with EAS deploy, instantly giving your APIs a free domain. Advanced features include streaming support and complex logic handling, making your Expo app truly full stack.

These six features (Remote Build Cache, Expo Speech, SQLite Async Storage, Router UI, Background Task, and Expo Router API Routes) are built right into Expo, ready to supercharge your development experience. Give them a try and see immediate improvements in your workflow and app quality.