How to Build a Simple WebView App Using Expo and React Native
What if you could turn your website into a mobile app before your coffee gets cold?
That’s precisely what we’re doing today.
In the world of mobile apps, there are two main roads: the long scenic highway (full native app development) and the express lane (WebView). The long highway is beautiful but time-consuming, expensive, and full of roadblocks if you’re not a seasoned developer. The express lane is quick, direct, and perfect for when you already have a functional website and just need it in app form.
By using Expo and React Native, you can create an app that wraps around your website—so people can open it with a tap, instead of typing a URL. And the best part? You don’t need to touch complicated native code or set up bulky tools like Android Studio or Xcode.
This approach is a game-changer for cross-platform mobile development, letting you build for both iOS and Android at once. Let’s walk through the journey, step by step, so you can go from “I have a website” to “I have an app” in less time than it takes to binge an episode of your favorite series.
Why Choose WebView Instead of Building From Scratch?
Before we dive in, let’s answer the big “why.”
Imagine you run a coffee shop with a fantastic online menu and ordering system. Or maybe you’ve got a blog with thousands of readers or a small business with an appointment booking page. Creating a full native app would mean rebuilding everything you already have—a huge investment in time and money.
A React Native WebView app says:
“Why rebuild the house when you can just put a beautiful front door on it?”
It simply loads your existing website inside an app shell, making it instantly available to install on phones. For most small businesses, content creators, and startups, this approach is more than enough—and it can be done in a day.
Your Tools & Ingredients for an Expo WebView App
Think of this like preparing a recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A computer with internet access (no surprises there).
- Node.js and npm or yarn — these help you run commands to create your app project.
- Expo CLI — the magic wand that makes app development simple.
- A code editor like Visual Studio Code (your app’s “writing desk”).
- The URL of the website you want to display.
- Expo Go app on your mobile phone (optional, but highly recommended for testing).
That’s it. No Android Studio. No Xcode. No 5-hour downloads. We’re keeping this light and easy.
Step 1 – Setting the Stage for Your React Native WebView App
First, you’ll create an empty app project using Expo CLI. Think of this as laying out a blank canvas. You’re not painting yet — you’re just setting up the frame and the easel.
When you run the initial command to create the project, Expo will prepare a starter app for you. This starter app will have a basic screen, some placeholder text, and the structure we’ll need.
Next, open the project in your code editor. You’ll see a few folders and files—nothing overwhelming. This is the “empty room” you’ll soon furnish with your WebView.
Step 2 – Adding the WebView Component in Expo
Here’s the fun part: making your app display your website.
A React Native WebView is like embedding a little browser inside your app. Instead of showing static text or images, it loads your live website—exactly as it appears in Chrome or Safari—but wrapped inside a native app’s interface.
In your project, you’ll bring in WebView as a component. Once added, you simply tell it:
“Hey, here’s the website I want you to show whenever someone opens the app.”
The moment you save your changes, your blank app will spring to life—now showing your actual site.
Why spend months and invest thousands on a traditional app build when you have the opportunity to launch a cross-platform mobile app today?
Step 3 – Personalizing Your Cross-Platform WebView App
Right now, your app works, but it’s a bit plain. Time to give it some personality.
- Custom app name: This is what users see under the app icon. It could be your brand name or something catchy.
- App icon: This is your shopfront — make it recognizable.
- Splash screen: This is the screen shown while your website is loading.
- Loading indicator: Helpful if your site takes a moment to appear.
These little touches help your Expo WebView app feel polished and professional.
Step 4 – Testing Your Build WebView App Expo Project
Now it’s time to see your app in action — no cables, no complicated device setups.
- Install the Expo Go app on your phone.
- Start your project on your computer using Expo’s run command.
- Scan the QR code that appears in your terminal or browser.
Your React Native WebView app now opens instantly on your phone. Tap, scroll, and interact—it’s your website, but in app form.
Step 5 – Launching Your Expo WebView App to the World
Once you’re happy with your WebView app, prepare it for distribution:
- Build the app file (APK or IPA) using Expo’s build service.
- Test it on multiple devices to ensure compatibility.
- Publish to app stores so users can download it easily.
Common Pitfalls in Cross-Platform WebView Apps
-
Slow Website = Slow App
Since your app depends on your website loading quickly, make sure your images are optimized and your hosting is reliable.
-
No Offline Mode
Remember, WebView needs the internet. If your users expect offline features, you’ll need extra functionality.
-
App Store Approval Issues
Both Google and Apple expect apps to be more than just plain websites. Add small native touches like a splash screen, icons, or navigation to improve your chances.
A Quick & Short Case Study of WebView App
-
Before:
Riya runs a small bakery in her neighborhood. She already has a beautiful website with her menu, online ordering, and seasonal cake specials. But every time she shares the link, people forget it, mistype it, or never bother bookmarking it.
-
After:
One weekend, she discovers WebView and Expo. By Sunday evening, her bakery has its own app in the Google Play Store. Now customers just tap her app icon to order pastries — no typing, no searching, no lost orders.
The best part? Riya didn’t hire a developer, didn’t spend thousands, and didn’t wait months. She built it herself in under an hour using React Native WebView.
You can too.
Wrapping Up: Build WebView App Expo Style in an Hour
In less than an hour, you’ve turned your website into a cross-platform mobile app using React Native WebView and Expo. And you didn’t have to wade through weeks of native development or hire an expensive dev team.
This is the magic of WebView + Expo: speed, simplicity, and accessibility.
So, don’t let your website just live in a browser tab. Let it live in your users’ pockets, ready to be opened anytime—whether they’re on the train, at a café, or lounging on the couch.
Your next step? Try it. Play with it. And once you’ve got your first WebView app out there, you can start exploring more advanced features—like push notifications, payment gateways, or offline storage—to make it even more powerful.