3 min to read
Reducing the size of a React Native APK by 70-80% is achievable through a combination of code optimization, asset management, build configuration tweaks, and advanced tooling. This guide breaks down proven strategies to shrink your app’s footprint while maintaining top performance and functionality.
Large APKs can lead to higher download abandonment, particularly in regions with slower internet or limited device storage. A smaller APK results in:
Let’s dive into key techniques for APK size reduction.
Hermes compiles JavaScript to bytecode, significantly reducing bundle size and improving startup time.
Android – in android/app/build.gradle
:
project.ext.react = [ enableHermes: true ]
iOS – in Podfile
:
use_react_native!(..., :hermes_enabled => true)
Hermes can reduce JavaScript bundle size by ~40%.
package.json
regularly.npm ls
or yarn why <package>
to identify unnecessary dependencies.Replace | With |
---|---|
moment.js |
date-fns or dayjs |
lodash |
Native JS functions |
Full react-navigation |
Import only required navigators |
These tools shrink and obfuscate Java/Kotlin code:
android {
buildTypes {
release {
minifyEnabled true
proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile('proguard-android.txt'), 'proguard-rules.pro'
}
}
}
Expect native code size reduction of 15–20%.
react-native-vector-icons
) instead of bundling multiple static image files.Avoid bundling large media by loading assets from a CDN:
import FastImage from 'react-native-fast-image';
This reduces the initial APK size by loading content only when needed.
Info.plist
:<key>CFBundleLocalizations</key>
<array>
<string>en</string>
</array>
build.gradle
:defaultConfig {
resConfigs "en", "xxhdpi"
}
AABs let Google Play deliver optimized APKs per device configuration.
In android/gradle.properties
:
android.enableBuildCache=true
android.useAndroidX=true
Build the release AAB with:
./gradlew bundleRelease
Switching to AABs can reduce the APK size by 30–50%.
Exclude unnecessary architectures to reduce size:
android {
splits {
abi {
enable true
reset()
include "arm64-v8a", "x86_64"
universalApk false
}
}
}
Splitting by ABI can cut APK size by ~50%.
Load screens or components on demand:
const Settings = React.lazy(() => import('./Settings'));
This reduces the initial JavaScript bundle size.
Use CodePush to push updates without needing users to reinstall the app:
appcenter codepush release-react -a <app-name>
This keeps your APK minimal while delivering frequent updates.
Split features into downloadable modules:
// settings.gradle
include ':app', ':dynamic_feature'
Only necessary modules are downloaded, reducing install size.
Aglowid IT Solutions achieved a ~88% reduction by applying:
By methodically applying these strategies, you can reduce your React Native APK size by 70–80%. Smaller APKs lead to higher install success, faster updates, and a better user experience. Continuous audits and adopting newer tools (e.g., React Native Reanimated 3) ensure long-term efficiency and performance.
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