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Bug Fixes6 min read

Fix React Native 'Unable to load script' (Make Sure Metro Is Running)

Scaleup Infotech

Scaleup Infotech

Software & Marketing Agency

Apr 11, 2026
Fix React Native 'Unable to load script' (Make Sure Metro Is Running)
React NativeAndroidMetro

This red screen means the app couldn't download the JS bundle from Metro. Either Metro isn't running, or your device can't reach it. The fix depends on whether you're debugging or building a release.

The Error

Unable to load script. Make sure you're either running Metro (run 'npx react-native start') or that your bundle 'index.android.bundle' is packaged correctly for release.

Debug Build: Connect to Metro

bash
# Make sure Metro is running
npx react-native start

# Forward the Metro port to the device
adb reverse tcp:8081 tcp:8081

Physical Device: Set the Dev Server Host

On a real device, shake → Dev Settings → Debug server host, and set it to your machine's LAN IP and port 8081.

Release Build: Bundle the JS

bash
npx react-native bundle \
  --platform android --dev false \
  --entry-file index.js \
  --bundle-output android/app/src/main/assets/index.android.bundle \
  --assets-dest android/app/src/main/res

Solution

Debugging on an emulator? adb reverse tcp:8081 tcp:8081 fixes it instantly. Building a release APK? You need the bundle command above.

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