AsyncStorage is the community-standard async key/value store (@react-native-async-storage/async-storage), behind the same src/lib/storage.ts. I'd pick it for one reason: a library you depend on hard-requires AsyncStorage - some auth and analytics SDKs take it as a storage option, and this way you keep a single store. Otherwise prefer kv-store (Expo Go and sync reads on native) or mmkv (fastest, dev build). Callers don't change: they import storage from @/lib/storage.
When to pick AsyncStorage
AsyncStorage: Pick it when a library hard-requires AsyncStorage. Async only.
At a glance
- Runs in Expo Go
- Yes
- Files added
- 3
- npm packages
- 1
- Keys to paste
- None
- Included in
- Starter and Pro
- Tests included
- 1
Set it up
bun run setup --storage async-storageSetup copies the module in, installs SDK-matched versions and removes the options you did not pick. Then bun run doctor lists every key still missing, with a link to where you get it. The step-by-step guide is in the AsyncStorage docs.
Wiring it by hand instead? Read the guide: AsyncStorage vs MMKV vs expo-sqlite/kv-store.
AsyncStorage vs other storage options
| Option | Expo Go | npm packages | Keys to paste | Included in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AsyncStorage | Yes | 1 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
| expo-sqlite/kv-store | Yes | 1 | 0 | Free, Starter and Pro |
| MMKV | Dev build | 2 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
Questions
Can I use AsyncStorage in Expo Go?
Yes. This module runs in Expo Go, so you can try it before you make a development build.
What do I need to set up AsyncStorage in an Expo app?
Only bun run setup --storage async-storage. There are no API keys to paste; bun run doctor checks the result.
Does the ReadyNative free tier include AsyncStorage?
No. It ships in Starter and Pro (one payment, lifetime updates); the free tier uses expo-sqlite/kv-store for storage.
AsyncStorage or expo-sqlite/kv-store for Expo?
AsyncStorage: Pick it when a library hard-requires AsyncStorage. Async only. expo-sqlite/kv-store: The default (expo-sqlite/kv-store). Expo Go and sync reads on native, so stores hydrate before first paint.
AsyncStorage or MMKV for Expo?
AsyncStorage: Pick it when a library hard-requires AsyncStorage. Async only. MMKV: The fastest, memory-mapped and fully synchronous. Needs a dev build.
Which AsyncStorage version does it install?
For Expo SDK 57: @react-native-async-storage/async-storage 2.2.0. Setup installs Expo packages with expo install, so they match the SDK.
Get it
AsyncStorage ships in Starter and Pro: one payment, lifetime updates. See pricing or browse every module.