This is the default storage adapter: Expo's SQLite-backed key/value store behind src/lib/storage.ts. I'd keep it unless you have a reason not to - it runs in Expo Go and gives you sync reads on native, so the built-in stores hydrate before first paint. Pick mmkv if you're already on a dev build and want the fastest possible reads, and async-storage only when a library hard-requires it. Whichever one you choose, callers only ever import storage from @/lib/storage; the StorageAdapter interface and createMemoryStorage() for tests live in core src/lib/storage-adapter.ts.
When to pick expo-sqlite/kv-store
expo-sqlite/kv-store: The default (expo-sqlite/kv-store). Expo Go and sync reads on native, so stores hydrate before first paint.
At a glance
- Runs in Expo Go
- Yes
- Files added
- 1
- npm packages
- 1
- Keys to paste
- None
- Included in
- Free, Starter and Pro
Set it up
bun run setup --storage kv-storeSetup 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 expo-sqlite/kv-store docs.
Wiring it by hand instead? Read the guide: AsyncStorage vs MMKV vs expo-sqlite/kv-store.
expo-sqlite/kv-store vs other storage options
| Option | Expo Go | npm packages | Keys to paste | Included in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| expo-sqlite/kv-store | Yes | 1 | 0 | Free, Starter and Pro |
| MMKV | Dev build | 2 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
| AsyncStorage | Yes | 1 | 0 | Starter and Pro |
Questions
Can I use expo-sqlite/kv-store 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 expo-sqlite/kv-store in an Expo app?
Only bun run setup --storage kv-store. There are no API keys to paste; bun run doctor checks the result.
Does the ReadyNative free tier include expo-sqlite/kv-store?
Yes. It is the storage option in the free tier, which is MIT-licensed on GitHub. Starter and Pro add the stack picker, EAS store builds and doctor.
expo-sqlite/kv-store or MMKV for Expo?
expo-sqlite/kv-store: The default (expo-sqlite/kv-store). Expo Go and sync reads on native, so stores hydrate before first paint. MMKV: The fastest, memory-mapped and fully synchronous. Needs a dev build.
expo-sqlite/kv-store or AsyncStorage for Expo?
expo-sqlite/kv-store: The default (expo-sqlite/kv-store). Expo Go and sync reads on native, so stores hydrate before first paint. AsyncStorage: Pick it when a library hard-requires AsyncStorage. Async only.
Which expo-sqlite/kv-store version does it install?
For Expo SDK 57: expo-sqlite ~57.0.3. Setup installs Expo packages with expo install, so they match the SDK.
Get it
expo-sqlite/kv-store is part of the free tier: clone it on GitHub. Starter and Pro add the stack picker, EAS store builds and doctor.