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React Native Debugger Setup

· 3 min read
Beniamin Marcu
Full Stack Developer
Last updated on May 6, 2026

react native debuggers

React Native Debugger was a popular standalone debugger for older React Native apps. For modern projects, the recommended starting point is React Native DevTools, which is built into the React Native development workflow.

Quick Answer​

Use React Native DevTools first. Keep the standalone React Native Debugger only for older projects that still depend on its Redux or legacy remote-debugging workflow. Do not use old "Debug JS Remotely" instructions as the default setup for a new app.

Related guides:

Start with React Native DevTools​

Run the app and open DevTools from the Dev Menu or the React Native CLI:

yarn start

Then press:

j

Use DevTools for:

  • console logs;
  • breakpoints;
  • React component inspection;
  • Network inspection;
  • Performance traces;
  • Memory snapshots.

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When Older React Native Debugger Still Helps​

An older app may still use standalone React Native Debugger when:

  • the app is pinned to an older React Native version;
  • a team workflow depends on Redux DevTools in that app;
  • migration to newer DevTools is not complete;
  • a legacy debugging guide is part of the existing project setup.

If you keep it, document the React Native version and app mode it supports. Avoid making it a required step for new developers unless it is actually needed.

Migration Checklist​

When moving from standalone React Native Debugger to React Native DevTools:

  1. Confirm the app opens React Native DevTools correctly.
  2. Move breakpoint workflows to the Sources panel.
  3. Move network checks to the Network panel or API client logs.
  4. Keep Redux inspection through Reactotron or a current Redux DevTools setup if the team needs time-travel debugging.
  5. Remove stale Homebrew, cask, port, and remote-debugging instructions from onboarding docs.

FAQ​

Is React Native Debugger deprecated?​

It is no longer the default recommendation for modern React Native workflows. Use React Native DevTools first.

What replaces the network inspector?​

React Native DevTools includes Network support in current React Native versions. Expo projects may also show Expo Network tooling.

What replaces Redux inspection?​

Use Reactotron, a current Redux DevTools integration, or app-specific state logging depending on the project.

Useful References​

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Conclusion​

React Native debugging is simpler when the default tool is clear. Use React Native DevTools for current apps, native tooling for platform problems, and legacy React Native Debugger only when an older codebase still requires it.