How to Convert Your Next.js App to iOS & Android
Learn how to transform your Next.js web application into fully functional iOS and Android mobile apps using Capacitor. This guide covers installation, configuration, and deployment to app stores.
📋 Prerequisites
- Existing Next.js application
- Node.js 18+ installed
- Basic knowledge of React
- Xcode (for iOS) or Android Studio (for Android)
🎯 What You'll Learn
- Install and configure Capacitor in a Next.js project
- Build your Next.js app for mobile
- Add native mobile capabilities
- Test your app on iOS and Android simulators
- Deploy to the App Store and Google Play
Step-by-Step Guide
Install Capacitor
First, install Capacitor core and CLI packages in your Next.js project. Make sure your Next.js app is working locally before proceeding.
npm install @capacitor/core @capacitor/cli
npx cap init
💡 Note: When prompted, enter your app name and bundle ID (e.g., com.yourcompany.appname).
Configure Next.js for Static Export
Capacitor works best with static exports. Update your Next.js configuration to enable static site generation.
const nextConfig = {
output: 'export',
images: {
unoptimized: true,
},
// Disable trailing slashes for Capacitor
trailingSlash: true,
};
export default nextConfig;
💡 Note: The 'output: export' setting generates static HTML/CSS/JS files that Capacitor can wrap.
Update Package.json Scripts
Add convenient scripts to build and sync your app with mobile platforms.
{
"scripts": {
"build": "next build",
"cap:build": "npm run build && npx cap sync",
"cap:ios": "npm run cap:build && npx cap open ios",
"cap:android": "npm run cap:build && npx cap open android"
}
}
Configure Capacitor
Update the Capacitor configuration to point to your build output directory.
import { CapacitorConfig } from '@capacitor/cli';
const config: CapacitorConfig = {
appId: 'com.yourcompany.appname',
appName: 'Your App Name',
webDir: 'out',
server: {
androidScheme: 'https'
}
};
export default config;
💡 Note: The 'webDir' should point to 'out' since that's where Next.js exports static files.
Add iOS and Android Platforms
Now add the iOS and Android platforms to your project. This creates native project folders.
npx cap add ios
npx cap add android
💡 Note: This will create 'ios' and 'android' folders in your project root.
Build and Sync Your App
Build your Next.js app and sync it with the native platforms.
npm run build
npx cap sync
💡 Note: Run 'npx cap sync' whenever you make changes to your web code or add new Capacitor plugins.
Open in Xcode or Android Studio
Open your project in the respective IDE to test and build for mobile.
# For iOS
npx cap open ios
# For Android
npx cap open android
💡 Note: You'll need Xcode for iOS development (Mac only) and Android Studio for Android development.
Test on Simulators/Emulators
In Xcode or Android Studio, select a simulator/emulator and click the Run button. Your Next.js app will launch as a native mobile app!
💡 Note: Common issues: Make sure your build completed successfully and the 'out' directory exists.
Add Mobile-Specific Features (Optional)
Enhance your app with native capabilities like camera, push notifications, or file access.
# Install plugins
npm install @capacitor/camera
npm install @capacitor/push-notifications
# Sync with native projects
npx cap sync
💡 Note: Each Capacitor plugin provides native functionality through a JavaScript API.
🚀 Next Steps
- Add app icons and splash screens
- Configure push notifications
- Set up in-app purchases with RevenueCat
- Implement deep linking
- Prepare for App Store submission
Ready to Build Your Mobile App?
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Related Tutorials
How to Add Push Notifications to Your Next.js Mobile App
Implement push notifications in your Next.js mobile app using Capacitor's Push Notifications plugin and Firebase Cloud Messaging. Send notifications to iOS and Android users.
How to Add In-App Purchases to Your Next.js App
Monetize your Next.js mobile app with in-app purchases and subscriptions using RevenueCat. This guide covers setup, implementation, and testing for both iOS and Android.
How to Deploy Your Next.js App to the App Store
Learn how to prepare, build, and submit your Next.js mobile app to the Apple App Store. This guide covers everything from app icons to App Store Connect configuration.
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📚 Further Reading
Explore our comprehensive documentation to learn more about NextNative features and capabilities.
📖 Full Documentation
Complete guides, API references, and best practices for building mobile apps with NextNative.
🚀 Quick Start Guide
Get your app up and running in just 5 minutes with our quick start tutorial.
🔔 Push Notifications
Learn how to set up and customize push notifications for your mobile app.
💰 In-App Purchases
Implement monetization with in-app purchases using RevenueCat integration.