Conquering the Elusive “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” Error in Xcode
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Conquering the Elusive “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” Error in Xcode

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Are you tired of staring at the frustrating “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” error message in Xcode? You’re not alone! Many developers have encountered this issue while trying to archive their app, only to be met with a brick wall. Fear not, dear reader, for we’re about to embark on a thrilling adventure to vanquish this error once and for all!

What’s Causing the Error?

Before we dive into the solution, let’s take a step back and understand what’s causing this error in the first place. The “expo-configure-project.sh” script is a part of the Expo framework, which is used to configure and build React Native projects. When you try to archive your app, Xcode runs this script, but sometimes it encounters a permissions issue, resulting in the dreaded “Operation not permitted” error.

Common Scenarios:

  • You’ve recently updated your Expo version or Xcode.
  • You’ve changed your project structure or added new dependencies.
  • You’re using a newer version of macOS or Xcode.

These scenarios can trigger the error, but don’t worry, we’ll explore the solutions to overcome this obstacle.

Solution 1: Grant Permissions to the Script

The first solution is to grant the necessary permissions to the “expo-configure-project.sh” script. You can do this by following these steps:

  1. Open your Terminal and navigate to your project directory using the command: cd /path/to/your/project
  2. Run the command: chmod 755 node_modules/expo/scripts/ios/expo-configure-project.sh
  3. Try archiving your app again in Xcode.

This solution should grant the necessary permissions to the script, allowing it to run successfully. If you’re still encountering the error, don’t worry, we have more tricks up our sleeve!

Solution 2: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)

System Integrity Protection (SIP) is a security feature in macOS that restricts certain actions, including script execution. Disabling SIP can help resolve the “Operation not permitted” error. Here’s how:

  1. Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Command + R keys.
  2. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo.
  3. Click on the “Utilities” folder and then select “Terminal”.
  4. Run the command: csrutil disable
  5. Restart your Mac again.

Once you’ve disabled SIP, try archiving your app again in Xcode. Keep in mind that disabling SIP can compromise your system’s security, so be sure to re-enable it once you’ve resolved the issue.

Solution 3: Use a Script with Elevated Permissions

Another approach is to create a script with elevated permissions to run the “expo-configure-project.sh” script. Here’s how:

  1. Create a new file called elevatedexpo.sh in your project directory.
  2. Add the following content to the file:
    #!/bin/sh
    sudo node_modules/expo/scripts/ios/expo-configure-project.sh
    
  3. Make the script executable by running: chmod 755 elevatedexpo.sh
  4. In your Xcode project, go to Targets > Build Phases > + > New Run Script Phase
  5. Add the following command: /bin/sh Scripts/elevatedexpo.sh
  6. Drag the script phase above the ” Expo Prebuild” phase.

This solution creates a new script with elevated permissions to run the “expo-configure-project.sh” script, which should bypass the “Operation not permitted” error.

Solution 4: Downgrade Expo or Xcode

If none of the above solutions work, you can try downgrading your Expo version or Xcode to a previous version where the issue didn’t exist. This might not be the most ideal solution, but it can help you resolve the issue temporarily.

Expo Version Xcode Version
Expo 38 Xcode 11.4
Expo 37 Xcode 11.3

Keep in mind that downgrading might introduce new issues or compatibility problems, so proceed with caution.

Conclusion

The “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” error can be frustrating, but with these solutions, you should be able to overcome it. Remember to try each solution in sequence, and if one doesn’t work, move on to the next. If you’re still encountering issues, feel free to reach out to the Expo community or seek additional help.

Final Tips:

  • Make sure you’re running the latest version of Expo and Xcode.
  • Clean and rebuild your project regularly to avoid cache issues.
  • Check your project structure and dependencies for any conflicts.

With these tips and solutions, you’re well-equipped to conquer the “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” error and successfully archive your app. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Question

If you’re struggling with the pesky “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” error when trying to archive your app in Xcode, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you troubleshoot the issue.

What’s causing the “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” error?

This error usually occurs when Xcode is trying to run a script that requires administrative privileges, but the system is blocking it due to security restrictions. Expo’s `expo-configure-project.sh` script is one such script.

How do I give Xcode the necessary permissions to run the script?

To give Xcode the necessary permissions, you can right-click on the `expo-configure-project.sh` script in the Finder, select “Get Info,” and then change the permissions to allow execution. Alternatively, you can run the script manually in the terminal with admin privileges using `sudo ./expo-configure-project.sh`.

Will changing the permissions of the `expo-configure-project.sh` script affect my project’s security?

Changing the permissions of the `expo-configure-project.sh` script should not compromise your project’s security, as it only grants Xcode the necessary access to run the script. However, make sure to review the script’s content and ensure it’s not performing any malicious actions.

What if I’m still encountering the “Operation not permitted” error after changing the script’s permissions?

If you’re still encountering the error, try resetting the permissions of the entire project directory by running `chmod -R 755 /path/to/project` in the terminal. This will recursively change the permissions of all files and subdirectories within the project.

Are there any alternative solutions to fix the “expo-configure-project.sh: Operation not permitted” error?

Yes, you can try re-creating the `expo-configure-project.sh` script by running `expo eject` and then `expo configure-project` in the terminal. This will re-generate the script with the correct permissions.