React Native: Understanding and Resolving “java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: dlopen failed: “/data/data/{package}/lib-main/libgnustl_shared.so” is 32-bit instead of 64-bit” Error
This error, “java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: dlopen failed: “/data/data/{package}/lib-main/libgnustl_shared.so” is 32-bit instead of 64-bit”, occurs when your React Native app attempts to load a native library that is compiled for a different architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit) than the target device’s architecture.
Causes of the Error
The root cause of this issue is a mismatch between the architecture of the native library and the architecture of the device running your React Native app.
1. Mismatched Architecture
* **App Development:** You might be building your app on a development machine with a different architecture than the target device. For example, you might develop on a 64-bit machine and deploy to a 32-bit Android device.
* **Library Dependency:** A third-party library you are using might be compiled for a different architecture.
* **Device Compatibility:** Older Android devices might have 32-bit processors, while newer devices have 64-bit processors.
2. Missing Native Libraries
* **Incorrectly Installed Libraries:** During development, the necessary native libraries might not be correctly installed or linked.
* **Package Manager Errors:** Package managers like npm or yarn may fail to install libraries correctly, resulting in missing or incompatible native libraries.
Resolving the Error
1. Check Target Architecture
* **Development Machine:** Ensure that the development environment matches the target device’s architecture. If you are developing on a 64-bit machine and deploying to a 32-bit device, you might need to build for both architectures.
* **Device Configuration:** Check the target device’s specifications to confirm its architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
* **Android Studio:** You can use Android Studio to see the architecture of the emulators or connected devices.
2. Rebuild Native Modules
* **Cleaning and Rebuilding:** Run `npm clean-install` or `yarn clean install` to clear and rebuild the native modules.
* **Package Manager Specific Instructions:** Consult the documentation of your specific package manager for instructions on rebuilding native modules.
3. Verify Native Library Compatibility
* **Library Documentation:** Check the documentation of any third-party native libraries you are using to confirm they are compatible with your target device architecture.
* **Source Code Review:** If you are using custom native libraries, ensure that they are compiled for the correct architecture.
* **Architecture-Specific Builds:** If possible, build separate versions of your native libraries for 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.
4. Utilize React Native’s Architecture Support
* **`react-native link`:** This command is used to link native modules to your React Native project. Ensure that you use it correctly and that your native modules are properly linked.
Example Code (Android)
To build for both architectures in Android, you can use the following configuration in your `android/app/build.gradle` file:
“`
android {
compileSdkVersion 30
buildToolsVersion “30.0.2”
defaultConfig {
applicationId “com.yourcompany.yourproject”
minSdkVersion 16
targetSdkVersion 30
versionCode 1
versionName “1.0”
ndk {
abiFilters “armeabi-v7a”, “arm64-v8a”, “x86”, “x86_64”
}
}
…
}
“`
This configuration ensures that your app builds native libraries for all common Android architectures. If you only need support for specific architectures, modify the `abiFilters` list accordingly.
Debugging Tips
* **Log Messages:** Use `console.log` in your JavaScript code to print information about the device architecture, native libraries, and any errors.
* **Network Inspection:** Check network traffic to see if any relevant files are missing or not being downloaded correctly.
* **Debugger:** Utilize React Native’s built-in debugger or a debugger like Chrome DevTools to inspect the app’s state and execution flow.
* **Error Stack Trace:** Analyze the complete error stack trace to understand where the error is originating.
By carefully reviewing the architecture of your project and understanding the root cause of the “java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError”, you can resolve this error and ensure that your React Native app runs smoothly on a variety of devices.