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React native vector icons not showing after upgrade

2 min read 04-10-2024
React native vector icons not showing after upgrade


React Native Vector Icons: Troubleshooting Disappearances After Upgrades

Have you recently upgraded your React Native project, only to find that your beloved vector icons have vanished? This is a common problem that often arises after updating dependencies. This article will walk you through the troubleshooting process, providing solutions and insights to get your icons back on display.

Scenario: You've been happily using React Native Vector Icons in your app. After upgrading React Native, Expo, or other relevant packages, the icons you previously displayed are now gone. You might encounter a blank space or a broken image placeholder where your icons used to be.

Original Code Example:

import { FontAwesomeIcon } from '@fortawesome/react-native-fontawesome';
import { faHome } from '@fortawesome/free-solid-svg-icons';

// ... in your component

<FontAwesomeIcon icon={faHome} size={24} />

Common Causes:

  • Library Version Conflicts: Upgrading your React Native or other dependencies might introduce incompatible versions of the vector icon libraries, leading to conflicts and rendering issues.
  • Missing Linking: Some icon libraries require manual linking after installation. This process ensures the native code is properly integrated with your React Native project.
  • Package Installation Errors: Sometimes, installation errors can lead to incomplete or corrupted package installations, preventing icons from displaying correctly.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Verify Library Installation:
    • Double-check that you've installed all required packages. Ensure you are using the correct versions. For example:
    npm install --save @fortawesome/fontawesome-svg-core @fortawesome/free-solid-svg-icons @fortawesome/react-native-fontawesome
  2. Reinstall and Link Libraries:
    • Remove the existing libraries and reinstall them. Then, try linking them again if necessary.
    npm uninstall @fortawesome/fontawesome-svg-core @fortawesome/free-solid-svg-icons @fortawesome/react-native-fontawesome 
npm install --save @fortawesome/fontawesome-svg-core @fortawesome/free-solid-svg-icons @fortawesome/react-native-fontawesome
    • You might need to use react-native link if the library requires manual linking.
  3. Clear Cache and Restart:
    • Clear your project cache and restart your development environment. This can resolve any cached dependencies or configuration issues.
  4. Check Package Compatibility:
    • Review the documentation of the icon library you are using. Check for any known compatibility issues or upgrade instructions for the specific React Native version you are on.
  5. Verify Linking (Expo Projects):
    • For Expo projects, check that you've correctly linked the icon library in your app.json. You might need to add the following to the expo.ios.bundleIdentifier and expo.android.package sections:
    "expo.ios.bundleIdentifier": "your_app_id",
"expo.android.package": "your_app_id"

Additional Tips:

  • Debugging:
    • Use the developer console in your browser or IDE to check for any error messages related to the icon library or rendering.
    • Add logging statements to your code to identify the specific component causing the issue.
  • Consider a Different Library:
    • If you're encountering persistent issues, consider switching to a different icon library. There are several popular options available, such as:
      • Material Icons
      • Ionicons
      • Ant Design Icons

Conclusion:

Troubleshooting vector icon issues after upgrading React Native can be challenging but can often be resolved with patience and careful investigation. By following the steps outlined above, you can identify the root cause of the problem and get your icons back on display. Remember to check the documentation of your chosen icon library and keep track of any known compatibility issues.

Resources:

react-native react-native-vector-icons

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