expo-secure-store

Learn secure storage with expo-secure-store.

The expo-secure-store package

To store sensitive data (password, session token, API key) safely you use the expo-secure-store package. This package wraps the Keychain on iOS and the Keystore on Android; it keeps the data encrypted and app-specific. With Expo you install it with npx expo install expo-secure-store.

AsyncStorage stores data as plain text; so it is not suitable for sensitive data. expo-secure-store writes the data to the device's secure storage; only your app can access it. The package offers three main functions: setItemAsync (write), getItemAsync (read) and deleteItemAsync (delete). All three are asynchronous so they are awaited.

Import

The package comes as a default export: import * as SecureStore from 'expo-secure-store'. This pattern groups all functions under the SecureStore name. Write, read and delete functions are called through this name.

Example: await SecureStore.setItemAsync('token', 'abc123') for writing, const value = await SecureStore.getItemAsync('token') for reading. Values are stored as strings; to store a number or object you first need to convert them to strings. Keys must also be strings; meaningful app-specific names are chosen (like 'token', 'user_id').

Exercise Import the package

Complete the empty file. Import the expo-secure-store package with import * as SecureStore. Export it with export { SecureStore }.

Show example solution

import * as SecureStore from 'expo-secure-store';

export { SecureStore };

Test yourself

What does expo-secure-store provide?
- Only camera
- Only file download
- Encrypted secure storage
- Only network requests
Show answer

Encrypted secure storage — The package provides encrypted secure storage.

Write the import statement

import * as ____ from 'expo-secure-store';

Show answer

import * as SecureStore from 'expo-secure-store';

Match each part to its role

setItemAsync

Write
getItemAsync

Read
deleteItemAsync

Delete
expo-secure-store

Package name

Next lesson: setItemAsync

We Are Enhancing Your Experience

Cookie Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Analytical Cookies