Table of Content
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Last Updated:20 May 2026 , 9:40 am
Key Takeaways:
- Cover why React Native apps slow down, including issues like excessive re-renders, heavy components, and inefficient state handling
- Explains how optimizing component rendering can significantly improve UI responsiveness and reduce lag
- Highlights techniques like using memoization, PureComponent, and React optimization hooks to prevent unnecessary updates
- Shows how proper list handling (e.g., using optimized list rendering instead of full-screen re-renders) improves scrolling performance
- Discusses image optimization strategies to reduce memory usage and improve load speed across devices
- Covers how reducing JavaScript thread workload helps prevent freezes and improves overall app stability
- Provides practical, developer-focused tips to improve app speed, scalability, and user experience in production apps
Quick summary
Good Performance is pivotal for any business app or product. As per the Statista report, React native is among the top options to build cross-platform mobile apps. It has also been the top choice of developers to create functional apps for app developers. To optimize your React Native app performance, you should hire React Native developers with relevant experience.
This blog contains appropriate tips to boost the performance of React Native applications.
What are Reasons Behind Poor Reactive Native App Performance?
The performance of React Native will be hugely impacted while repeating the same tasks. It is also affected due to the heavy components of the apps and thus need to be rendered. Let us look at some of the significant reasons behind the slow performance of apps -
- When a variable value changes and the entire component gets re-rendered, then the app will function slowly.
- The caching of components also impacts the app speed as it adds up to the app's memory.
- The improper use of pure components for the static components reduces the app's performance.
- The speed also slows or dips if the app loads large data sets.
- The loading time gets impacted seriously when you fetch all data from specific components.
- Let us check some tips to create a React Native app with top functions to boost the overall performance.
10 Tips to Bolster the Performance of React Native Apps
Enhancement of Launch Speed with Hermes & useMemo
The performance of the React Native app can be improved with the increase in app launch speed. To achieve it, developers need to reduce the bundle size and ensure appropriate rendering. Let us discuss below the use of specific functions within React Natives that will work as performance enhancers.
Hermes
This open-source Java Script is meant for the React Native platform, and it reduces the download size of APK. It enhances the app consumption and improves the interaction time of the app.
The code for the Android platform is as follows:
project.ext.react = [
entryFile : "index.js",
- enableHermes: false // clean and rebuild if changing
+ enableHermes: true // clean and rebuild if changing]
- keep class com.facebook.hermes.unicode.** { *; }
- keep class com.facebook.jni.** { *; }
Next, clean the build:
cd android && ./gradlew clean
npm react-native run-android
The code for the iOS platform is as follows:
use_react_native!(
:path => config[:reactNativePath],
# to enable hermes on iOS, change `false` to `true` and then install pods
- :hermes_enabled => false
+ :hermes_enabled => true
)
useMemo
This function prevents the re-rendering of components that slows the app speed. In case of a change in variable value, the developers can use the function for recalculation & call for the changed value.
Let us check the codes with the use of two components, like FaltList and Button, in this example:
import * as React from 'react';
import {View, FlatList} from 'react-native';
import {useState} from 'react';
import UseMemoListItemSeprator from './UseMemoListItemSeprator';
const data = [
{ name: ‘India' },
{ name: ‘England' },
{ name: 'South Africa' },
];
const [arrCountry, setArrCountry] = useState(data);
const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
function UseMemoFlatListItem({item, onChange, arrCountry}) {
return useMemo(() => {
return (
<View style={Styles.container}><Text>{item.name}</Text></View>
);
}, [item.status]);
}
return (
<View style={Styles.container}><Button title='Increment' onPress={() => setCount(count + 1)} /><FlatList
data={arrCountry}
keyExtractor={(item) => String(item.name)}
renderItem={({item, index}) => (
<UseMemoFlatListItem
item={item}
/>
)}
ItemSeparatorComponent={() =><UseMemoListItemSeprator />}
showsVerticalScrollIndicator={false}
/></View>
);
React.memo()
Hire React Native developers to incorporate the methods & functions efficiency across applications.
Efficient Usage of nativeDriver with Animated API
The use of core modules like animated API enables easy rendering of animations in the React Native apps. Here calculations of each frame are carried out on-demand in the JS thread. The use of nativeDriver with Animated API ensures the safe transfer of animations to the main thread.
It will be crucial to set useNativeDriver to ‘true’ for using nativeDriver with Animated API. Let us now take an example where the native driver is used on an onScroll Animated event on the ScrollView components.
<Animated.ScrollView
scrollEventThrottle={1}
onScroll={Animated.event(
[{ nativeEvent: { contentOffset: { y: this.state.animatedValue } } }],
{ useNativeDriver: true }
)}
>
{content}
</Animated.ScrollView>
Image Optimization with Use of a Cache
One of the top practices to enhance the app performance will be to cache images and avoid unnecessary network requests. The image caching saves a lot of images locally for the first time and the application loads. A significant use of cache to prevent subsequent network requests will improve the app's performance.
Let us check an example:
<Image
source={{
uri: 'https://reactjs.org/logo-og.png',
cache: 'only-if-cached',
}}
style={{ width: 400, height: 400 }}
/>
It Will be Better To Avoid Anonymous Functions
The anonymous functions are responsible for serious performance issues across the React Native apps. The use of such tasks in React components will negatively impact the application output. In case the Button components are re-rendered then a new copy of ‘onPress’ callbacks should be created. Let us check the example:
<Button
onPress={() => setCount(count + 1)}
title="Click me!"
/>
The use of a named function will solve different troubles. It will only require the use of handlePress.
const handlePress = () => setCount(count + 1)
<Button
onPress={handlePress}
title="Click me!"
/>
Create a React Native app with suitable methods to enhance its overall functioning.
Safe Use of FlatList to Render Large Set of Items
The use of ScrollView is one of the common ways to display items in a protected way in React Native. It is fine for an array of small items but can lead to low performance once the array grows bigger. In such cases, the FlatList components are the best choice. Let us check one example:
/ listItems is an array
function ExampleScreen() {
const renderListItem = () => {
return (
<View>
<Text>{item.name}</Text>
</View>
);
};
return (
<FlatList
data={listItems}
keyExtractor={item => item.id}
renderItem={renderListItem}
/>
);
}
Integrate Special App Navigation
Faulty navigation can be a speed breaker in the performance of apps. To solve the problem, it is advisable to incorporate the right-fit animation method. Try to improve the navigation of the app through different techniques so that the performance remains higher.
Hire React Native developers for the incorporation of correct methods in the app development process.
Let us check 4 different approaches to developing navigation for specific apps -
- Use Android or iOS-specific navigation that allows the creation of functional apps.
- Develop prototype menus with the use of the navigator function.
- Use a navigation experiment for the development of complex React Native apps.
- Prefer the React Navigation for lightweight apps.
Avoid the Use of Anonymous Functions
The performance of apps hampers due to the use of anonymous functions in JavaScripts and then used in React components. For example - At the time of re-rendering of Button components, it creates a new copy of the onPress callback.
<Button
onPress={() => setCount(count + 1)}
title="Click me!"
/>
The use of named functions and handle presses can fix the trouble.
const handlePress = () => setCount(count + 1)
<Button
onPress={handlePress}
title="Click me!"
/>
Avoid the Use of Scroll View
To get a scroll list on the business app interface, FlatList, and ScrollView are the two rendering options. ScrollView is easy to implement, but there are also some troubles related to it. The performance of the app will go down if the list has endless views. Data handling will get tougher due to it, and the overall app speed will also go down.
It is advisable not to use ScrollView for the larger or bigger lists, and use FlatList in its place. To optimize the app memory and increment the performance of the React Native app, use this tip on a priority basis.
Efficient Memory Optimization
The other significant way to enhance the performance of React Native apps will be through effective memory optimization. Developers need to ensure app optimization to identify and prevent memory leaks. They need to use Android Device Monitor for the Android apps and XCode for the Apple apps.
The use of a section list & virtual list will boost the memory optimization of the React Native app.
Correct Use of Style References
The final way to enhance the productivity of React Native apps will be through the appropriate use of style references. In case you use arrays or objects for styling, then create the right instances for new rendering. The top solution will be to use a ‘StyleSheet’ in React Natives and it should pass the reference instead of a new object.
Class StylingClass extends React.PureComponent {
render() {
const style = {width: 10, height: 10}
return (
<View style={{flex: 1}}>
<View style={[style, {backgroundColor: 'red'}]}/>
</View>
);
}
}
import {StyleSheet} from 'react-native';
class CorrectClass extends React.PureComponent {
render() {
return (
<View style={style.container}/>
);
}
}
StyleSheet.create({
container: {
flex: 1
}
});
Planning to hire React Native developers at cost-effective rates?
Why Pick AIS Technolabs for React Native Apps?
AIS Technolabs is one of the top development firms that has experienced React Native developers in its ranks. They will incorporate all the right methods to enhance the productivity and performance of the business apps. The company offers a 15-day risk-free trial facility to make efficient React Native development decisions. Hire React Native developers today to bolster your business plans & motives through functional apps.
Let us look at some of the top benefits of contacting AIS Technolabs -
- They will assist in saving 30%-50% time & cost in React Native projects.
- They provide superior and cutting-edge React app development services to satisfy customer needs.
- The professional developers leverage technology and programming languages that are exclusive to those platforms.
- The experts also produce immersive, feature-rich iPhone apps using the best technology.
- They integrate distinctive functions using advanced frameworks, bespoke modules, and software integrations.
Final Thoughts!
Hire React Native Developers to inject the right modifications or improvements in the React Native app. This will ensure better performance and higher productivity of the business apps. The developers can use the above tips to improve React Native’s app speed and outcomes. Take the help of the best-rated developers to build a functional app from the start, if possible. Businesses can outsource the task to relevant experts who can create the perfect app to boost their revenues.
FAQs
Ans.
To become a full-stack React Native app developer, you need to acquire JavaScript skills and learn the basics of React. Technical training on React Native will make you proficient with React app development.
Ans.
Start with the setup of the React Native development environment to build the app for production. Then, move to the project directory and start the development service. Then, make suitable improvements in the React Native apps.
Ans.
Use React Native CLI to start with React Native app development. Use Xcode or Android Studio for app development tasks.
Ans.
To enhance the speed of the React Native app, eliminate unnecessary renders, and also limit the dependencies to minimize the app size.
Ans.
Sign up for the Apple Developer program, get the app ready for submission, create the app store list, and then upload the app using Xcode.
James Smith
James Smith, a seasoned Brand Marketing Manager with over 9 years of experience, excels in crafting and executing strategic marketing initiatives. With a keen understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, he effectively builds and enhances brand identities. James's expertise lies in developing comprehensive marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences, driving engagement and loyalty. His extensive experience and innovative approach make him a valuable asset in achieving brand objectives and driving business growth.
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