Troubleshooting Error Loading React Native Module In Brownfield Android App Using @react-navigation

July 9, 2025 by StackCamp Team 100 views

Introduction

When integrating React Native into existing Brownfield Android apps, developers sometimes encounter challenges that don't surface during typical development and testing in simulators. One such issue involves loading React Native modules when the app is exported as an .aar file and integrated into a native Android application. This article delves into a specific error encountered while using the @react-navigation library in a Brownfield architecture, providing a detailed analysis of the problem, its context, and potential solutions. We will explore the environment setup, the error logs, and the steps to reproduce the issue, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for developers facing similar problems. By addressing this error, developers can ensure seamless integration of React Native modules in their Brownfield Android applications.

Environment Setup

To provide context, let's examine the environment in which this error occurred. Understanding the development environment is crucial for identifying potential compatibility issues or misconfigurations. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Operating System: macOS 15.5 (24F74)
npm: 10.9.0
Node.js: v18.20.4
Java: OpenJDK 17.0.12 (2024-07-16 LTS)
Ruby: ruby 3.3.0
Python: Python 3.10.0

These details help in understanding the software versions and their potential interactions. The use of OpenJDK 17 is particularly relevant, as Java versions can sometimes introduce compatibility issues with native modules in React Native. The versions of npm and Node.js are also important, as they dictate the package management and runtime environment for the JavaScript code. Let’s further examine the package.json file to understand the dependencies involved in the project, which is critical for diagnosing module-related errors.

Examining `package.json`

The package.json file lists the project’s dependencies and scripts, providing vital clues about the libraries used and the build process. Here’s the relevant section:

{
  "scripts": {
    "start": "rnef start",
    "lint": "eslint .",
    "test": "jest",
    "ios": "rnef run:ios",
    "android": "rnef run:android",
    "package:ios": "rnef package:ios --scheme TESTRNSDKReact --configuration Release",
    "package:android": "rnef package:aar --variant Release --module-name rnsdkbrownfield && rnef publish-local:aar --module-name rnsdkbrownfield"
  },
  "dependencies": {
    "@callstack/react-native-brownfield": "^1.1.0",
    "@react-navigation/native": "^7.1.14",
    "@react-navigation/native-stack": "^7.3.21",
    "@react-navigation/stack": "^7.4.2",
    "@rnef/plugin-brownfield-android": "^0.7.26",
    "react": "19.0.0",
    "react-native": "0.79.1",
    "react-native-gesture-handler": "^2.27.1",
    "react-native-safe-area-context": "^5.5.1",
    "react-native-screens": "^4.11.1"
  },
  "devDependencies": {
    "@babel/core": "^7.25.2",
    "@babel/preset-env": "^7.25.3",
    "@babel/runtime": "^7.25.0",
    "@expo/fingerprint": "^0.11.6",
    "@react-native/babel-preset": "0.79.1",
    "@react-native/eslint-config": "0.79.1",
    "@react-native/metro-config": "0.79.1",
    "@react-native/typescript-config": "0.79.1",
    "@rnef/cli": "^0.7.26",
    "@rnef/platform-android": "^0.7.26",
    "@rnef/platform-ios": "^0.7.26",
    "@rnef/plugin-brownfield-ios": "^0.7.26",
    "@rnef/plugin-metro": "^0.7.26",
    "@rnef/welcome-screen": "^0.7.26",
    "@types/react": "^19.0.0",
    "@types/react-test-renderer": "^19.0.0",
    "babel-jest": "^29.6.3",
    "eslint": "^8.19.0",
    "jest": "^29.6.3",
    "prettier": "2.8.8",
    "react-test-renderer": "19.0.0",
    "typescript": "5.0.4"
  }
}

Key observations from package.json:

React Native Brownfield Libraries: The project uses @callstack/react-native-brownfield and @rnef/plugin-brownfield-android, indicating it’s designed for integration into existing native applications.
React Navigation: @react-navigation/native, @react-navigation/native-stack, and @react-navigation/stack are used for handling navigation. These libraries are known to have native dependencies, which might be the source of the issue.
React and React Native Versions: The project uses React 19.0.0 and React Native 0.79.1. Compatibility issues can arise if these versions are not fully compatible with the navigation libraries or other native modules.
React Native Screens: The inclusion of react-native-screens (version 4.11.1) is noteworthy. This library provides native primitives for screen navigation and is often used with React Navigation. Its native components could be a potential source of errors when integrated into a Brownfield app.
Build Scripts: The package:android script uses rnef package:aar, suggesting that the React Native module is being packaged as an Android Archive (AAR) file for integration into a native Android project. This is a crucial step in the Brownfield integration process.

Understanding these dependencies and build configurations is essential for diagnosing the error. The error message itself provides further clues about the specific module causing the issue.

Description of the Issue

The primary issue is an error encountered when loading a React Native module within a Brownfield Android application, specifically after exporting the React Native app as an .aar file and integrating it into a native Android application. The application runs smoothly in the simulator using npm run android, but fails when loaded in the native Android app. This discrepancy suggests that the packaging or integration process introduces the error.

The error manifests as a java.lang.NoSuchMethodError, indicating that a required method is missing at runtime. The specific error message is:

java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: no static or non-static method "Lcom/swmansion/rnscreens/NativeProxy;.initHybrid()Lcom/facebook/jni/HybridData;"

This error points to an issue with the react-native-screens library, specifically the com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy class. The initHybrid() method, which is crucial for initializing native components, cannot be found. This can occur due to several reasons, such as:

Missing Native Libraries: The required native libraries for react-native-screens might not be correctly packaged or linked in the .aar file.
Version Incompatibility: There might be a version mismatch between the React Native version, react-native-screens, and other related libraries.
Incorrect Linking: The native components might not be correctly linked during the build process of the native Android application.
Class Loader Issues: The Android runtime might be unable to load the native class due to class loader conflicts.

Additionally, the error log includes the following information:

Failed to register native method com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy.initHybrid()Lcom/facebook/jni/HybridData; in /data/app/.../base.apk!classes5.dex

This message further confirms that the native method registration is failing, likely because the method is not found in the compiled code. The error log also shows a JNI (Java Native Interface) error:

JNI DETECTED ERROR IN APPLICATION: JNI NewGlobalRef called with pending exception java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: no static or non-static method "Lcom/swmansion/rnscreens/NativeProxy;.initHybrid()Lcom/facebook/jni/HybridData;"

The JNI error indicates that the Java Native Interface, which allows Java code to interact with native code, is encountering a problem. In this case, the error occurs when creating a global reference, suggesting that the native method initHybrid() is not available when the JNI tries to access it. This detailed error context is critical for devising a solution strategy.

Root Cause Analysis

To effectively resolve the error, a thorough root cause analysis is necessary. Based on the error messages and the environment details, several potential causes can be identified. The primary suspect is the react-native-screens library, which is a common dependency in React Native applications using navigation. The NoSuchMethodError specifically targeting com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy.initHybrid() points to issues related to native code linking or library versions.

Potential Causes:

Missing or Incorrect Native Libraries:
- The react-native-screens library relies on native code for its functionality. If the native libraries are not correctly included in the .aar file or are not properly linked in the native Android application, this error can occur.
- Action: Verify that all necessary native libraries (.so files) for react-native-screens are present in the jniLibs directory of the Android project and are correctly packaged in the .aar.
Version Incompatibility:
- Incompatibilities between react-native-screens, React Native, and other related libraries can lead to missing methods or other runtime errors. The versions specified in package.json need to be compatible.
- Action: Check the compatibility matrix for react-native-screens and ensure that the versions of React Native (0.79.1), @react-navigation libraries, and react-native-screens (4.11.1) are compatible. Try downgrading or upgrading react-native-screens to a compatible version.
Incorrect Linking Configuration:
- When integrating a React Native module into a native Android application, proper linking of native components is crucial. If the native components are not correctly linked, the initHybrid() method may not be available at runtime.
- Action: Review the native Android project's build configuration (build.gradle) to ensure that the native libraries are correctly linked. Check for any missing dependencies or incorrect paths.
Class Loader Issues:
- In Android, class loader conflicts can prevent the correct loading of native classes. This can happen if different libraries attempt to load the same native code, leading to a NoSuchMethodError.
- Action: Investigate potential class loader conflicts in the native Android application. Ensure that there are no duplicate entries or conflicting dependencies that might prevent the native class from loading correctly.
ProGuard/R8 Optimization Issues:
- If ProGuard or R8 (Android's code shrinking and obfuscation tools) are enabled, they might be stripping out or obfuscating the initHybrid() method, leading to the error. This is more likely in release builds where optimization is more aggressive.
- Action: Check the ProGuard/R8 configuration files (proguard-rules.pro) to ensure that the com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy class and its methods are not being stripped or obfuscated. Add keep rules if necessary.
Brownfield Integration Issues:
- The Brownfield architecture introduces additional complexity. The way React Native is initialized and integrated into the native application might be affecting the loading of native modules.
- Action: Review the Brownfield integration setup, particularly how the React Native application is initialized and how modules are loaded. Ensure that the native part of the application correctly sets up the React Native environment.

By systematically investigating these potential causes, developers can pinpoint the exact issue and implement the appropriate solution. The next section will outline specific steps to resolve this error based on the identified root causes.

Steps to Resolve the Error

Based on the potential causes identified, here are the steps to resolve the error loading the React Native module in a Brownfield Android app:

1. Verify Native Libraries

Ensure that the native libraries for react-native-screens are correctly included in the .aar file and the native Android application. This involves checking the jniLibs directory and the build configuration.

Check .aar Content:
- Extract the .aar file and navigate to the jni directory. Verify that the necessary .so files for different architectures (e.g., armeabi-v7a, arm64-v8a, x86, x86_64) are present.
Check Native Android Project:
- In the native Android project, ensure that the jniLibs directory (under src/main) contains the same .so files.
- If the jniLibs directory is missing, manually copy the .so files from the .aar to the jniLibs directory in your native Android project.

2. Check Version Compatibility

Ensure that the versions of react-native-screens, React Native, and other related libraries are compatible. Refer to the compatibility matrix for react-native-screens.

Review Dependencies:
- In package.json, review the versions of react-native-screens, React Native, @react-navigation libraries, and other related dependencies.
Compatibility Matrix:
- Visit the react-native-screens documentation or GitHub repository to find the compatibility matrix. Ensure that the versions you are using are listed as compatible.
Version Adjustments:
- If there are version incompatibilities, try downgrading or upgrading react-native-screens to a compatible version. For example, if React Native 0.79.1 is used, ensure react-native-screens is a version that supports it.
- Run npm install react-native-screens@<compatible_version> to update the version.

3. Review Linking Configuration

Ensure that the native components are correctly linked in the native Android application’s build configuration (build.gradle).

Check build.gradle (Module Level):
- Open the build.gradle file for your app module (usually app/build.gradle).
- Ensure that the jniLibs configuration is correctly set up. It should automatically pick up native libraries from the jniLibs directory.
- Verify that there are no explicit linking configurations that might be causing conflicts.
Check Dependencies:
- Ensure that all necessary dependencies for React Native and react-native-screens are included.

4. Investigate Class Loader Issues

Address potential class loader conflicts that might prevent the correct loading of native classes.

Dependency Conflicts:
- Use Android Studio’s dependency analyzer to identify potential conflicts. Go to Analyze -> Inspect Code and look for dependency conflicts.
- If conflicts are found, resolve them by excluding conflicting dependencies or using a consistent version across all modules.
Class Loader Hierarchy:
- Ensure that the class loader hierarchy is correctly set up. In Brownfield apps, the React Native class loader should be properly integrated with the native class loader.

5. Check ProGuard/R8 Configuration

If ProGuard or R8 are enabled, ensure that they are not stripping or obfuscating the initHybrid() method or related classes.

Review proguard-rules.pro:
- Open the proguard-rules.pro file in your Android project.
- Add keep rules to prevent ProGuard/R8 from stripping or obfuscating react-native-screens classes and methods.
- Add the following lines to keep the NativeProxy class and its methods:
```
-keep class com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy {
    *;
}
-keepnames class com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy
-keepclassmembers class com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy {
    <methods>;
}
```
Rebuild and Test:
- After adding the keep rules, rebuild the Android project and test if the error is resolved.

6. Review Brownfield Integration Setup

Ensure that the React Native initialization and module loading are correctly set up in the native Android application.

React Native Initialization:
- Verify that the ReactInstanceManager is correctly initialized in the native Android application.
- Ensure that the React Native context is properly set up before loading any React Native modules.
Module Loading:
- Check how React Native modules are loaded and registered in the native application.
- Ensure that the RNScreensPackage is correctly added to the list of packages.

Example: Adding `RNScreensPackage`

In your MainApplication.java or equivalent, ensure that RNScreensPackage is added to the list of packages:

import com.swmansion.rnscreens.RNScreensPackage;

import java.util.Arrays;
import java.util.List;

public class MainApplication extends Application implements ReactApplication {
    // ...

    @Override
    protected List<ReactPackage> getPackages() {
        return Arrays.<ReactPackage>asList(
            new MainReactPackage(),
            new RNScreensPackage() // Add this line
            // ... other packages ...
        );
    }
}

By systematically following these steps and addressing each potential cause, developers can effectively resolve the error loading React Native modules in a Brownfield Android application. The key is to meticulously verify native library inclusion, version compatibility, linking configurations, class loader issues, ProGuard/R8 settings, and the Brownfield integration setup.

Reproducible Demo

To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

Create a new React Native project:
```
npm create @rnef/app enterprise
```
Navigate to the project directory:
```
cd <your_project_name>
```
Install dependencies:
```
npm install
```
Start the React Native development server:
```
npm start
```
Package the Android app as an AAR:
```
npm run package:android
```
This command will generate an .aar file in the android/build/outputs/aar directory.
Create a new native Android project in Android Studio:
- Open Android Studio and create a new project with an empty activity.
Import the .aar into the native Android project:
- Create a new directory libs under app/. Copy the generated .aar file into this directory.
- In app/build.gradle, add the following to the dependencies block:
```
dependencies {
    implementation fileTree(dir: 'libs', include: ['*.aar'])
    // ... other dependencies ...
}
```
- Sync the Gradle project.
Integrate the React Native module into the native Android app:
- Follow the official documentation for integrating React Native into a native Android app.
- Ensure that you initialize the ReactInstanceManager and load the React Native module.
Run the native Android app on a physical device or emulator:
- Build and run the native Android app.
- Navigate to the section of the app where the React Native module is loaded.
Observe the error:
- If the issue persists, the app will crash with the java.lang.NoSuchMethodError related to com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy.initHybrid().

By following these steps, developers can reproduce the error and test potential solutions in a controlled environment. This reproducibility is crucial for verifying that the fixes are effective and for preventing future occurrences of the issue.

Conclusion

Integrating React Native modules into Brownfield Android applications can present unique challenges, particularly when dealing with native dependencies. The java.lang.NoSuchMethodError encountered while loading the react-native-screens module, specifically the missing initHybrid() method in com.swmansion.rnscreens.NativeProxy, is a prime example of such challenges. This article has provided a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and resolving this error, emphasizing the importance of verifying native library inclusion, ensuring version compatibility, reviewing linking configurations, addressing class loader issues, checking ProGuard/R8 settings, and scrutinizing the Brownfield integration setup.

By systematically addressing these potential causes, developers can overcome this hurdle and achieve seamless integration of React Native components into their existing native Android applications. The reproducible demo further aids in validating the solutions and ensuring long-term stability. In essence, a meticulous approach to environment setup, dependency management, and build configuration is key to successful Brownfield integration with React Native.