Run development version in emulator or directly on device (depends on which one is connected): react-native run-android
Accessing development options: CMD+m on laptop, shake the phone on real device.
Generating the release APK: cd android && ./gradlew assembleRelease
Installing the release on the device: https://facebook.github.io/react-native/docs/running-on-device-android.html#content cd android && ./gradlew installRelease