Native module not found in React Native when subscribe to graphql with @aws-amplify/api

[duyta7598]

Before opening, please confirm:

• I have searched for duplicate or closed issues and discussions.
• I have read the guide for submitting bug reports.
• I have done my best to include a minimal, self-contained set of instructions for consistently reproducing the issue.

JavaScript Framework

React Native

Amplify APIs

GraphQL API

Amplify Version

v6

Amplify Categories

api

Backend

None

Environment information

# Put output below this line

Describe the bug

Hi team,

I am encountering an issue when trying to use GraphQL subscriptions in a React Native project with the @aws-amplify/api package (version 6.x).

Problem details:
• Query and mutation operations work correctly using the generateClient method.
• However, when attempting to subscribe to a GraphQL subscription, I get the following runtime error:
error subscribe [Error: Native module not found] [Component Stack]

•	This error appears to be related to missing native WebSocket modules required for subscription support.
•	I am using Expo bare workflow, and have confirmed that the environment supports native modules.
•	The subscription setup follows the Amplify docs but still fails.

Questions:
1. Is subscription currently fully supported with generateClient in React Native / Expo?
2. If yes, what is the recommended setup or workaround to fix the “Native module not found” error?
3. Are there plans to fix or provide better React Native subscription support in @aws-amplify/api v6?

I would appreciate any guidance or fixes to properly enable subscriptions with Amplify in React Native.

Thank you!

Expected behavior

Subscriptions should connect and receive real-time updates as intended.

Reproduction steps

1. Create a React Native project using Expo bare workflow.
2. Install @aws-amplify/api version 6 and related Amplify dependencies.
3. Configure Amplify with a valid AppSync GraphQL API using generateClient with authMode: "apiKey".
4. Implement query and mutation calls using the generated client — these should work fine.
5. Implement a GraphQL subscription using the same client’s .graphql({ query }).subscribe() method.
6. Run the app on a physical device or emulator.
7. Observe the runtime error: Error: Native module not found when starting the subscription.

Code Snippet

// Put your code below this line.
const useGraphQLSubscription = <
  TSubscriptionVariables = any,
  TSubscriptionResponse = any,
>({
  query,
  variables,
  callback,
  enabled = true,
}: Props<TSubscriptionVariables, TSubscriptionResponse>) => {
  useEffect(() => {
    if (!enabled) return;
    const subscription = graphQLClient
      .graphql({
        query,
        variables: variables || ({} as any),
      })
      .subscribe({
        next: ({ data }) => {
          callback(data as TSubscriptionResponse);
        },
        error: (error) => console.warn("error subscribe", error),
      });

    return () => {
      subscription.unsubscribe();
    };
    // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
  }, [callback, variables, enabled]);
};

Log output

// Put your logs below this line

aws-exports.js

No response

Manual configuration

No response

Additional configuration

No response

Mobile Device

No response

Mobile Operating System

No response

Mobile Browser

No response

Mobile Browser Version

No response

Additional information and screenshots

No response

[yuhengshs]

Hi @duyta7598 ,

Thanks for reporting the issue, while we will look into this and try to see what is going on.
Meanwhile, have you also tried to clear cache and reinstall all the dependencies such as:

rm -rf node_modules
rm package-lock.json  # or yarn.lock if using yarn
npm install           # or yarn install

[duyta7598]

Thanks @yuhengshs ,
I’ve already tried your solution, but unfortunately the issue still persists.
P.S. This happens on both Android and iOS. I’ve checked the documentation, but it seems identical to the React version, so I’m not sure if I missed any specific step for React Native.

[shehryar-turing]

Hi @duyta7598,

The "Native module not found" error with GraphQL subscriptions in React Native, especially with Amplify v6, often indicates an issue with the WebSocket implementation expected by Amplify.

Here are a couple of things you could try:

1. Install react-native-url-polyfill: This package helps polyfill standard URL and WebSocket functionalities in React Native, which can resolve issues where Amplify's API module expects browser-like WebSocket capabilities.

   npm install react-native-url-polyfill
   # or
   yarn add react-native-url-polyfill

   Then, import it at the entry point of your application (e.g., index.js or App.js):

   import 'react-native-url-polyfill/auto';

2. Ensure all Amplify packages are up-to-date and compatible: Double-check that all your @aws-amplify/... packages are on the latest v6 versions and that there are no version mismatches. Sometimes, cleaning your project's caches and reinstalling dependencies can help:

   rm -rf node_modules yarn.lock package-lock.json
   yarn install # or npm install
   cd ios && pod install && cd .. # if you have iOS specific changes

3. Check for specific native dependencies for WebSockets: While you're using Expo bare workflow, ensure that any native modules required for robust WebSocket communication are correctly linked. The react-native-url-polyfill often handles this, but it's worth keeping in mind.

Could you try these steps and see if it resolves the subscription error? Let us know how it goes!