1---
2title: Install Native Dependencies in App Directory
3impact: CRITICAL
4impactDescription: required for autolinking to work
5tags: monorepo, native, autolinking, installation
6---
7 
8## Install Native Dependencies in App Directory
9 
10In a monorepo, packages with native code must be installed in the native app's
11directory directly. Autolinking only scans the app's `node_modules`—it won't
12find native dependencies installed in other packages.
13 
14**Incorrect (native dep in shared package only):**
15 
16```
17packages/
18  ui/
19    package.json  # has react-native-reanimated
20  app/
21    package.json  # missing react-native-reanimated
22```
23 
24Autolinking fails—native code not linked.
25 
26**Correct (native dep in app directory):**
27 
28```
29packages/
30  ui/
31    package.json  # has react-native-reanimated
32  app/
33    package.json  # also has react-native-reanimated
34```
35 
36```json
37// packages/app/package.json
38{
39  "dependencies": {
40    "react-native-reanimated": "3.16.1"
41  }
42}
43```
44 
45Even if the shared package uses the native dependency, the app must also list it
46for autolinking to detect and link the native code.
47