---
title: Install Native Dependencies in App Directory
impact: CRITICAL
impactDescription: required for autolinking to work
tags: monorepo, native, autolinking, installation
---

## Install Native Dependencies in App Directory

In a monorepo, packages with native code must be installed in the native app's
directory directly. Autolinking only scans the app's `node_modules`—it won't
find native dependencies installed in other packages.

**Incorrect (native dep in shared package only):**

```
packages/
  ui/
    package.json  # has react-native-reanimated

  app/
    package.json  # missing react-native-reanimated

```

Autolinking fails—native code not linked.

**Correct (native dep in app directory):**

```
packages/
  ui/
    package.json  # has react-native-reanimated

  app/
    package.json  # also has react-native-reanimated

```

```json
// packages/app/package.json
{
  "dependencies": {
    "react-native-reanimated": "3.16.1"
  }
}
```

Even if the shared package uses the native dependency, the app must also list it
for autolinking to detect and link the native code.