After struggling with React Native vector icons (from react-native-vector-icons) not showing in my iOS app, I finally solved it. Here's a detailed step-by-step that might help others facing the same issue.

Problem

Icons were rendering perfectly on Android, but nothing appeared on iOS. No errors, just missing icons.

My Setup

• React Native 0.79.1

• react-native-vector-icons

• iOS target using Xcode

• Bare React Native (not Expo)

Root Cause

On iOS, react-native-vector-icons uses custom font files (like Ionicons.ttf, FontAwesome.ttf, etc.). These font files need to be:

1. Declared in your Info.plist
2. Physically added to your Xcode project
3. Included in Copy Bundle Resources

Without step 2 or 3, icons won’t render even if you import them correctly in JS.

Solution

1. Add Fonts to Info.plist

Inside ios/YourApp/Info.plist, add the font files like this:

<key>UIAppFonts</key>
<array>
  <string>AntDesign.ttf</string>
  <string>Entypo.ttf</string>
  <string>EvilIcons.ttf</string>
  <string>Feather.ttf</string>
  <string>FontAwesome.ttf</string>
  <string>FontAwesome5_Brands.ttf</string>
  <string>FontAwesome5_Regular.ttf</string>
  <string>FontAwesome5_Solid.ttf</string>
  <string>Foundation.ttf</string>
  <string>Ionicons.ttf</string>
  <string>MaterialCommunityIcons.ttf</string>
  <string>MaterialIcons.ttf</string>
  <string>Octicons.ttf</string>
  <string>SimpleLineIcons.ttf</string>
  <string>Zocial.ttf</string>
</array>

info.plist

2. Add .ttf Fonts to Xcode Project

• Open ios/YourProject.xcworkspace in Xcode.
• Right-click on your project folder in the left panel (not the top-level blue icon).
• Click Add Files to "YourProject".

Add Files to.

• Navigate to:

node_modules/react-native-vector-icons/Fonts

• Select all the .ttf files mentioned in your Info.plist.

• In the dialog box:

  • Check Copy items if needed

  • Check your target (e.g., YourProject)

  • Click Add

3. Ensure Fonts Are in "Copy Bundle Resources"

• In Xcode, click the blue project icon > select your app target.

• Go to the Build Phases tab.

• Expand Copy Bundle Resources.

Copy Bundle Resources

• Ensure all .ttf files are listed.

  • If not, click the + button and add them manually.

4. Clean and Rebuild

from Xcode:

• Product > Clean Build Folder

• Then Run (⌘ + R)

If you're still facing issues after this, feel free to comment.