Error: Looks like you have nested a 'NavigationContainer' inside another

You might have encountered the following error at some point during your development process. In this article, we will delve into the steps required to resolve this issue comprehensively. Below is an example of how the error manifested on my device, providing a clear picture of what you might see on your screen.

First, let's examine the error message in detail. Understanding the specific wording and context of the error can help us identify the root cause more effectively. Here is the exact error message as it appeared(in terminal):

Next, we will explore several potential causes for this error. Common reasons might include misconfigurations, missing dependencies, or conflicts within your codebase. By systematically addressing each of these factors, we can narrow down the source of the problem.

• Check Configuration Settings: Ensure that all configuration files are correctly set up and that there are no typos or incorrect paths.

• Verify Dependencies: Make sure all necessary dependencies are installed and up to date. Sometimes, an outdated or missing package can trigger such errors.

• Review Recent Changes: If the error started appearing after recent changes to your code, review those changes to identify any potential issues.

• Pass 'independent={true}' explicitly: As the error says, we can pass independent prop as true to the NavigationContainer. Here's how you can do it ->

<NavigationContainer independent>
      <Stack.Navigator>
        <Stack.Screen options={{headerShown:false}} name="Home" component={HomeScreen} />
        <Stack.Screen options={{headerShown:false}} name="Second" component={SecondtScreen} />
      </Stack.Navigator>
</NavigationContainer>

➤ you can either pass independent={true} or you can just pass independent.

IMPORTANT : You will not be able to navigate between the screens of two separate navigation containers. If you want to navigate between them then you have to maintain a single navigation container.

• Also Keep on mind: If you create your app with npx create-expo-app@latest --with-router, in this case a default navigation container is added and it causes the issue when adding NavigationContainer.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. I hope it has been helpful in resolving the error you encountered. I appreciate your attention and hope this information proves valuable in your development journey.

I look forward to sharing more insights with you in future articles. Happy Coding 😊!!!

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References

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/61677422/error-looks-like-you-have-nested-a-navigationcontainer-inside-another-normal