How to Fix React Native UncheckedIOException: Could Not Move Temporary Workspace

If you’re a React Native developer, you’ve likely encountered the frustrating React Native UncheckedIOException: Could not move temporary workspace error while building your Android app. This Gradle-related issue can halt your project, especially when running commands like npx react-native run-android. Don’t worry—this comprehensive guide will walk you through why this React Native error occurs and provide 9 proven solutions to fix it.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this article will help you troubleshoot the Could not move temporary workspace error with simple, actionable steps. Let’s dive in!

What Is the React Native UncheckedIOException Error?

The React Native UncheckedIOException error typically appears during the Android build process in a React Native project. The full error message looks something like this:

java.io.UncheckedIOException: Could not move temporary workspace (C:\Users\YourUser\YourProject\android\.gradle\8.6\dependencies-accessors\...) to immutable location (C:\Users\YourUser\YourProject\android\.gradle\8.6\dependencies-accessors\...)

This error is related to Gradle, the build tool used for Android apps in React Native. It occurs when Gradle fails to move a temporary workspace file to its final location, often due to file access issues, version incompatibilities, or system restrictions.

Why Does This Gradle Error Happen?

Here are the most common causes of the Could not move temporary workspace error in 2025:

• Gradle Version Issues: Newer Gradle versions (e.g., 8.6 or 8.7) may have bugs or incompatibilities with React Native or Android Studio.
• Antivirus Interference: Antivirus software like Windows Defender can lock Gradle files, preventing moves.
• File Permissions: Restricted permissions on the .gradle folder or project directory.
• Corrupted Gradle Cache: A corrupted cache can cause build failures.
• Metro Bundler Conflicts: The React Native Metro Bundler may lock files during builds.
• Node or React Native Version: Incompatibilities with Node.js or React Native versions (e.g., 0.74.x, 0.75.x).

How to Fix the React Native UncheckedIOException Error

Below are 9 solutions to resolve the React Native UncheckedIOException error, starting with the simplest fixes. Try them in order, and test your build after each step by running:

npx react-native run-android

Solution 1: Downgrade Gradle to Version 8.5

Many developers report that downgrading Gradle from 8.6 or 8.7 to 8.5 resolves this Gradle error. Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate the Gradle Wrapper File:
   • Navigate to YourProject/android/gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.properties.
2. Edit the Distribution URL:
   • Open the file in a text editor.
   • Find the line starting with distributionUrl.
   • Change it to:distributionUrl=https://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-8.5-all.zip
3. Clean and Rebuild:
   • Run these commands in your project’s root directory:cd android .\gradlew clean cd .. npx react-native run-android

Why It Works: Gradle 8.5 is more stable with React Native versions like 0.74.x and 0.75.x, avoiding bugs in newer releases.

Solution 2: Clear Gradle Cache

A corrupted Gradle cache can trigger the React Native error. Clearing it forces Gradle to rebuild the cache.

• Steps:
  • Close Android Studio and any running emulators.
  • Navigate to C:\Users\YourUser\.gradle\caches (Windows) or ~/.gradle/caches (Mac/Linux).
  • Delete the caches folder.
  • Run:cd android .\gradlew clean cd .. npm start --reset-cache npx react-native run-android

Pro Tip: Resetting the Metro Bundler cache with npm start --reset-cache can prevent related issues.

Solution 3: Exclude Project Folders from Antivirus

Antivirus software, like Windows Defender, can lock Gradle files, causing the Could not move temporary workspace error. Excluding your project and Gradle folders can fix this.

• Steps for Windows:
  • Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings > Exclusions.
  • Add these folders:
    • Your project directory (e.g., C:\Users\YourUser\YourProject).
    • Gradle cache (e.g., C:\Users\YourUser\.gradle).
    • Android Studio folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio).
  • Rebuild your project:npx react-native run-android

Why It Works: Antivirus software may flag Gradle’s file operations as suspicious, causing access denials.

Solution 4: Run Android Studio as Administrator

File permission issues can cause the React Native UncheckedIOException. Running Android Studio with admin privileges can help.

• Steps:
  • Right-click the Android Studio shortcut and select Run as Administrator.
  • Open your project in Android Studio.
  • Sync the project (click File > Sync Project with Gradle Files).
  • Run the app from Android Studio or via:npx react-native run-android

Note: On Windows, ensure your project isn’t in a protected folder like C:\Program Files.

Solution 5: Update Node.js and React Native

Incompatibilities with Node.js or React Native versions can contribute to this Gradle error. In 2025, Node 20 is recommended for newer React Native versions.

• Steps:
  • Check your versions:node -v npx react-native -v
  • Update Node.js to version 20:
    • Download from nodejs.org.
    • Or use nvm (Node Version Manager):nvm install 20 nvm use 20
  • Update React Native:npm install react-native@latest
  • Rebuild:npm install npx react-native run-android

Why It Works: Node 20 resolves issues with React Native 0.75.x and 0.76.x.

Solution 6: Delete the .gradle Folder

Manually deleting the .gradle folder in your project can reset the build environment.

• Steps:
  • Close Android Studio and emulators.
  • Navigate to YourProject/android/.gradle.
  • Delete the .gradle folder.
  • Rebuild:cd android .\gradlew clean cd .. npx react-native run-android

Caution: This forces Gradle to redownload dependencies, which may take time.

Solution 7: Adjust Gradle Settings in Android Studio

Sometimes, tweaking Gradle settings in Android Studio can bypass the React Native UncheckedIOException.

• Steps:
  • Open Android Studio and your project.
  • Go to File > Settings > Build, Execution, Deployment > Gradle.
  • Ensure Use Gradle from is set to ‘gradle-wrapper.properties’ file.
  • Check Offline mode is disabled.
  • Sync the project and rebuild.

Pro Tip: If using Gradle 8.6, try switching to 8.5 as in Solution 1.

Solution 8: Check for Metro Bundler Conflicts

The Metro Bundler, which bundles JavaScript code in React Native, can lock files during builds, causing this error.

• Steps:
  • Stop any running Metro Bundler instances:
    • Press Ctrl+C in the terminal running npm start.
  • Clear Metro cache:npm start --reset-cache
  • Start a new build without Metro running initially:cd android .\gradlew clean cd .. npx react-native run-android

Why It Works: Metro may hold file locks, preventing Gradle from moving files.

Solution 9: Manually Download Gradle Dependencies

If Gradle struggles to download dependencies, you can manually add them to speed up the process.

• Steps:
  • Check the error for missing files (e.g., react-android or hermes-android).
  • Visit Maven Repository.
  • Download the required .pom, .module, and .aar files for your React Native version.
  • Place them in YourProject/android/.gradle/8.6/dependencies-accessors/.
  • Rebuild:npx react-native run-android

Note: This is a last resort if other solutions fail.

Troubleshooting Tips for Persistent Errors

If none of the above solutions work, try these additional blogging tips for debugging:

• Check React Native Version: Ensure your React Native version (e.g., 0.74.3, 0.75.x) is compatible with Gradle 8.5. Use the React Native Upgrade Helper.
• Run with Stacktrace: Get more details by running:npx react-native run-android --stacktrace
• Verify JDK Version: Use JDK 17 (recommended for React Native in 2025):java -version
• Check Environment Variables: Ensure ANDROID_HOME points to your Android SDK.
• Consult Community Forums: Visit Stack Overflow, Reddit’s r/reactnative, or Gradle Forums for recent discussions.

Common Questions About React Native UncheckedIOException

Why does downgrading Gradle fix this error?

Gradle versions 8.6 and above have reported bugs with React Native’s build process, especially on Windows. Version 8.5 is more stable for most setups.

Can I use Gradle 8.7 or higher?

Upgrading to 8.7 or 8.9 may work for some, but others report the same error. Stick with 8.5 unless you’ve tested newer versions thoroughly.

Is this a Windows-specific issue?

The error is more common on Windows due to file-locking issues with antivirus software or permissions, but it can occur on Mac/Linux too.

How do I prevent this error in new projects?

• Use Gradle 8.5 from the start.
• Exclude project folders from antivirus.
• Run Android Studio as admin.
• Keep Node.js and React Native updated.

Tools to Help Fix React Native Errors

Here’s a quick list of tools to troubleshoot the React Native UncheckedIOException:

• Android Studio: For Gradle management and emulator testing (free).
• Visual Studio Code: For editing gradle-wrapper.properties (free).
• Node Version Manager (nvm): To switch Node versions (free).
• React Native CLI: For running and debugging projects (free).
• Stack Overflow: Community solutions for React Native errors (free).

Comparison of Solutions

Solution	Difficulty	Time Required	Success Rate
Downgrade Gradle to 8.5	Easy	5-10 min	High
Clear Gradle Cache	Easy	5-15 min	Medium
Exclude Antivirus Folders	Medium	10 min	High
Run as Administrator	Easy	5 min	Medium
Update Node.js/React Native	Medium	15-30 min	Medium
Delete .gradle Folder	Easy	10-20 min	Medium
Adjust Gradle Settings	Medium	10 min	Low
Check Metro Bundler	Easy	5-10 min	Medium
Manual Dependency Download	Hard	20-40 min	Low

Conclusion: Get Your React Native Build Back on Track

The React Native UncheckedIOException: Could not move temporary workspace error can be a roadblock, but with these 9 solutions, you’re equipped to fix it in 2025. Start with downgrading Gradle to 8.5, clearing the cache, or excluding folders from your antivirus—these are the most effective fixes for most developers. If the issue persists, use the troubleshooting tips and community resources to dig deeper.

Ready to resolve this React Native error? Try the first solution now and let us know in the comments which fix worked for you!

Resource: For more React Native troubleshooting, visit Stack Overflow’s React Native Tag.