Intercom React Native + Expo: Messages not received while conversation screen is open (only arrive after navigating back)

Hi Intercom team,

I’m integrating @intercom/intercom-react-native into a React Native 0.81.4 + Expo (prebuild) Android app, and I’m seeing an issue where new messages are not delivered while the Intercom conversation screen is open. They only appear after I navigate away and come back.

What I’m seeing

• I open the Intercom Messenger from my app (using Intercom.present()).
• I start a conversation and stay on that conversation screen.
• From the Intercom workspace, I send a reply to that user.
• Nothing appears in the conversation UI while I stay on this screen.
• If I:
  • go back to the previous screen and reopen the Messenger, or
  • sometimes background and foreground the app
    then I suddenly see the new messages.

So it looks like the real-time updates / polling are not happening while the conversation screen is active.

Setup details

• React Native: 0.81.4
• Expo: managed workflow with expo prebuild
• Library: @intercom/intercom-react-native 9.8.0
• Platform: tested on Android (real device)

Region: US

app.json plugin config:

The current page has been stayed on for a long time but no message has been received.

Return to the list page and you will immediately see the message.