Uncontrolled multiline TextInput doesn't auto-grow

[vova-sqds]

Description

Uncontrolled multiline TextInput doesn't grow in size when its content spans multiple lines while typing.

Minimum reproducible code:

<View
      style={{ height: 500, justifyContent: "center", padding: 20, width: 180 }}
    >
      <TextInput
        multiline
        placeholder="height increases"
        defaultValue="super long text that will cause the height to span multiple lines"
        enablesReturnKeyAutomatically={true}
        returnKeyType="go"
        style={{
          borderWidth: 1,
          fontSize: 13,
          padding: 4,

          // multilineExpandable
          height: "auto",
          maxHeight: 100,
        }}
      />
</View>

ScreenRecording_11-17-2025.21-53-10_1.mov

If the defaultValue is long enough to take multiple lines, then it does auto-grow/shrink on subsequent edits

ScreenRecording_11-17-2025.22-00-48_1.MP4

Steps to reproduce

1. paste the reproduction code snippet to an empty screen
2. try typing into the input until the content starts wrapping

React Native Version

0.81.4

Affected Platforms

Runtime - iOS

Output of npx @react-native-community/cli info

System:
  OS: macOS 26.1
  CPU: (10) arm64 Apple M4
  Memory: 1.16 GB / 32.00 GB
  Shell:
    version: "5.9"
    path: /bin/zsh
Binaries:
  Node:
    version: 24.8.0
    path: ~/.nvm/versions/node/v24.8.0/bin/node
  Yarn:
    version: 4.9.2
    path: ~/.n/bin/yarn
  npm:
    version: 11.6.0
    path: ~/.nvm/versions/node/v24.8.0/bin/npm
  Watchman: Not Found
Managers:
  CocoaPods:
    version: 1.16.2
    path: /opt/homebrew/bin/pod
SDKs:
  iOS SDK:
    Platforms:
      - DriverKit 25.1
      - iOS 26.1
      - macOS 26.1
      - tvOS 26.1
      - visionOS 26.1
      - watchOS 26.1
  Android SDK: Not Found
IDEs:
  Android Studio: Not Found
  Xcode:
    version: 26.1.1/17B100
    path: /usr/bin/xcodebuild
Languages:
  Java:
    version: javac 25
    path: ~/.sdkman/candidates/java/current/bin/javac
  Ruby:
    version: 2.6.10
    path: /usr/bin/ruby
npmPackages:
  "@react-native-community/cli": Not Found
  react:
    installed: 19.1.0
    wanted: "*"
  react-native:
    installed: 0.81.4
    wanted: "*"
  react-native-macos: Not Found
npmGlobalPackages:
  "*react-native*": Not Found
Android:
  hermesEnabled: Not found
  newArchEnabled: Not found
iOS:
  hermesEnabled: Not found
  newArchEnabled: Not found

Stacktrace or Logs

-

MANDATORY Reproducer

https://snack.expo.dev/@vova.sqds/uncontrolled-multiline-textinput-doesnt-auto-grow

Screenshots and Videos

No response

[valentinchelle]

Following.

[Thotaharshavardhani]

I was able to reproduce this issue, this issue happens only on iOS with the New Architecture (Fabric). The TextInput auto-expands correctly for the initial multi-line defaultValue, but after clearing and typing again it stops resizing. Works fine on Android and on iOS Legacy Architecture.

[Nedi11]

+1, is there any workaround in the meantime, besides making it controlled

[vova-sqds]

+1, is there any workaround in the meantime, besides making it controlled

haven't found any :|

[sintylapse]

+1, is there any workaround in the meantime, besides making it controlled

The workaround is to set defaultValue as multiline initially and then set text to the true default value on render

useEffect(() => {
  executeOnce(() => {
    inputRef.current?.setNativeProps({ text: defaultValue });
  })
}, [defaultValue])

<TextInput
  defaultValue={`
          
  `}

[tmw102]

It's very hacky but I've had success creating a hidden View absolutely positioned exactly under the TextInput with a Text element inside it set to the value and style of the TextInput.

Using the View's onLayoutChange() I take the height of the View and animate the TextInput to that height.

@sintylapse I couldn't get your solution working in my code.