React Native App Debugging & Playstore Deployment

I have a simple 2-page React Native mobile application. The application acts as a Camera device to capture images and sends them to a desktop application running on the same Wireless network.

The application has two screens:
1. URL Capturing Screen: Captures the desktop application URL by scanning a QR code that the desktop application exposes.
2. Camera Screen: Captures the image from mobile camera and sends the image to the URL exposed on the desktop application.

I need assistance with the following:

1. **Standalone APK Issue**: I am using Expo EAS to create the android apk. The application is working fine in the dev build phase. However, if I generate the standalone apk and use it on the device, it is not able to hit the desktop application URL. The error message I receive is: 'Network request failed'. I need this issue to be fixed.

2. **Playstore Deployment**: I want to deploy this application to the playstore. I need help in setting up the process and finally releasing to the playstore.

Ideal skills and experience for the job:
- Proficiency in React Native and Expo
- Experience in debugging network issues in mobile applications
- Knowledge and experience in deploying applications to the Playstore.