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iOS IPA Guide

Everything you need to build a signed IPA in Xcode and install it on an iPhone via AppDrop — no App Store, no TestFlight required.

On this page

Building an IPA from XcodeInstalling an IPA on iPhoneCompatible iPhonesMaking your iPhone compatibleCommon issues

Building an IPA for AppDrop

AppDrop accepts any properly signed IPA. Here's how to export one from Xcode that will install successfully over-the-air.

Prerequisites

·

Apple Developer account

A paid Apple Developer Program ($99/yr) or Enterprise Program ($299/yr) is required to generate distribution certificates.

·

Xcode 14 or later

Use the latest stable Xcode. Older versions may produce archives incompatible with modern iOS signing.

·

Registered devices (ad-hoc only)

For ad-hoc builds, every target device UDID must be added to your Apple Developer portal before building.

Choose a distribution method

Ad-hoc

Individual Program

Works with a standard $99/yr Apple Developer account. The IPA only installs on devices whose UDIDs are listed in the provisioning profile. Maximum 100 devices per year.

Best for: small teams, internal beta testing

Enterprise

Enterprise Program

Requires the $299/yr Apple Developer Enterprise Program. No device limit — any iPhone can install by trusting the certificate. Must be distributed only to employees.

Best for: large orgs, unlimited internal distribution

Export an IPA from Xcode

1

Set signing & capabilities

Go to your target → Signing & Capabilities. Enable "Automatically manage signing" and select your team. Ensure the Bundle Identifier is unique.

2

Select Any iOS Device

In the scheme selector, choose "Any iOS Device (arm64)" as the build destination. Simulator builds cannot be exported as IPA.

3

Archive the build

Go to Product → Archive. Xcode compiles a release build and opens the Organizer when complete. This may take a few minutes.

4

Distribute the app

In Organizer, select your archive and click "Distribute App". Choose "Custom" → "Ad Hoc" (or "Enterprise" for enterprise accounts).

5

Configure export options

Under "App Thinning" select "None" for broadest compatibility. Proceed through signing and click Export.

6

Upload the IPA

Xcode saves an .ipa file to your chosen folder. Upload it to AppDrop — the manifest and install link are generated automatically.

Installing an IPA on iPhone

IPA files from AppDrop use Apple's OTA install mechanism. Follow these steps on the device.

1

Open link in Safari

Tap the install link or scan the QR code. You must use Safari — other browsers cannot trigger iOS installs.

2

Allow the prompt

Safari asks "Allow this website to open Settings?" — tap Allow. An install dialog will appear.

3

Tap Install

Confirm the install in the popup. The app icon appears on your Home Screen with a loading indicator.

4

Trust the developer

Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management. Find the developer profile and tap Trust.

Compatible iPhones

OTA installs work on most modern iPhones as long as you use Safari.

Fully supportedRecommended
  • ·iPhone 12 and newer
  • ·iOS 16 or later
  • ·All chip families (A14+)
SupportedWorks
  • ·iPhone 6s and newer
  • ·iOS 9 – iOS 15
  • ·Must use Safari browser
Not supportedWon't work
  • ·iPhone 5s and older
  • ·iOS 8 or below
  • ·Non-Safari browsers (Chrome, Firefox)

Making your iPhone compatible

The steps differ depending on how the IPA was signed.

For Enterprise-signed apps

Any iPhone can install enterprise apps, but you must manually trust the certificate once.

  1. 1.Install the app via the link
  2. 2.Open Settings → General
  3. 3.Tap VPN & Device Management
  4. 4.Find the developer name under "Enterprise App"
  5. 5.Tap Trust "[Developer Name]" → Trust
  6. 6.Open the app — it will now launch

For Ad-hoc / Developer-signed apps

Ad-hoc builds only install on devices whose UDID was registered before building. If it won't install, your device is not in the provisioning profile.

  1. 1.Find your UDID: Settings → General → About (tap Serial Number to toggle)
  2. 2.Send the UDID to the app developer
  3. 3.Developer rebuilds with your UDID included
  4. 4.Enable Developer Mode: Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode (iOS 16+)
  5. 5.Install via the new build link

Note: OTA installs require the IPA to be signed. Unsigned or improperly signed IPAs are rejected by iOS regardless of device. If you see "Unable to Install" after trusting, the certificate has likely expired — ask the developer for a fresh build.

Common issues

Quick fixes for the most frequent problems.

"No applicable devices" during install

The device UDID is not in the ad-hoc provisioning profile. Add it in the Apple Developer portal, regenerate the profile, and rebuild.

"Unable to Install" after trusting cert

The distribution certificate or provisioning profile has expired (valid 1 year). Renew in the Apple Developer portal and export a new IPA.

App crashes immediately on launch

The IPA was built for a different iOS version or architecture. Ensure Deployment Target in Xcode matches the device's iOS version.

Xcode exports a folder, not an .ipa

You may have selected "Development" distribution. Use "Ad Hoc" or "Enterprise". Or zip the Payload folder and rename the .zip to .ipa.