Install .ipa to iPad with or without iTunes

Question

I have the .ipa from PhoneGap build and I need to test it. I got provisioning profile from Developer account.

So my question is: can I directly put my .ipa to iPad to install for testing, or do I have to follow some rules to install?

you can use TestFlight to install it using without itunes. Or just upload your ipa here - http://www.diawi.com. And type the generated link in safari of ur device and say install — Nayan, Nov 23 '13 at 08:41
Thanks @NSS. I could not get the itunes thing to get working after spending hours on it. diawi.com seems promising and the app is already in the installation process. Keeping my fingers crossed. — Moiz Tankiwala, Jan 06 '14 at 06:12
used http://diawi.com and it works great. Will be using it from now on. — geoyws, Apr 11 '14 at 06:55
A mac app is here which use `Dropbox` for distributing ipa http://tryappbox.com/ — Vineet Choudhary, Jan 05 '17 at 07:34
This did it for me: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/26042508/over-the-air-ota-ios-ipa-file-distribution-for-public — tedi, May 11 '17 at 09:44
Use http://buildtry.com upload the IPA file and share the link to testers! very simple — Arvind, May 16 '17 at 07:20

Pawan Sharma · Answer 1 · 2016-12-16T12:05:42.253

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No need to bother with iTunesConnect for sharing your adhoc builds. Just upload your ipa file to diawi and after successful uploading you will get a link open the link in safari and you will be asked to install app. Tap on install and enjoy

edited Dec 16 '16 at 12:05

answered Jan 09 '14 at 04:55

Pawan Sharma

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a good option, when you get error while sending app via test flight. – Pawan Rai Jun 20 '14 at 17:45
This option also works even if you want to send ipa file for download. No need to attach them in mail. Users can download by opening link in browser. – Pawan Sharma Sep 12 '14 at 10:37
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"No provisioning profile found in the application bundle." – William Entriken Oct 11 '15 at 16:28
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@FullDecent Please retry uploading your build again. Sometimes Diawi shows this error for no reason. – Pawan Sharma Oct 12 '15 at 04:38
@fossilet What is the size of your ipa file? – Pawan Sharma Oct 26 '15 at 04:54
@पवन it's about 200 MB. – Fish Monitor Jan 03 '16 at 12:53
does it need device to be jailbroken? – blackfyre Jan 14 '16 at 09:16
@blackfyre No it does not require an iDevice to be jailbroken, but the device's UDID must be included in the provisioning profile which was used to prepare the build. – Pawan Sharma Jan 14 '16 at 11:52
Got error while installing "Unable to Install Please try again later" – Tanmay May 05 '20 at 17:19
Has anyone validated this or recent versions? I tried and in the "open with" options, there isn't any option similar to an installer. – JRichardsz Apr 17 '22 at 23:25

score 80 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:10

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In Xcode 5 open the organizer (Window > Organizer) and select "Devices" at the top. Your plugged in device should show up on the left hand side. Drag the IPA file over to that device.

In Xcode 6 and Xcode 7 open Devices (Window > Devices). Again your device should show up in the left hand column. Drag the IPA file to the list of apps underneath "Installed Apps".

For iOS 9 devices, refer to this post on how to get the app running after doing this.

edited May 23 '17 at 12:10

Community

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answered Oct 14 '14 at 10:38

Mark Horgan

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Great solution. This is perfect when you don't want to have to sync iTunes or have to upload it to some 3rd party to just get it on a device. Spot on – mylogon Sep 01 '17 at 11:56
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In Xcode 11 it's Window > Devices and Simulators. Thanks for the workaround! – displacedtexan Sep 18 '20 at 16:26

score 62 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 23 '13 at 08:35

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Yes, you can install IPA in iPad, first you have to import that IPA to your itunes. Connect your iPad to iTunes then install application just by click on install and then sync.

answered Nov 23 '13 at 08:35

user7388

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I installed Windows 7 in VirtualBox, installed iTunes version 12. Then downloaded the ipa file ([in my case an old version of VLC](https://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?t=128241)) and dropped it on iTunes. Then to sync I had to drag and drop the app icon to my device (an old iPad) listed in my iTunes in my virtual Windows 7. Worked!! Thanks. – erik Sep 03 '16 at 14:18
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I heard iTunes 12.7 removed the apps section. Does this still work with the latest version of iTunes? – Jenna Sloan Aug 09 '19 at 09:08
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This is likley no longer the preferred method since iTunes is going to be gone soon. The preferred method is to upload to diawi.com – Michael Fever Sep 11 '19 at 19:32
@JennaSloan - indeed. I just downloaded 12.10 in order to install an old ipad app via iTunes and there's no apps section. I used the diawi site to attempt the installation. – bob.mazzo Jul 13 '20 at 18:00

score 39 · Answer 4 · edited Mar 19 '19 at 14:22

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There are four ways, all of which I tested:

Test flight
Install from iTunes - Create .ipa as ad-hoc and normal sync with ipad & itunes.
Or best way you can create a URL for install while creating ipa select as enterprise and create index file with plist. This will work with individual developer account too.
Diawi

edited Mar 19 '19 at 14:22

fedorqui

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answered Nov 23 '13 at 09:18

Jagdeep

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Is option 3 still possible with individual developer account? I know it is with enterprise account still – Gil Sand Jan 06 '15 at 14:12
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Not that testflightapp.com is shut down as of Feb 26 2015. – Stan James Feb 24 '15 at 23:30

score 22 · Answer 5 · answered Jun 02 '16 at 16:17

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You can also checkout ios-deploy.

It is as simple as running ios-deploy -b path/to/ipa/file.

It even works with path/to/project.app, which should be in the same location if you are doing cordova/phonegap builds locally.

Cheers!

answered Jun 02 '16 at 16:17

mix3d

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This one fast foward from Mac OS to iOS. – Andrew Paes Aug 23 '17 at 15:06

score 18 · Answer 6 · answered May 10 '18 at 09:46

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You can install IPA using Xcode

Open Xcode
Select Window in Top Menu Bar & Select Devices & Simulators
Drag and Drop your IPA in the Apps Section

This will install application on your device.

answered May 10 '18 at 09:46

Vittal Pai

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score 8 · Answer 7 · answered Nov 29 '16 at 16:52

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In Xcode 8, with iPhone plugged in, open Window -> Devices. In the left navigation, select the iPhone plugged in. Click on the + symbol under Installed Apps. Navigate to the ipa you want installed. Select and click open to install app.

answered Nov 29 '16 at 16:52

mtc

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score 7 · Answer 8 · edited Jun 01 '16 at 09:29

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You can create the ipa for ad hoc distribution and use diawi to create a link for the your ipad. You just upload the .ipa and the provisioning profile, then a link is generated and you can visit it from your ipad in order to install the app (if the provisioning profile is for development you have to add your ipad's UDID to it).

edited Jun 01 '16 at 09:29

Jagat Dave

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answered Nov 23 '13 at 08:44

Nikos M.

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score 7 · Answer 9 · answered Apr 22 '20 at 15:07

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You can add an IPA as new app from Apple Configurator 2.

answered Apr 22 '20 at 15:07

atineoSE

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This should be default way without iTunes. Thanks – Thein Nov 12 '21 at 06:52

score 6 · Answer 10 · answered May 30 '19 at 12:08

iPhone doesn't allow to install an ipa directly, so provide a direct link to the ipa file is useless. That's why some people uses external services that provide a link or a qcode to install the ipa.

Another option, that nobody told in the other answers to this question and that it's completely independent from iTunes or any external service, is to create your own script that generates an installation link and automatically sends it to your mobile (for example by email). I created a such script for my personal use, that:

creates the html file;
creates the plist file;
copies ipa, html and plist files to my server;
sends me the link.

Because I work on Linux, I created a Bash script. You can use any other scripting language, but it's important to know what to put in the html and plist files.

This is the part of my script that generates the html and plist content. I hope that it's enough self-explanatory:

sha=`sha1sum ${ipa} | awk '{ print $1 }'`
output=${sha}-${AppName}-${version}.ipa
html=${sha}-${AppName}-${version}.html
plist=${sha}-${AppName}-${version}.plist

# Generates html
echo "<!DOCTYPE html>
 <html>
 <head>
 <meta charset=\"UTF-8\">
 <meta http-equiv=\"X-UA-Compatible\" content=\"IE=edge,chrome=1\">
    <meta name=\"MobileOptimized\" content=\"width\" />
    <meta name=\"HandheldFriendly\" content=\"true\" />
    <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\" />
    <meta http-equiv=\"cleartype\" content=\"on\" />
 <title>Install ${AppName} ${version}</title>
 </head>

 <body>
   <h1><a href=\"itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=${serverUrl}${plist}\">
     Install </a></h1>
 </body>

 </html>" > ${html}

# Generate plist
echo "<?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC \"-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN\" \"http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd\">
<plist version=\"1.0\">
<dict>
    <key>items</key>
    <array>
        <dict>
            <key>assets</key>
            <array>
                <dict>
                    <key>kind</key>
                    <string>software-package</string>
                    <key>url</key>
                    <string>${serverUrl}${output}</string>
                </dict>
                <dict>
                    <key>kind</key>
                    <string>full-size-image</string>
                    <key>needs-shine</key>
                    <true/>
                    <key>url</key>
                    <string>${serverUrl}Icon%402x.png</string>
                </dict>
                <dict>
                    <key>kind</key>
                    <string>display-image</string>
                    <key>needs-shine</key>
                    <true/>
                    <key>url</key>
                    <string>${serverUrl}Icon.png</string>
                </dict>
            </array>
            <key>metadata</key>
            <dict>
                <key>bundle-identifier</key>
                <string>${bundle}</string>
                <key>bundle-version</key>
                <string>${version}</string>
                <key>kind</key>
                <string>software</string>
                <key>title</key>
                <string>${AppName}</string>
            </dict>
        </dict>
    </array>
</dict>
</plist>" > ${plist}

For a simple example you can also see: https://github.com/Saleh7/ipa-install

score 5 · Answer 11 · answered Jun 07 '20 at 14:28

5

If your using the latest version of Itunes and there is no APP section Click on summary while the device is connected to you PC . Then Drag and drop the file onto the "on my device" section.

-see picture for illustration

answered Jun 07 '20 at 14:28

Mohsen Mouralli

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Hắc Huyền Minh · Answer 12 · 2015-07-21T07:01:29.703

How about iPhone Configuration Utility?

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1465?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

iPhone Configuration Utility lets you easily create, maintain, encrypt, and install configuration profiles, track and install provisioning profiles and authorized applications, and capture device information including console logs.

Install ipa files using Iphone configuration utility

Update:

Apple Configurator replaces iPhone Configuration Utility. With the the release of iOS 8, iPhone Configuration Utility is no longer supported or available for download. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/apple-configurator/id434433123

score 3 · Answer 13 · edited Jun 01 '16 at 07:23

3

Use iFunBox. It's free, Mac/Win compatible. Just make an ad hoc build and save somewhere. Install from iFunBox. I load all my test ad hoc release builds on my devices for testing before release using this method. Who has time to fiddle around with iTunes?

edited Jun 01 '16 at 07:23

Jagat Dave

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answered May 03 '15 at 19:32

SmileBot

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with out apple id login can we do this – Naresh Mar 10 '18 at 10:02

score 3 · Answer 14 · edited Jun 01 '16 at 07:24

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There were 3 ways to do this:

Method 1: Using iTunes. Yes, you can install .ipa in iPad, first you have to import that .ipa to your iTunes. Connect your iPad to iTunes then install application just by click on Install and then Sync.

Method 2: iFunbox

Method 3: Diawi

edited Jun 01 '16 at 07:24

Jagat Dave

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answered Dec 16 '15 at 13:07

Mannam Brahmam

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score 3 · Answer 15 · answered Sep 11 '19 at 19:36

All of the other answers are either out of date or too much work where it doesn't need to be. Upload your .IPA file to diawi.com then either scan the QR-Code and install, or email the link to the device you want to install the app to, or type the shortened URL into your Safari browser and install that way.

I needed to get an app installed into an older iOS device today and this method took me less than 2 minutes to complete start to finish.

 https://www.diawi.com/

score 3 · Answer 16 · answered May 18 '20 at 05:18

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In the latest version of iOS share ipa through AirDroap from mac to iPhone. it will directly install in your iPhone.

answered May 18 '20 at 05:18

komara

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This worked for me, but I had to select Ad Hoc distribution method to be able to install it. Thank you! – josher932 Oct 20 '22 at 04:02

score 2 · Answer 17 · answered Mar 16 '15 at 13:59

If you built the IPA using PhoneGap Build online you can download and install the IPA directly on your Ipad/Iphone by opening build.phonegap.com in Safari on the device, logging in and then clicking the iOS tab (the download ipa button). You will then be asked to install the app you built.

Direct link to this after logging in is: https://build.phonegap.com/apps/YOUR-BUILD-NUMBER/download/ios

score 2 · Answer 18 · answered Jul 27 '17 at 10:24

2

Goto http://buildtry.com
Upload .ipa (iOS) or .apk (Android) file
Copy and Share the link with testers
Open the link in iOS or Android device browser and click Install

answered Jul 27 '17 at 10:24

joel prithivi

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The URL no longer maps to an active site (29 Sep 2019). – Cope Sep 29 '19 at 12:14

A-Sharabiani · Answer 19 · 2020-04-02T16:00:39.540

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You can also use HockeyApp to distribute your .ipa, it will send a link to the app to the testers, then the tester will be ableto install the ipa directly from their browser on the device once clicking on the link.

edited Apr 02 '20 at 16:00

answered Dec 21 '17 at 20:37

A-Sharabiani

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Is it required to add tester udid's – Naresh Mar 10 '18 at 10:01

score 2 · Answer 20 · answered May 16 '18 at 23:48

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Since Apple released iTunes 12, you must use Apple Configurator 2 app to install ipa in your iPhone and iPad.

Download from this link: https://itunes.apple.com/br/app/apple-configurator-2/id1037126344?mt=12

answered May 16 '18 at 23:48

Carlos Irano

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score 2 · Answer 21 · answered Jun 11 '19 at 13:39

I try to face with these problems and I use : https://www.installonair.com . It's free and not have limit like diawi.

You need to add device UDID to apple developer account devices part.
Build your project and archieve it ad hoc with your certificate
Open that link and upload your ad hoc ipa file to website
Get qr code and link to download.

score 2 · Answer 22 · answered Aug 11 '21 at 00:29

It's easy 1- Visit to appforshare.io or diawi 2- Drag and drop the .ipa or .apk file 3- You will an installable link shortly, just give that link to clients or anyone to install

Although diawi limits you in terms of build size or link expiry and appforshare.io doesn't.

PS: Be sure that UDID of iPhone or iPad is added to that provisioning profile by which you have signed your .ipa

hood · Answer 23 · 2017-05-10T10:52:59.497

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You can go to the browser in Iphone/Ipad and type the URl where the IPA has been uploaded and can directly download it to your Iphone or Ipad and install and run it.... simple and sweet ;)

edited May 10 '17 at 10:52

answered May 10 '17 at 10:45

hood

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Redundant answer on an old post. – Josh Griggs May 10 '17 at 11:04
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How? My iphone treats it like a zip and doesn't let me do anything with it. – Altimus Prime Oct 09 '19 at 04:10

score 1 · Answer 24 · answered Oct 09 '19 at 05:13

You can install your iOS app without iTunes, App store, or third party sites.

When you build the archive in xcode you can select for adhoc distribution. xcode will bring you through a dialogue where you enter the URL location where your app will be along with the urls for a 57x57 pixel png and a 512x512 pixel png. It will create a bundle with your ipa and manifest.plist

Upload your ipa and the two png files whereever you plan to host them. It has to have an SSL certificate and be served over https. You may want to upload your manifest.plist there as well, but technically I'm pretty sure you can have it somewhere else.

Next, somewhere, in a text, or a webpage or email, or whereever share your link as:

<a href="itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=https://URL/path/manifest.plist">Download anchor text</a>

For a longer, better, more detailed answer click here.

As I understand, if this is a dev app, only devices that have been added to your device profile in the app store will be able to install the app.

score 0 · Answer 25 · answered Jan 09 '19 at 13:55

0

Quite old, but inspired on A-Sharabiani achieved this avoiding iTunes with AppCenter. Just create new App, creat new Release uploading the .ipa, and finally scanning a QR with your device that redirects to download.

Yeah.

answered Jan 09 '19 at 13:55

Ark667

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score 0 · Answer 26 · answered Mar 22 '19 at 18:29

If you are working on a Mac, you can use Apple Configurator 2 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-configurator-2/id1037126344?mt=12).

This application is used to configure and install apps in any iOS device.

Apple Configurator 2 makes it easy to deploy iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV devices in your school or business.

Install .ipa to iPad with or without iTunes

26 Answers26

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