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    Build an Android APK and install an IPA on iPhone

    Written by the Fastshot team from the Fastshot user guides. Updated .

    Fastshot builds an Android APK and AAB and an unsigned iOS IPA on its own build servers, with no Android Studio or Xcode. Native builds are part of the paid plans. Installing on your own iPhone through TestFlight needs an Apple Developer Program membership, which costs $99 a year from Apple.

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    Fastshot builds the APK, the AAB and the IPA on its own build servers. You do not need Xcode, Android Studio or an Expo account for these builds. Native builds are part of the paid plans.

    1. 1. Ask for an Android build

      Ask the agent to build a downloadable Android APK. The build card shows “Usually takes about 7 minutes”.

    2. 2. Install the APK

      On a computer, scan the card’s QR code with an Android phone’s camera to open the install page. On a phone, tap Download APK. Android may ask you to allow installs from your browser.

    3. 3. Take the AAB for Google Play

      A finished build shows Download AAB when it made one: the bundle Google Play takes. To publish, connect Google Play once and have an app in Play Console. Google Play does not let a build service upload an app’s first build, so upload that first AAB by hand.

    4. 4. Or build an unsigned IPA for iPhone

      On the iOS tab of the Publish view, choose Build an unsigned IPA. It needs no Apple Developer account. Install it with a sideload tool such as SideStore, AltStore or Sideloadly.

    5. 5. Install on your own iPhone with TestFlight

      Open Preview on device and choose iPhone app. This needs an Apple Developer Program membership ($99 a year, paid to Apple). Install with TestFlight builds the app and uploads it for TestFlight internal testing in about 10 to 15 minutes, and Apple then emails an invitation to the Apple ID you connected.

    Good to know

    • A working browser preview proves only what you checked in that browser: install the build and test it on a real device before you rely on it.
    • Google Play package names are permanent, and every update needs a higher version code than the build it replaces.
    • If a build fails, the card says what to do and offers Retry.

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I install an IPA on my iPhone?
    Ask Fastshot for an unsigned IPA (iOS tab of the Publish view, Build an unsigned IPA). It is built on Fastshot’s servers, so you do not need Xcode. Download it and install it with a sideload tool such as SideStore, AltStore or Sideloadly, which handles signing and installation.
    Do I need Xcode or Android Studio?
    No. Fastshot builds the APK, the AAB and the IPA on its own build servers. You also do not need an Expo account. Builds are part of the paid plans.
    Do I need an Apple Developer account to install my app?
    Not for an unsigned IPA, which you install with a sideload tool. Installing on your own iPhone with TestFlight needs an Apple Developer Program membership ($99 a year, paid to Apple).
    How do I install my app on my iPhone with TestFlight?
    Open Preview on device, choose iPhone app, then Install with TestFlight. Fastshot builds and uploads it for TestFlight internal testing in about 10 to 15 minutes, Apple processes it for 5 to 15 minutes, then emails an invitation to your connected Apple ID.
    How do I build an APK without Android Studio?
    Ask the agent to build a downloadable Android APK. On a computer, scan the card’s QR code with an Android phone; on a phone, tap Download APK. Android may ask you to allow installs from your browser. A direct APK needs no Google Play publishing credentials.
    How long does an Android build take?
    The build card says it usually takes about 7 minutes. If a build fails, the card says what to do and offers Retry.
    What is the difference between an APK and an AAB?
    An APK installs directly on an Android device. An AAB (Android App Bundle) is the file Google Play takes. An Android build makes an APK and, nearly always, an AAB; the card shows Download AAB when one was made.
    How do I publish my app to Google Play?
    Connect Google Play once and have an app in Play Console. Google Play does not let a build service upload an app’s first build, so upload that first AAB by hand. Later builds can go to a track you choose.

    Related: APK builder, IPA generator, AAB builder, Build an iPhone app without coding, Install an IPA on iPhone, Build an APK without Android Studio, Publish to Google Play, Publish to the App Store

    Next lesson: How to install an IPA on your iPhone

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