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    How to install an IPA on your iPhone

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

    Ask Fastshot for an unsigned IPA, download it and install it with a sideload tool such as SideStore, AltStore or Sideloadly, which handles the signing. With an Apple Developer Program membership you can instead install on your own iPhone through TestFlight or an install link. Builds are part of the paid plans.

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    There are two ways to get a Fastshot app onto an iPhone: an unsigned IPA that a sideload tool installs, or a build on your own Apple team installed through TestFlight or a link.

    1. 1. Build an unsigned IPA

      On the iOS tab of the Publish view, choose Build an unsigned IPA, or ask the agent for one. Fastshot sets the app’s bundle ID and app name by itself. This build does not need an Apple Developer account or signing in Fastshot.

    2. 2. Download the IPA

      After a successful build, download the IPA from the build card.

    3. 3. Install it with a sideload tool

      Follow the installation instructions with SideStore, AltStore or Sideloadly. That external tool handles signing and installation.

    4. 4. Or install on your own iPhone with your Apple account

      Open Preview on device and choose iPhone app. This needs an Apple Developer Program membership ($99 a year, paid to Apple). Connect it once with your Apple ID or with an App Store Connect API key (Admin role).

    5. 5. Choose TestFlight or a link

      Install with TestFlight builds the app on your Apple team and uploads it for TestFlight internal testing in about 10 to 15 minutes. Apple then processes it for 5 to 15 minutes and emails a TestFlight invitation to the Apple ID you connected. Install without TestFlight gives a code to scan with the iPhone camera, or an install page to open on the iPhone itself.

    6. 6. Turn on Developer Mode for the link install

      Before the first launch of an app installed from a link, turn on Settings › Privacy & Security › Developer Mode and restart. Each iPhone needs this once.

    Good to know

    • An unsigned IPA is not by itself proof that an app is installed or can launch on your phone.
    • An Apple team holds up to 100 iPhones per membership year.
    • Builds made to install on your own iPhone are for your own devices: App Store Connect keeps them out of App Review. To publish to the App Store, use a regular TestFlight build.
    • An installed app loads new versions by itself when it opens; changes that add a native module, a config plugin or a permission need a new build.

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I install an IPA on my iPhone?
    Build an unsigned IPA in Fastshot, download it, and install it with a sideload tool such as SideStore, AltStore or Sideloadly. The tool handles signing and installation. No Apple Developer account is needed for the build itself.
    Do I need Xcode to build an IPA?
    No. Fastshot builds the IPA on its own build servers. You do not need Xcode, an Expo account or Android Studio.
    How long does the TestFlight route take?
    About 10 to 15 minutes for the build and upload, then 5 to 15 minutes for Apple to process it, after which you get a TestFlight invitation by email.
    Do I need an Apple Developer account?
    Not for an unsigned IPA. Installing on your own iPhone with TestFlight or an install link needs an Apple Developer Program membership ($99 a year, paid to Apple).

    Related: IPA generator, Build an iPhone app without coding, Publish to the App Store

    Next lesson: How to build an Android APK without Android Studio

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