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How to share an iOS ipa file for installation over the air with custom domain server set up.

Updated
2 min read
How to share an iOS ipa file for installation over the air with custom domain server set up.

To share an iOS IPA file for installation over the air with a custom domain server set up, we first need to prepare the build.

  • Open the <YourProjectName>.xcworkspace file on Xcode

  • Make sure You select the Files icon in the left section and the Project is selected.

  • Make Necessary changes in Version and Build number only if necessary.

  • Change the device to Any iOS Device (Arm 64)

  • In the Top Menu select Product and select Clean Build Folder, Wait for it to show the message clean finished.

  • In the same menu click Archive and then wait for this to finish might take some time. Once completed the Organizer window will open.

In that select the build you just created and click the Distribute App button.

Select Ad Hoc and click on Next

Check Include manifest for over-the-air installation and click on Next

Fill in the link for the .ipa file where you will be hosting it.

Choose Signing and Proceed

Now Click export and choose a location where you wish to save the folder. This contains manifest.plist and Wordrobe.ipa files

Now in your server, in that location create an index file which contains a button on click opens the link

<a href="itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=https://dl.vengalath.com/dglb/june23/9/manifest.plist" title="Install iOS app">

Which is itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=<link_to_your_.plist_file>

Currently the folder dl.vengalath.com/dglb/june23/9/ contains

  • manifest.plist

  • index.html

  • wordrobe3.0.11.ipa

Share the link with internal testers and they will be able to install the app. The client device or tester device UUID should be added to the trusted device or device list on the Apple app store only then they will be able to install the application. And the Developer mode should be turned on in that device.

In my case, the testing device was already listed there since the device was logged in with an email of an internal tester.

Now when you open the link and click the Install App icon you should be able to test the app.


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