How to Generate an .ipa File for Ad Hoc Distribution in Xcode

This page explains how to generate and export an .ipa file in Xcode for Ad Hoc distribution. An .ipa file is the binary file of an iOS app.

The distribution of .ipa files (iOS app binaries) is done via over-the-air installation, which allows users to download and install the file directly from the internet.

We will proceed under the assumption that the Ad Hoc Provisioning Profile has already been set up in Xcode.

If you have not yet created and configured a Provisioning Profile, please go back to the Ad Hoc distribution menu and complete that step first.

Generate an .ipa File for Ad Hoc Distribution in Xcode

Open the iOS app project in Xcode where the Provisioning Profile has been configured.

Select Any iOS Device (or Generic iOS Device, depending on your version of Xcode) as the target device, then go to the menu and choose [Product] > [Archive].

If prompted for Keychain access to the certificate, grant permission.

Once the app has been archived, the Organizer window will open. Select the newly created archive and click [Distribute App].

In the Select a method of distribution screen, choose Custom and click [Next].

In the next screen, select Release Testing and click [Next].

In the Release Testing distribution options, choose the options as shown below and click [Next].

In the Distribution manifest information screen, enter the information for the over-the-air manifest file. If you already know the hosting URL for your .ipa file, enter it here (note that the URL must use HTTPS). If you don't have it decided yet, you can enter a placeholder value—you can update it later.

Click [Next] once the information is entered.

On the Select certificate and iOS Ad Hoc profiles screen, choose the Ad Hoc Provisioning Profile and certificate you set earlier in Configuring the Provisioning Profile in Xcode, then click [Next].

On the Review *.ipa content screen, click [Export], then choose a save location and save the file.

The .ipa file for Ad Hoc distribution has now been generated and exported successfully.

That's it! You have learned how to generate and export an .ipa file in Xcode for Ad Hoc distribution.