# How to Install an IPA on iPhone Without Xcode or TestFlight

> A step-by-step guide to installing your own .ipa on any iPhone over the air, with no cable, no Mac and no TestFlight, using ad hoc distribution.

Last updated: 2026-11-01
Canonical: https://buildferry.app/install-ipa-on-iphone

An iPhone only installs an app outside the App Store if the app is signed for that exact device. This is called ad hoc distribution, and it's what BuildFerry automates.

## What you need

- A paid Apple Developer membership.
- An App Store Connect API key with permission to manage devices and profiles.
- An exported .ipa of an app you have the rights to distribute. App Store downloads are encrypted and can't be used.

## Steps for the developer

1. **Connect Apple.** Add your API key in BuildFerry. A distribution certificate is created for you.
2. **Upload the .ipa.** It's checked and nothing is rebuilt.
3. **Copy the share link** and send it to your tester.
4. **Approve the iPhone** when the request appears.

## Steps for the tester

1. Open the link in Safari on the iPhone.
2. Allow the one-time profile, which shares the device ID.
3. Wait for approval, then tap **Install**.
4. On iOS 16 or later, turn on Developer Mode if iOS asks for it, under Settings, Privacy & Security.

## Common problems

- **Install does nothing:** the link must be opened in Safari, not inside another app's browser.
- **"Unable to install":** the iPhone isn't in the signed profile yet, so check that it's approved.
- **No slots left:** Apple allows 100 iPhones per device family each membership year, and removed iPhones only free their slot at renewal.

[Compare this with TestFlight](https://buildferry.app/testflight-alternative).