# How to Send an iOS App to a Client Before It’s on the App Store

> The fastest way for agencies and freelancers to put a work-in-progress iOS build on a client’s iPhone, without TestFlight invites, UDID emails or App Review.

Last updated: 2026-11-05
Canonical: https://buildferry.app/send-ios-app-to-client

Clients want to see their app on their own iPhone, not in a screen recording. But TestFlight asks them to install another app and accept an invitation, and ad hoc builds usually start with "please send me your UDID".

## The usual options

| Option | What the client does | What you do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TestFlight | Installs TestFlight, accepts an invite | Uploads to App Store Connect, waits for review for external testers |
| Ad hoc by hand | Finds and emails their UDID | Registers it, updates the profile, rebuilds, sends a link |
| BuildFerry | Opens a link in Safari and taps Install | Uploads the .ipa once and approves their iPhone |

## Sending a build with BuildFerry

1. **Upload the .ipa** you'd normally export for testing.
2. **Copy the app's share link.** On Solo and Pro, add a PIN or an expiry date for client work.
3. **Send it to your client** with the message below.
4. **Approve their iPhone** when the request appears. They see Install a moment later.

When you upload the next build, the same link serves it. The client doesn't need a new invite.

## A message you can send

> Here's the latest build. Open this link in Safari on your iPhone: [link]. Tap Allow to download a small profile, then open Settings and tap Profile Downloaded to install it. Once I approve your iPhone, tap Install on the page.

## Tips for client builds

- **Point it at staging.** Ad hoc builds never go through App Review, so debug menus and test servers are fine.
- **Name each request** so you know whose iPhone you're approving.
- **Watch the device count.** Each client's iPhone uses one of your [100 slots](https://buildferry.app/apple-device-limit) for the year, so approve only the people who need it.