A Firebase App Distribution alternative with no SDK or tester login
Updated
If you just need a build on someone's phone, skip the Firebase project, CLI and tester invites: upload the .ipa or .apk to ipalinked.com and share the link or QR code. Testers don't sign in to anything. Firebase App Distribution is still worth it if you want tester groups, release notes and in-app update alerts tied to a Firebase project.
How Firebase App Distribution works
You add your app to a Firebase project, upload builds from the console, the Firebase CLI, Gradle or fastlane, and invite testers by email or group. Testers accept the invitation and sign in with a Google account to download builds. On iOS it still relies on ad-hoc signing, so each tester's device must be registered in your provisioning profile.
Where it adds friction
- Testers — often clients — need to accept an invite and sign in.
- You need a Firebase project and app setup even for a one-off build.
- Sharing a quick build with someone new means adding them as a tester first.
Side by side
| IPALinked | Firebase App Distribution | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | None | Firebase project + app registration |
| Tester sign-in | None | Invitation + Google account |
| Share with someone new | Send the link | Add as tester, they accept |
| iOS signing | Ad-hoc / enterprise / development | Ad-hoc (UDIDs registered) |
| Groups, release notes, history | No — links expire after 7 days | Yes |
| CI upload | Upload endpoint and MCP tool | CLI, Gradle, fastlane |
Share a build without Firebase
- Build your APK (convert an AAB if you only have a bundle) or export an ad-hoc IPA.
- Upload it at ipalinked.com; add a password if the build is confidential.
- Send the link. Android testers may need to allow unknown apps once.
Frequently asked questions
Do testers need a Google account with IPALinked?
No. Testers open the link on their device and install; there's no sign-in on either side.
Does IPALinked need an SDK in my app?
No. You upload the finished .ipa or .apk; nothing is added to your app.
Can I still share iOS builds with any iPhone?
Only if the build allows it: ad-hoc builds must include the device UDID, while enterprise builds install on any device in your organization.