How to build and share a Flutter IPA and APK for testing

Updated November 2, 2026

Android: build the APK

flutter build apk --release

The file is at build/app/outputs/flutter-apk/app-release.apk. It's a fat APK that installs on any device. For smaller files, flutter build apk --split-per-abi produces one APK per CPU type (most phones want app-arm64-v8a-release.apk).

Release builds are signed with the key configured in android/app/build.gradle; if you haven't set one up, Flutter's template signs release builds with the debug key, which is fine for testers.

iOS: build the IPA

1. Make sure testers' devices are registered in your developer account and signing is set up in ios/Runner.xcworkspace.
2. Run flutter build ipa --export-method ad-hoc (use enterprise or development if that's your account type).
3. The IPA lands in build/ios/ipa/.

Without --export-method, Flutter exports for the App Store, which won't install from a link. You can also open build/ios/archive/Runner.xcarchive in Xcode and export it from the Organizer.

Share both builds

1. Upload app-release.apk and the .ipa at ipalinked.com.
2. Send testers the link or QR code for their platform.
3. Check a build first with the APK or IPA analyzer if something looks off.

Common issues

• “Unable to Install” on iPhone: the device isn't in the profile — see the fix.
• “App not installed” on Android: a copy signed with a different key is already installed; uninstall it first (more fixes).
• Huge APK: use --split-per-abi and share the arm64 file.

Frequently asked questions

Where does flutter build apk put the file?

build/app/outputs/flutter-apk/app-release.apk inside your project.

How do I build an ad-hoc IPA with Flutter?

Run flutter build ipa --export-method ad-hoc; the IPA is written to build/ios/ipa/.

Can I build an iOS IPA on Windows?

No. Building and signing an IPA requires macOS with Xcode, either locally or on a cloud Mac or CI service.