How to install an IPA file on iPhone — no computer needed

An IPA file is an iOS application package — the iOS equivalent of Android's APK. Unlike Android, iPhones can't install app files by simply opening them. But Apple provides an official mechanism called OTA (over-the-air) installation, and that's exactly what IPALinked automates for you.

Method 1: OTA install with IPALinked (easiest)

1. Upload the .ipa on the IPALinked homepage — drag and drop, no account needed.
2. Copy the share link (or use the QR code) and open it in Safari on the iPhone.
3. Tap Install on device. iOS shows a confirmation popup — accept it.
4. The app icon appears on the home screen and downloads in the background.

That's the whole process. No Mac, no cables, no iTunes, no Xcode.

The one requirement: the build must be signed for the device

This is Apple's rule and no website can bypass it. An IPA installs over the air only when one of these is true:

• Ad-hoc signing — the device's UDID is registered in the developer's provisioning profile;
• Enterprise certificate — the app is signed with an Apple Enterprise Program certificate;
• Development signing — signed for specific registered test devices.

If none apply, iOS silently refuses or shows “Unable to Install”. Ask the developer to add your UDID and re-sign the build.

Method 2: with a computer (unsigned builds)

If a build isn't signed for your device, install it with Xcode (Window → Devices and Simulators), Apple Configurator, or your company's MDM. You can still use IPALinked to move the file: download the .ipa from your share link on the computer first.

Why developers use IPALinked for iOS testing

• Free forever — no signup, no credit card, up to 500MB per build;
• One-tap OTA install — the manifest is generated automatically from the IPA's bundle ID;
• Password protection — share builds privately with clients;
• QR codes — testers scan and install, nothing to type;
• Auto-expiring links — files delete themselves after 7 days.