How to generate a .ipa file from Expo build and sideload on to real device?

Question

I'm developing a mobile app for my final year project in university using React Native and Expo. I was able to generate a .apk file using expo build:android and then selecting the 'apk' option. I could then download that .apk file on to real android devices to test the app.

I want to do the same thing for iOS. When I ran expo build:ios I selected the 'simulator' option and I was able to download a .app file. When I tried to airdrop this to my iPhone I could either choose to open it in the App Store or else my files but neither worked - I'm pretty sure it needs to be a .ipa file for it to be sideloaded.

I tried choosing the 'archive' option but it was asking for an Apple Developer login - which I don't have.

As this is only a final year university project, I do not want to enroll as an Apple Developer or anything like that - I just simply want to generate an .ipa file from expo so I can send it to my friends to test on their phones to get feedback.

Thanks in advance.

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Amphibolous

Answer 1

1. Generate .ipa file by running expo build:ios
2. Download .ipa file from your expo account projects.
3. Upload downloaded .ipa file to Diawi.
4. Send the link to testers e.i. yourself 😇

Note

The client device or tester device UUID should be added in trusted device or device list on Apple appstore only then they will able to install the application.

Monolayer

Whenever I download the iOS build from Expo it comes in a .tar.gz folder and when I unzip that, it extracts as a .app file. I can't find a .ipa anywhere. I tried to upload the .app file to Diawi and I got this error - "4001009: Invalid .ipa file: missing embedded mobileprovision" – Amphibolous

The app file is for the simulator. You can start the simulator and drag'n'drop the app file in it so it will install your app – Marlinmarline

Answer 2

There is a brand new tool provided by Expo: Orbit

With Orbit you can drag and drop any .ipa or .apk to your device or to any simulator.

Beware, for iOS device, its UDID should be referenced within the provisioning profile (but that sould be the case if you build your .ipa with Expo and follow their instructions).

Stilla