How to Distribute iOS Apps Without TestFlight

TestFlight isn't always the answer. Apple's official beta testing platform has its limitations—24-hour review times, 90-day build expirations, and the requirement for testers to install yet another app. If you're looking for faster, more flexible iOS app distribution, you have options.

This guide covers everything you need to know about distributing iOS apps without TestFlight. We'll explore Over-The-Air (OTA) distribution, the technical requirements, and practical solutions that work in 2026.

Why Skip TestFlight for iOS Distribution?

TestFlight is excellent for public beta testing, but it's not always the right fit. Here's when you might want alternatives:

• Speed matters — TestFlight reviews can take 24-48 hours. OTA distribution is instant.
• Internal builds — Sharing quick iterations with your team shouldn't require Apple approval.
• No app installs for testers — Your testers don't need to download TestFlight.
• Build lifespan — TestFlight builds expire after 90 days. OTA links can last indefinitely.
• Privacy concerns — Some teams prefer not to route builds through Apple's servers.

Understanding iOS OTA Distribution

Over-The-Air (OTA) distribution uses Apple's itms-services protocol. When a user taps an installation link, iOS reads a manifest.plist file that points to your IPA. The device downloads and installs the app directly—no computer needed.

The technical flow works like this:

1. User taps a special itms-services:// link on their iOS device
2. iOS fetches the manifest.plist file from your HTTPS server
3. The manifest contains your app's metadata and IPA download URL
4. iOS downloads the IPA and prompts the user to install

Requirements for OTA Distribution

1. A Signed IPA File

Your IPA must be signed with either an Ad Hoc or Enterprise provisioning profile. Development profiles won't work for OTA installation.

• Ad Hoc — Allows up to 100 devices per device type. Each device UDID must be registered in your Apple Developer account.
• Enterprise — Unlimited devices but requires a $299/year Apple Developer Enterprise Program membership.

2. HTTPS Hosting

Apple requires that both your manifest.plist and IPA file are served over HTTPS. This isn't optional—HTTP links simply won't work. You'll need valid SSL certificates on your hosting server.

3. Manifest.plist File

The manifest file tells iOS where to find your app and provides essential metadata:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" 
  "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
  <key>items</key>
  <array>
    <dict>
      <key>assets</key>
      <array>
        <dict>
          <key>kind</key>
          <string>software-package</string>
          <key>url</key>
          <string>https://yourserver.com/app.ipa</string>
        </dict>
      </array>
      <key>metadata</key>
      <dict>
        <key>bundle-identifier</key>
        <string>com.yourcompany.app</string>
        <key>bundle-version</key>
        <string>1.0.0</string>
        <key>kind</key>
        <string>software</string>
        <key>title</key>
        <string>Your App Name</string>
      </dict>
    </dict>
  </array>
</dict>
</plist>

Method 1: Manual OTA Setup

You can set up OTA distribution yourself with any web server. Here's the process:

1. Export your IPA from Xcode with Ad Hoc or Enterprise distribution
2. Upload the IPA to your HTTPS server
3. Create the manifest.plist with your app details
4. Upload the manifest.plist to your server
5. Create an install link: itms-services://?action=download-manifest&url=https://yourserver.com/manifest.plist

The downside? This is tedious for every build, error-prone, and requires server maintenance.

Method 2: Use BetaDrop (Recommended)

BetaDrop automates the entire OTA process. Upload your IPA, and we generate the manifest, host everything over HTTPS, and give you a shareable link—instantly.

Here's how it works:

1. Drag and drop your IPA file to BetaDrop
2. We extract app metadata automatically
3. Get your install link in seconds
4. Share with testers via any channel

No server setup. No manifest files to maintain. No HTTPS certificates to manage. Just upload and share.

Registering Device UDIDs

For Ad Hoc distribution, tester devices must be registered in your Apple Developer account. Here's how to get a device UDID:

• On Mac — Connect the device, open Finder, click the device, and click the serial number until UDID appears
• On the device — Use a UDID lookup website or app
• Via BetaDrop — Share a UDID collection link with testers

Once you have UDIDs, add them in the Apple Developer portal under Devices, then regenerate your provisioning profile.

Common OTA Installation Issues

Unable to Install Error

This usually means the device isn't registered in your provisioning profile (for Ad Hoc) or your IPA isn't properly signed.

Untrusted Developer

For Enterprise and some Ad Hoc builds, users need to trust your developer certificate. Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → tap your certificate → Trust.

Link Opens Safari Instead of Installing

The itms-services:// link must be opened on Safari or another iOS browser. Some apps (like Slack) open links in embedded browsers that don't handle this protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I distribute iOS apps without TestFlight?

Yes. Over-The-Air (OTA) distribution using the itms-services protocol is Apple's supported method for distributing apps outside TestFlight and the App Store.

What do I need to distribute iOS apps without TestFlight?

You need an IPA signed with Ad Hoc or Enterprise provisioning, HTTPS hosting, a properly formatted manifest.plist, and registered device UDIDs (for Ad Hoc).

Is OTA distribution legal for iOS apps?

Absolutely. Apple explicitly provides the itms-services protocol for this purpose. It's the standard method for enterprise apps and internal beta testing.

How many testers can I have without TestFlight?

Ad Hoc distribution allows 100 devices per device type annually. Enterprise distribution has no device limits but requires the Enterprise Program membership.

Do testers need to install anything?

No additional apps required. Testers just tap the install link on their iOS device. They may need to trust your developer certificate the first time.

Summary

Distributing iOS apps without TestFlight is straightforward with OTA distribution. Whether you set it up manually or use a platform like BetaDrop, you can bypass TestFlight's limitations and get builds to testers instantly.

The key requirements are:

• A properly signed IPA (Ad Hoc or Enterprise)
• HTTPS hosting for your files
• A valid manifest.plist
• Registered device UDIDs (for Ad Hoc)

For the fastest workflow, upload your build on BetaDrop and get a shareable install link in seconds—no server setup required.