Distributing and installing iOS apps outside of the App Store can be challenging, especially when testing, gathering feedback, or delivering early builds to clients or internal teams.
IPA files (iOS App Store Packages) are essential for this process, but the traditional installation methods can be slow, complex, or restrictive.
That’s where AppsOnAir comes in. It is one of the best online IPA file installers available on the market.
It simplifies over-the-air distribution, so you can install IPA files directly onto iOS devices with a link.
With AppsOnAir, you can avoid needing the App Store, iTunes, or complex provisioning steps.
This makes AppsOnAir useful for a developer, product manager, or QA lead, as it provides a fast, secure, and user-friendly way to deliver apps for testing or preview.
Here, we will tell you how to install the IPA file on iPhone using an online IPA installer tool like AppsOnAir, completely avoiding the App Store.
Note: AppsOnAir can also be used as an online APK installer, but for this article, our focus will be only on the over-the-air distribution of IPA files.
Let’s start.
What is an Online IPA Installer?
An online IPA installer is a tool that lets you install iOS apps (.ipa files) directly on your Apple devices without needing you to go to the App Store. This means you can directly install iOS applications from their URLs,
It is mainly useful for mobile app developers, QA or testing teams, and product managers who need to:
- Share app builds with stakeholders
- Distribute internal apps to employees
- Demo apps for clients before launch
There are traditional methods like TestFlight or iTunes, which come with limitations. For example, they often require user accounts, approvals, or manual syncing.
That's why tools like AppsOnAir are preferred as they bypass these limitations by generating a direct installation link that can be opened on any compatible iOS device.
This link allows testers or your team members to install the app over the air (OTA), just like downloading from the App Store. However, the download process is much faster. Also, you don't have to wait for Apple's review process.
With any IPA installer available online, you can do this. But AppsOnAir is far more advanced.
AppsOnAir takes this concept further with easier steps and password-protected app install links.
It doesn't just let you host your IPA, but it also gives you full control over how you share your app builds, who can access it, and how long the link remains active.
In the next point, we will discuss why choose AppsOnAir over any other online platform that allows you to install ipa files without App Store
Why Use AppsOnAir for IPA Installation?
1) No App Store Required
When the app is in beta version or under development but you want to give its demo to client or your testing team wants to test it, at that time, AppsOnAir can be used to share an installable link without submitting the mobile app for App Store approval.
2) Simple, Link-Based Sharing
Once you upload your IPA file, AppsOnAir generates a secure installation link. Just share the link with your team or testers, and they can install the app directly on their iPhone or iPad.
3) Password-Protected Access
Yes, AppsOnAir generates installable links that you can share with anyone but at the same time, it also respects your privacy. And that’s the reason it gives you a password-protection feature.
With this feature, you can assign a password to the link so only the person who has that password can install the app through the link.
4) Real-Time Notifications
Automatically send release alerts to your team via integrations like Google Chat. Everyone stays in the loop without back-and-forth messaging.
5) Custom Expiry Duration
This is useful when you don’t want users to use links after a certain duration. You can set the expiry duration after which the link won’t work, and you can’t install the app from that link.
So, if you are convinced that AppsOnAir can be your right choice as an IPA installer, let’s show you the steps to use AppsOnAir to install IPA files without using App Store.
Step-by-Step Guide to Use AppsOnAir as an IPA Installer
If you are comfortable with video, below is the step-by-step walkthrough of AppsOnAir.
If you prefer reading, below are the steps.
Step 1: Complete the sign-up and verification Process
Step 2: Enter your name to set up your AppsOnAir account
Step 3: Enter Workspace name
Step 4: Now it's time to add the name of the mobile application and upload the IPA file you want to share. You can also add important notes in the “Notes” section.
Step 5: If you have more people in your team, you can invite them and add them to your workspace. On the other hand, if you are a single-person team, you can skip this step as well.
Step 6: After the above step, you will be redirected to the dashboard, where you will see all the apps that have been added.
Step 7: Click on the app you want to share, and you will see the below dashboard. There, you will see the share button.
Step 8: When you press the “Share” button, you will see the below pop-up. There, you can set the password as well as the expiry of the link.
Step 9: Then click on “Generate Link”. It will generate a shareable link to install an IPA file on your iPhone. You can share this link via any method, be it email, SMS, WhatsApp, Google Chat, Slack, etc.
It's that simple!
Now, we can hope that you have a complete idea of how to use AppsOnAir to upload, install, and test IPA files for evaluating iOS apps on real iPhones and iPads.
If you found AppsOnAir easy and smooth, you can use it for IPA sharing purposes.
Wrapping Up
AppsOnAir is a powerful online IPA installer that simplifies iOS app distribution for developers, testers, and product teams.
Instead of relying on traditional methods like iTunes and Firebase app distribution, AppsOnAir allows you to upload IPA files and instantly generate secure links for over-the-air installation.
You can use AppsOnAir for sharing iOS app builds with internal teams for testing purposes and with clients to show them a demo.
