How to Export IPA From Xcode Without Signing

So, you built an awesome iOS app using Xcode. You ran it in the simulator, or even on your own device. Now you’re asking: “How do I export an IPA file… without dealing with signing stuff?” Great question. You’re in the right place!

TL;DR: Exporting IPA Without Code Signing

If you want to create an IPA file from Xcode but skip the hassle of code signing, it’s pretty easy. You’ll use Xcode’s build tools and a few terminal commands. This method is great for testing or distribution outside of the App Store. Just remember: unsigned IPAs can’t be installed on regular devices without special tricks.

⚡️ What is an IPA Anyway?

Think of an IPA as a gift-wrapped version of your app. Inside, there’s everything you need to install an app on an iOS device. It’s a simple .zip file with a fancy name.

Usually, Apple wants you to sign your app. This proves the app came from you. Signing also keeps things secure. But sometimes, you just want an IPA to test something — no signing, no hassle.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

• A Mac with Xcode installed (obviously!)
• Your iOS app project
• A little patience and love for the Terminal

📦 Step-by-Step: Exporting an Unsigned IPA

Follow these steps and you’ll have your unsigned IPA in no time.

1. Build the App Archive

First, we need to create an Xcode archive of the app. This is kind of like baking your app and getting it ready for shipping.

In Xcode:

• Choose Product > Scheme and select your actual app scheme.
• Then choose Product > Archive.

This brings up the Organizer window and creates a .xcarchive file, which lives in ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/Archives.

Tip: Name your archive so it’s easier to find later!

2. Find the Archive on Your Mac

Open Finder and go to:

~/Library/Developer/Xcode/Archives

You’ll see folders by date. Open the folder for today’s date and find your archive.

3. Use Terminal to Export the IPA

Here’s where it gets spicy! Open Terminal. We’re going to turn that archive into an IPA file without signing it.

Use this command:

xcodebuild -exportArchive \
  -archivePath "/path/to/YourApp.xcarchive" \
  -exportPath "/path/to/output/folder" \
  -exportOptionsPlist exportOptions.plist

Whoa… what’s that exportOptions.plist file about?

4. Create the exportOptions.plist File

This small file tells Xcode how to export the app. For unsigned output, we tell it not to sign.

Create a plain text file and name it exportOptions.plist. Paste this content inside:

<?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>method</key>
  <string>ad-hoc</string>
  <key>signingStyle</key>
  <string>manual</string>
  <key>signingCertificate</key>
  <string></string>
  <key>provisioningProfiles</key>
  <dict/>
</dict>
</plist>

This says: “Don’t sign this thing. Just give me the IPA so I can stare at its glory.”

5. Run the Export Command

Now, back in Terminal, run the xcodebuild -exportArchive command we talked about earlier. Replace the paths with your actual archive and output folder.

If all goes well, you’ll see a shiny new IPA inside the output folder!

🙋 FAQs

Can I install an unsigned IPA on a real device?

Not directly. Apple doesn’t trust unsigned apps, and neither should your iPhone. You’d need a jailbroken device or use tools like AltStore.

Can I upload an unsigned IPA to the App Store?

Nope. The App Store throws shade at unsigned IPAs. You need proper provisioning profiles and certificates for that.

Why would I want an unsigned IPA then?

Good for testing, automation, sharing with a QA team, or just understanding how packaging works.

💡 Pro Tips

• You can automate the whole thing with a script!
• Use showBuildSettings in Xcode to find archive paths fast.
• Try Fastlane for even more streamlined builds.

✅ Recap

To get an unsigned IPA from Xcode, here’s what you do:

1. Archive your app in Xcode.
2. Create an exportOptions.plist to disable signing.
3. Use xcodebuild -exportArchive in Terminal to make the IPA.

You can now take your unsigned IPA into the world. Show it around. Use it for testing. Frame it and hang it on the wall.

🎉 You Did It!

Congratulations! You’ve taken your first steps into the mysterious world of IPA exporting without signing. It’s a great skill to have if you’re debugging, testing on jailbroken devices, or building internal tools.

If you ever need to export a signed version later, just change the export options or use automatic signing in Xcode.

Now go and celebrate your new IPA files like a proud app chef!

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