Tutorial - Installing an iOS AdHoc Distribution

v1.00 : 03.21.2011


What is Ad Hoc Distribution?

Ad Hoc Distribution allows you to try an application before it's available in the iTunes App Store. This is how to distribute iPhone applications to beta customers.

What You'll Need

Before beginning the installation process you'll need:

  • The .zip file for the application (usually AppName.app.AdHoc.zip)

  • The .mobileprovision file for the application (usually Ad_Hoc_Distribution_Profile.mobileprovision)

  • Your Device: the iOS device(s) whose UDID you emailed to the developer previously

  • The computer you normally sync with the above device

    Installing the Application

    1. If you have the .zip and .mobileprovision files in an email, save them to a convenient location such as your Desktop.

    2. Drag-and-drop the .mobileprovision file onto Library → Applications in iTunes. On the Mac, you can just drag it to the iTunes icon in your dock.

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    3. Extract the .zip file. To do this, right-click the .zip file and select "Extract All…". Step through the wizard and accept the defaults by clicking Next.

    WINDOWS VISTA USERS: The built-in "Extract All…" command corrupts the application so that it cannot be installed. You should try using a different zip program like WinZip or WinRar to extract the Zip file.

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    4. Find the .app folder (usually AppName.app).

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    5. Drag-and-drop the whole .app folder onto Library → Applications in iTunes. On the Mac, you can just drag it onto the iTunes icon in the dock.

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    6. Verify that the application shows up in Library → Applications. Note that it will not have its normal icon.

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    7. In iTunes, select your Device under Devices, choose the Application tab, and make sure that the new application is checked.

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    8. Sync your Device and try out the new application.