[Documentation](https://fluxnative.app/docs) / Build for devices

# iOS builds

Build a signed IPA without a Mac and send it to TestFlight from Publish; you need an Apple Developer account and its API key.

![The Build window on iOS: what an iPhone build needs, the version and build number, and checks with Connect Apple and Change in App settings](https://fluxnative.app/guide-media/ios-builds.fac04500.webp)

An iPhone build needs an Apple Developer account and the App Store Connect key; no Mac.

## Steps

1. Connect the App Store Connect API key in **Publish**. See [Connect store accounts](https://fluxnative.app/docs/connect-store-accounts).
2. Check the bundle ID in **App settings** › **Store identifiers** before the first TestFlight upload.
3. Click **Build**, choose **iOS**, and fix anything red in the checks.
4. Start the build and wait for **Ready**.
5. Click **Open in Publish** to send it to TestFlight, or download the IPA.

## Good to know

- With the API key, the build registers the bundle ID and creates the distribution certificate and this app's provisioning profile. Without one, see [iOS certificates and profiles](https://fluxnative.app/docs/ios-signing).
- **Build and send to TestFlight**, on Publish's step **Build the app for the App Store**, builds and uploads in one go. The step shows the price and the usual time, and asks before it starts.
- The app must exist in App Store Connect first; Publish has a step for it. Apple then processes the build, usually in 5 to 30 minutes, and **Check status** asks Apple now.
- Signing failures are fixed in Publish's signing step and **App settings**, not in code; then **Retry build**.

**Note:** An Apple Developer account costs US$99 a year, paid to Apple. iPhones install test builds only through TestFlight: an IPA cannot be opened on a phone.

## Related

[Release to TestFlight](https://fluxnative.app/docs/testflight) · [iOS certificates and profiles](https://fluxnative.app/docs/ios-signing)

Previous: [Android signing keys](https://fluxnative.app/docs/android-signing) · Next: [iOS certificates and profiles](https://fluxnative.app/docs/ios-signing)

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Build a signed IPA without a Mac and send it to TestFlight from Publish; you need an Apple Developer account and its API key.

Page: https://fluxnative.app/docs/ios-builds