Ios – How to install ipa update without destroying user data

airiosipaitunes

I'd like to know how install an ipa through iTunes that is just an update to an app I already have. I am developing an app with Flash CS5.5 and AIR for iOS.

I can get the app on the device ok – I just drop it into the Apps area (under Library) in iTunes, and then perform a Sync. But if I have an updated version of the ipa, and I drop it into iTunes, it doesn't perform the sync – I suppose it doesn't think there is a difference.

I realize that I could just delete the app from my device and then install the new ipa. But I have lots of user saved data from the app stored locally on the iPad and I don't want to wipe that out.

Best Answer

This is an oldie, but I was looking for an answer to this so...

The trick for me was to change the version and build number before exporting the ipa. Then if You add the app through iTunes, it will update on next sync. No deleting is necessary.

Related Solutions

Why does an ad hoc ipa fail to install on one device, yet succeed on another with the same iOS version

As per Trott's suggestion (above), I'm moving the solution from my comment to a bona fide answer so that others can easily find the solution:

Problem solved. Device id was missing from provisioning profile. I'm leaving the issue here rather than simply deleting it bc it might help others. Must add that iTunes used to give a more specific message when this occurred, and since I had not removed the device id from the list in the iPhone Dev Center (have no idea how it vanished) I didn't consider that this cd actually be the cause. Hope this helps someone misled by the vagueness of the error msg.

Install IPA with iTunes 12

Note : If you are using iTunes 12.7.0 or above then use Solution 2 else use Solution 1. Solution 1 cannot be used with iTunes 12.7.0 or above since Apps section has been removed from iTunes by Apple

Solution 1 : Using iTunes 12.7 below

Tested on iTunes 12 with Mac OS X (Yosemite) 10.10.3

Also, tested on iTunes 12.3.2.35 with Mac OX X (El Capitan) 10.11.3

This process also applicable for iTunes 12.5.5 with Mac OS X (macOS Sierra) 10.12.3.

You can install IPA file using iTunes 12.x onto device using below steps :

Drag-and-drop IPA file into 'Apps' tab of iTunes BEFORE you connect the device.
Connect your device
Select your device on iTunes
Select 'Apps' tab

Screenshot for step 3 and 4

Search app that you want to install

Screenshot for step 5

Click on 'Install' button. This will change to 'Will Install'

Screenshot for step 6

Click on 'Apply' button on right corner. This will initiate process of app installation. You can see status on top of iTunes as well as app on device.

Screenshot for step 7

You can allow new apps to install automatically by enabling checkmark present at bottom.

Solution 2 : Using iTunes 12.7 and above

You can use diawi for this purpose.

Open https://www.diawi.com/ in desktop/system browser

Drag-and-drop IPA file in empty window. Make sure that last check mark are unselected (recommended due to security concern)
Once the upload is completed then press Send button

This will generate a link and QR code as well. (You can share this link and QR code with Client)

Now open Safari browser in iPhone device and enter this link (Note that link is case-sensitive) OR You can scan the QR using Bakodo iOS app

Once link is loaded you can see app details
Now select ‘Install application’

This will prompt an alert asking permission for installation. Press on Install.

Now you can see the app installation begins on screen.

Best Answer

Related Solutions

Why does an ad hoc ipa fail to install on one device, yet succeed on another with the same iOS version

Install IPA with iTunes 12

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