Building Your App

Generate Builds

a0 provides a simple button to generate both IPA and APK files:
1

Navigate to your project

  1. Log in to your a0 Dashboard
  2. Open a chat in your selected project
  3. click the Deployment button in the top right.
2

Deploy latest code

Click the “New Update” button to ensure your deployed code is up to dateScreenshot 2025-07-21 at 2.25.13 PM.png
3

Generate build file

  1. Click on iPhone or Android icon in the modal
  2. Click on Create a IPA/APK
  3. Once generated, download the file to test on your device

iOS (IPA) Requirements

iOS apps require device registration before installation. Documentation for device registration coming soon.
For now, iOS testing requires:
  • Registered device with a0

Android (APK) Installation

Android is simpler - just download and install:
1

Enable Unknown Sources

On your Android device:
  • Settings → Security
  • Enable “Unknown sources” or “Install unknown apps”
2

Install APK

  • Download APK via link or QR code
  • Tap to install
  • Grant requested permissions

Key Differences from Mobile Testing

Featurea0 App / Expo GoNative Build
Build TimeInstant~2 minutes
Payments❌ UI only✅ Full processing
UpdatesHot reloadOTA updates
DistributionQR codeLink or QR
Testing EaseImmediateDownload first
Speed up your workflow:
  1. Test UI/UX in a0 app first
  2. Build native only for payments/production testing
  3. Use OTA updates after initial build

Common Issues

Next Steps