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Building Your App

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Common Issues

Device registration required:
  • iOS device must be registered with a0
  • Use TestFlight as alternative
  • Verify payment provider sync
  • Check product IDs match exactly
  • Use correct test credentials
  • Review payment logs
  • Enable unknown sources
  • Check minimum Android version
  • Verify APK not corrupted
  • Try different browser/method

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Next Steps

Submit to App Store

Ready to go live? Follow the iOS submission guide.

Over the Air Updates

Update your app instantly without rebuilding.