> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.a0.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Native Build Testing

> Build and test IPA/APK files with full feature support including payments

## Building Your App

### Generate Builds

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to your project">
    1. Log in to your [a0 Dashboard](https://a0.dev/projects)
    2. Open a chat in your selected project
    3. click the **Deployment** button in the top right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy latest code">
    Click the "New Update" button to ensure your deployed code is up to date

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/a0dev/fi5hkn0OoKy6qtRS/images/Screenshot2025-07-21at2.25.13PM.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=fi5hkn0OoKy6qtRS&q=85&s=2b54cdb90a066eaccddcc2881b390f40" alt="Screenshot 2025-07-21 at 2.25.13 PM.png" width="642" height="198" data-path="images/Screenshot2025-07-21at2.25.13PM.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>
</Steps>

### iOS (IPA) Requirements

<Warning>
  iOS apps require device registration before installation. Documentation for device registration coming soon.
</Warning>

For now, iOS testing requires:

* Registered device with a0

### Android (APK) Installation

Android is simpler - just download and install:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Unknown Sources">
    On your Android device:

    * Settings → Security
    * Enable "Unknown sources" or "Install unknown apps"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install APK">
    * Download APK via link or QR code
    * Tap to install
    * Grant requested permissions
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key Differences from Mobile Testing

| Feature      | a0 App / Expo Go | Native Build      |
| ------------ | ---------------- | ----------------- |
| Build Time   | Instant          | \~2 minutes       |
| Payments     | ❌ UI only        | ✅ Full processing |
| Updates      | Hot reload       | OTA updates       |
| Distribution | QR code          | Link or QR        |
| Testing Ease | Immediate        | Download first    |

<Tip>
  **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
</Tip>

## Common Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="IPA won't install">
    Device registration required:

    * iOS device must be registered with a0
    * Use TestFlight as alternative
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Payments not working">
    * Verify payment provider sync
    * Check product IDs match exactly
    * Use correct test credentials
    * Review payment logs
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="APK install blocked">
    * Enable unknown sources
    * Check minimum Android version
    * Verify APK not corrupted
    * Try different browser/method
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Submit to App Store" icon="apple" href="/publishing/ios/submission-checklist">
    Ready to go live? Follow the iOS submission guide.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Over the Air Updates" icon="cloud-arrow-up" href="/publishing/ota-updates/overview">
    Update your app instantly without rebuilding.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>