Can not export IPA file from XCode 6.1

Question

I've wasted a day trying to export IPA file using development profiles. I'm a developer since 18 months now. And its not something that i don't know about exporting IPA. And i really hate Apple developers for changing the way we used to export a simple IPA. I've already exported hundreds of times but this time i'm having no luck.

I think what is needed to export a successful IPA requires these things to be available in the system

1. Private key with Certificate in Keychain -> Login -> My Certificates
2. Login in with developer account in XCode -> Preferences -> Accounts
3. Archive the project and select Export -> Save for Ad Hoc Deployment -> Select developer account from the list.
4. Wait until XCode does some magic. (This is the part where XCode fails everytime. See attached screenshot please)

Here's what i've tried:

1. Removing all keychain certificates and provisioning profiles. - DIDN'T WORKED
2. Restart XCode and System (Almost 3 times) - DIDN'T WORKED
3. Removing certificates and provisioning profiles from Apple developer portal and regenerate all of them. - DIDN'T WORKED
4. Tried AirSign / Testflight. - DIDN'T WORKED

HINT: I am using XCode 6.1.1 GM SEED and previously had installed along with XCode 6.2 beta. But i removed XCode 6.2 Beta later

Someone please tell me where i'm going wrong.. Thanks...

Answer 1

Starting from XCode 6, you have to generate an AdHoc type cerificate from the Apple Developer Center to be able to save the .ipa for AdHoc deployment. I was also facing the same issue and generated a new certificate particularly for AdHoc Distribution. Archiving using that resolved the issue.

Answer 2

You will not get this issues if you create certificated through xcode.

xcode->Preferences->Select Apple id->select account->view details->click on plus button

Useing this certificate revoke your provisioning profile then again

xcode->Preferences->Select Apple id->select account->view details-> click on refresh button

Now you will not get this error

Answer 3

Try installing your distribution certificate and profile before creating IPA with developer profile. I faced this issue and that fixed it.

Answer 4

I'd recommend you using the fastlane tools to handle every aspects of code signing and ipa generation.

The cert command allows you to create a new certificate as needed : no option for distribution certificate, --developement for a development one.

The sigh command allows you to create a new provisionning profile : no options = app store, --adhoc = ad hoc, --development = development

The gym command allows you build ipa, same options as above !

Meanwhile there's a trick for dev ipa generation : - set your code signing assets as needed for development in Xcode target

1. build the app for a device
2. Go to te "Product" group folder in Xcode files navigator
3. Ctrl-click on yourApp.app and click "Show in finder"
4. Copy the .app in a new folder called "Payload"
5. Create a zip from this folder using Ctrl+click, archive
6. Rename this archive as yourApp.ipa

You're now able to install this dev signed ipa over the air or through iTunes on the devices recorded in the provisionning profile used to build the app.