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OTA Distribution FAQs

Quick answers to common OTA Distribution questions.

Getting Started​

Q: Do I need an API key to use OTA Distribution?​

A: No, API keys are only needed when integrating the AppsOnAir SDK.

Q: What do I need to do before using OTA Distribution?​

A: Create a workspace and an app from the web portal first.

Q: What file formats can I upload?​

A: Android (.apk) and iOS (.ipa) files.

Q: Can I upload both Android and iOS builds together?​

A: Yes, you can upload both or just one (at least one build is required).

Build Upload & Management​

A: Checked by default, it automatically generates a shareable link after upload. If unchecked, the build is only uploaded to the dashboard without generating a link.

Q: Are release notes required?​

A: No, release notes are optional. You can add one common note for both builds or separate notes for each.

Q: Can I access previous versions of my builds?​

A: Yes, all uploaded versions are preserved and can be accessed from the dashboard.

Q: Can I see download statistics?​

A: Yes, the dashboard displays total download count for each build.

Q: How can I filter builds on the dashboard?​

A: Filter by platform: Android, iOS, or All. By default, the dashboard shows all builds with the latest build displayed at the top.

Q: Can I restore a previously deleted build?​

A: No, once a build is deleted, it cannot be restored. Make sure you want to delete it before confirming.

Share Links & Distribution​

A: By default, 1 month. You can customize expiration to 7 days, 15 days, 1 month, 2 months, or 3 months.

A: Yes, you can generate multiple share links for any build.

A: When generating or editing a share link, enable password protection and set a password.

A: An info icon with "Share link expired" appears. You can reactivate the same link via "View all share links" or generate a new one.

Q: Can I use QR codes to share builds?​

A: Yes, each build share link includes a QR code for easy sharing.

iOS Installation & UDID​

Q: Why can't I install the iOS .ipa file?​

A: For iOS builds (AppsOnAir supports both Android and iOS), you must open the link in Safari browser on an iOS device. Other browsers will only download the file, not install it. Also, your device UDID must be included in the build's provisioning profile.

Q: The iOS build won't install on my iOS device. Why?​

A: Ensure you're opening the link in Safari browser on iOS, and that your device's UDID is included in the build's provisioning profile. Note: Android installations don't have these restrictions.

Q: What is UDID and why is it needed for iOS?​

A: UDID (Unique Device Identifier) is required for iOS app installation only (Android doesn't require UDID). Your device's UDID must be added to the Apple Developer account and included in the provisioning profile.

Q: How do I get my device UDID for iOS?​

A: Use the mobile app: Side Menu → "Get Your UDID" or visit https://app.appsonair.com/get-udid. This is only needed for iOS devices.

Q: What are Provisioning Devices in iOS builds?​

A: The list of device UDIDs that are bundled with the uploaded iOS .ipa build, visible in the build details. This is an iOS-specific requirement due to Apple's provisioning system.

Android Installation​

Q: I can't install the Android .apk file. What should I do?​

A: For Android builds (AppsOnAir supports both Android and iOS), make sure you have enabled "Install from Unknown Sources" in your Android device settings. Download the .apk file and tap on it to install.

Feedback Management​

Q: How do I submit feedback?​

A: Feedback can only be created from the mobile app. You can add text, one image, and one video.

Q: Can I view feedback on the web portal?​

A: Yes, all feedback submitted from the mobile app is accessible on the web dashboard.

Q: How do I resolve feedback?​

A: Mark feedback as resolved (both mobile and web). A comment is mandatory, and once marked resolved, it cannot be changed back.

Q: Can I delete feedback?​

A: Yes, but only if it hasn't been marked as resolved. Deletion is only available from the mobile app.

Roles & Permissions​

Q: What roles are available?​

A: Owner, Admin, Developer, and Tester.

Q: Who can create releases?​

A: Developer, Admin, and Owner (Tester cannot).

Q: Who can delete builds?​

A: Only Admin, Owner and Developer roles can delete builds.

A: No, only Developer, Admin, and Owner can edit/delete share links.

Mobile App​

Q: Is there a mobile app for AppsOnAir?​

A: Yes, available on Play Store and App Store.

Q: What can I do from the mobile app?​

A: Install builds, view build info, submit/manage feedback, get UDID, receive notifications, and manage profile settings.

Q: How do I get notifications about new builds?​

A: Install the mobile app and enable push notifications. You'll also receive email notifications.

Q: How do I manage notification preferences?​

A: Side Menu → Profile Settings → Notification Preferences. Options include Push, In-App, and Email notifications for Team, Group, and New Release.

Q: How do I switch workspaces in the mobile app?​

A: Change the workspace from the side menu or from the top-right corner icon on the dashboard navigation bar.

Build Information​

Q: What information is shown for Android builds?​

A: For Android builds, you can view: version, build number, package name, platform, minimum Android version, target OS version, build size, and all permissions.

Q: What information is shown for iOS builds?​

A: For iOS builds, you can view: version, build number, bundle identifier, platform, minimum iOS version, target OS version, device capabilities, build size, and provisioned devices (UDIDs).

OTA Distribution CLI​

Q: How do I install the AppsOnAir CLI?​

A: Run the following command to install it globally:

npm install -g appsonair-cli

Q: How do I verify my CLI setup is correct?​

A: Run appsonair system-info to check your environment and dependencies.

Q: What operating systems does the CLI support?​

A: The CLI supports macOS and Linux. iOS build uploads from Linux are not supported — build your IPA on macOS and upload it using --ios-path.

Q: How do I log in to the CLI?​

A: Run appsonair login. This opens a browser for authentication and saves your token securely in your OS keychain. You only need to do this once per machine.

Q: How do I upload my builds using the CLI?​

A: Run appsonair init ota once in your project root to create the config file, then run appsonair-ota upload after each build. For one-off uploads without a config file, use appsonair-ota upload --android-path or --ios-path.

Q: Can I upload only Android or only iOS?​

A: Yes. Use appsonair-ota upload --android or appsonair-ota upload --ios in yaml mode, or use --android-path / --ios-path flags in path mode.

Q: How do I add release notes via the CLI?​

A: Use the --note flag for a shared note, or --android-note / --ios-note for platform-specific notes:

appsonair-ota upload --note "Bug fixes and improvements"

Q: How do I uninstall the AppsOnAir CLI?​

A: Run:

appsonair uninstall

Or uninstall manually via npm:

npm uninstall -g appsonair-cli

If it still lingers in your PATH, verify and clean up manually:

# Verify removal — should return no output
which appsonair

# If still present, reload your shell config
source ~/.zshrc   # or source ~/.bashrc

If which appsonair still returns a path, remove the entry manually from your shell config (~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc) and reload it with source ~/.zshrc.