---
title: Install a Build on a Device
description: Install Android (APK) and iOS (IPA) builds from Capawesome Cloud directly on a physical device using the Install button or a QR code.
---

# Install on a Device

With [Capawesome Cloud](/){:target="_blank"} you can install a build directly on a physical device — no app store required — by scanning a QR code or tapping a download link, similar to platforms like Loadly or Diawi.

After a build completes, open its detail page and click **Install** to get the QR code and download link. The exact requirements differ by platform.

## Android

![Install dialog for Android in Capawesome Cloud](../../assets/images/screenshots/cloud-install-app-android.png)

Create an Android build (**Debug** for quick testing, or **Release** which requires a [signing certificate](certificates/android.md)). Then, to install an APK from outside the Play Store, allow installations from unknown sources:

=== "Android 8.0 and later"

    1. Open **Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps**.
    2. Select the app you'll use to download the APK (e.g. **Chrome**).
    3. Enable **Allow from this source**.

    The exact path varies by manufacturer (on Samsung: **Settings → Biometrics and security → Install unknown apps**).

=== "Android 7.x and earlier"

    Open **Settings → Security** and enable **Unknown sources**.

Then open the build's detail page, click **Install**, scan the QR code (or tap **Download** on the device), and open the downloaded APK to install.

!!! note "Google Play Protect"

    Play Protect may warn that the app is from an unknown developer. You can dismiss the warning to proceed — this is normal for side-loaded apps.

## iOS

![Install dialog for iOS in Capawesome Cloud](../../assets/images/screenshots/cloud-install-app-ios.png)

Installing an iOS build on a device requires a **signed build** whose provisioning profile includes the device.

1. **Register the device.** Find your device's UDID (you can use the [iOS UDID Finder](https://capawesome.io/tools/ios-udid-finder/){:target="_blank"}) and add it to your Apple Developer account, then include it in the provisioning profile used for the build. See [iOS Signing Certificates](certificates/ios.md).
2. **Create a signed build.** Trigger an iOS build with the **Development** or **Ad Hoc** [build type](build-types.md) and the matching [signing certificate](certificates/ios.md) and provisioning profile. (A **Simulator** build only [runs in the iOS Simulator](run-on-emulator-or-simulator.md), not on a device.)
3. **Install.** Open the build's detail page, click **Install**, and scan the QR code with the registered device or tap **Download** on the device to install.

## Next steps

- [Run on an emulator or simulator](run-on-emulator-or-simulator.md) — test a build locally without a physical device.
- [Share a build](share-a-build.md) — give external testers a public link to install the build without an account.
- [Build types](build-types.md) — which type to pick for testing vs distribution.
- [Submit to the App Store or Play Store](../app-store-publishing/index.md) — for store distribution instead of side-loading.