Does iTunes backup and restore works for iOS app deployed via OTA?

Question

I am deploying an app via OTA (Testflight) to the clients. I have heard that if we use same provisioning profile which is using for Appstore distribution to deploy the OTA app, normal iTunes backup and restore process should work. Is it correct?

But currently I am doing that. I am using same App Store distribution profile to deploy via OTA too. BUT OTA app does not show/sync via iTunes?

Any idea??

Answer 1

From the Backup section of this Apple iPad in Business document

"Applications you’ve developed in-house and distributed to your users with enterprise provisioning profiles won’t be backed up or transferred to the user’s computer. However, the device backup will include any data files the enterprise application creates."

I think you can replace "enterprise provisioning profiles" with non-AppStore profiles here.

In other words, iTunes only backs up apps downloaded from the AppStore.

Answer 2

I can confirm that the actual .ipa file (bundle) is not backed up to iTunes or iCloud, but the data your app writes (via NSUserDefaults for example) is saved at least to iCloud.

To check it, head over to

• Settings
• iCloud
• Storage and Backup
• Manage Storage
• select your device
• under Backup Options, choose "show all apps"

You'll find your app's data here (make sure it's switched on to backup to iCloud).

Now you can either restore the app from Testflight, deploy it again via Xcode or copy the .ipa file over via iTunes. You should see its data pre-populated.