Unable to download application, <app-name> could not be installed at this time

Question

I am getting this error when trying to install an app to a device. I've been dealing with code signing errors for the last 3 days, and now this.

My app is using a distribution certificate and mobile provisioning profile. It is uploaded to a build server where it is passed as a successful build with no code signing errors. The server generates an application download link which I am using on my device to download the app, where I am getting the error:

Unable to download application, <app-name> could not be installed at this time

• My app is using a valid distribution certificate
• My app is using a valid distribution provisioning profile
• The build server passed the app with no code signing errors

From what I understand, the app should be able to run on any device as it is using the distribution certificate and profile. Other apps that I've worked on work fine with this method. Does anyone have a clue why my app can't be installed?

Answer 1

Most common causes of this issue:

• Device storage is full
• The provisioning profile is a developer provisioning profile
• The ad hoc distribution provisioning profile is corrupted and the device is having an issue with it.
• The device was restored from a backup and is causing a conflict for over-the-air distribution
• There was a network timeout
• Architecture settings of the build and the device are incompatible ( can sometimes happen when "Build Active Architecture Only" is on when building).
• Not Using Mobile Safari.

To find out the exact cause of this issue:

• Connect the device with iMac.
• Open Organizer then choose devices.
• Choose your Connected device from sidebar.
• Choose Console inside the chosen device.
• Now install the app it will show the exact cause of problem

Reference

Answer 2

Is your app build with a valid enterprise/in-house distribution profile/certificate?

If so: Attach the device to your mac and start xcode. Then open the organizer (CMD + SHIFT + 2) and read the device's console while installing the app. Maybe that clears things out

Answer 3

Make sure your iOS version is compatible with the app you are installing.

I saw this issue happen when a user was installing an iOS 8 only app on an iOS 7 device.

Also, if you tried to install the application on iOS 7 and it failed due to being an incompatible version and then you upgraded to iOS 8, you will need to do the following:

1. Download iExplorer (http://www.macroplant.com/iexplorer/)
2. Plug your device
3. Delete all the files in "Media > Downloads"
4. Restart device

There's an iOS bug where it leaves behind the bundle ID and it will fail silently not allowing you to install the app after you upgrade.

Answer 4

Had this problem lately and went nuts. Settings for iOS version, device type (iPhone, iPad) were correct... still the app wouldn't download/install.

A simple reboot fixed it!

Answer 5

Apple really needs to work on provisioning files.

In the docs, it says that the app must firstly be signed with the development provisioning profile and then the distribution provisioning profile upon archival of the file for distribution. However, I found it to work by using the development provisioning file for both the code signing and archival signing instead.

You really need to play around with the provisioning files and see which works for you.

Answer 6

For me this error occurred when i distributed my app as inHouse App,

The reason for the error was while exporting ipa file i used the option
save for Ad Hoc Deployment but it actually should be save for Enterprise Deployment

And also from iOS 10 you need to give some string for permission eg, For "Privacy - Camera Usage Description" add string as "This app requires access to the Camera."

Answer 7

Finally and after a lot of trouble I was able to fix this issue.

I'm working with Xamarin. The issue appeared after enabling push notifications for my app causing the provisioning profiles to become damaged.

I unchecked push notifications from entitlements.plist (doesn't disable push notifications)

I was cleaning the project and removing profiles all the way

Answer 8

You may be able to determine a problem with the .IPA by attempting to upload it to iTunes Connect and observing if it disallows the upload during validation (ignoring any errors regarding missing images/assets required for the store).

In my case, a Xamarin app that was deployed via HockeyApp was getting the error. Since I wasn't developing the project in Xcode, I used the Application Loader to attempt to upload the IPA to iTunes Connect. The validation failed, with an error regarding a missing required setting in the info.plist. Once I addressed this, I re-deployed via HockeyApp and the app was able to run.

Instructions for Application Loader can be found here: https://help.swiftic.com/hc/en-us/articles/201574452-Upload-Your-App-to-iTunes-Connect-using-the-Application-Loader