Previewing on iPhone without Developer Account

Topics covered in this iOS Development tutorial:

Previewing on an iPhone without an Apple Developer Account

Exercise Overview

All you need to preview an app on your iPhone is an Apple ID and these instructions. Note that if you are ever asked to Trust the phone or the computer, say Trust!

Setting Up an Apple ID

1. If you already have an Apple ID, skip to the next section, Setting Up Xcode. Don’t know? If you have an iPhone you have an Apple ID! If you are still not sure, create a new one.
2. With a browser, go to developer.apple.com
3. Click Account to create an Apple ID. Follow the prompts.
4. Agree to whatever Apple asks in their terms, then hit Submit.

Setting Up Xcode

1. In Xcode open up preferences: Xcode > Preferences.
2. Click on the Accounts tab.
3. Click on the + at the bottom left of the window and choose Add Apple ID.
4. Log in as prompted.
5. Once the new ID shows up on the left, click on it.
6. You should see your name below with a (Personal Team) and the role Free or User.
7. Close the window.

Setting Up Your Phone to Run Your Apps

For any existing apps, you will now have to make sure the correct Team is selected so you can preview on your iPhone. To do that:

1. Plug your phone into the computer using a Lightning Cable.
2. Open any app you have created (Hello World, or Dice, for example).
3. Click on its name at the top of the Project Navigator.
4. Under General > Signing > Team select the team you created.
5. Under the active scheme on the upper left , at the top of the list, choose the device you just plugged in.
6. Hit the Run button to see the app on your iPhone.

7. You will probably get this message:

   

8. As it says in the message, go into Settings > General > Device Management.
9. You will see the Apple ID email you used. Tap that, then the app that is attempting to load. It will ask if you trust the device. You do!

10. Revel in the joy of running your own app on your iPhone!