File Extension Database

Open IPA File

A file with the IPA extension is an application file for the iOS operating system.

This type of file, IPA, works as a compressed ZIP-type container to store the various data that make up an application for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Typically an IPA file is used for games, utilities, weather, social media, news, and others.

The structure of an IPA file is the same for all applications, that is, for example, an iTunesArtwork file is a PNG file that is used as the application icon, the Payload folder contains all the application data, and the information About the developer and the application are stored in the file called iTunesMetadata.plist.

iTunes stores IPA files on your computer after you have downloaded applications through iTunes, as well as after iTunes backs up your iOS device.

Open an IPA file

IPA files are used by Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

These IPA files are downloaded through the App Store or iTunes, depending on whether you do it from a Mobile or from a PC.

When iTunes is used to download IPA files to a computer, the files are saved in this specific location so that the iOS device can access them the next time it syncs with iTunes.

It is important to note that while IPA files contain an iOS application, you cannot use iTunes to open the application on your computer.

They are only used by iTunes for backup purposes and so that the device can understand which applications you have already purchased / downloaded.

Software to open or work with an IPA file

iTunes

Typical IPA application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe /open "%L"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /open "%L"

Typical IPA mime types:

application/x-itunes-ipa

Frequently used application names to open IPA files:

iTunes

Frequently associated Windows objects:

iTunes.ipa

How Can I Open IPA File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open IPA file is to find a IPA file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a IPA file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open IPA file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as IPA file opener then try to search online for "IPA viewer", "application to open IPA file" or "open IPA file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open IPA file

How Can I Open IPA File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a IPA file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a IPA file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with IPA file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as IPA file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open IPA file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open IPA file then try to search for "IPA viewer", "application to open IPA file" or "read IPA file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read IPA file

How Can I Open IPA File on Android

If you downloaded a IPA file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded IPA file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "IPA".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "IPA viewer", "IPA file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open IPA File on iPhone or iPad

To open IPA File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the IPA file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "IPA". This way you can find apps which can open IPA files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "IPA viewer" or "IPA file" online in your favorite search engine.

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