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Fixing iOS Integrity Failure: The Power of Resigning Builds with Updraft

Directus Asset
Martin Mattli
January 9, 2026

Why iOS Builds Fail to Install — “App cannot be installed because its integrity could not be verified” Explained

Navigating app distribution can be frustrating, especially when testers encounter cryptic error messages from Apple. One of the most common and annoying iOS errors is: “App cannot be installed because its integrity could not be verified”. This message indicates that the code-signing validation failed and the device blocked the app installation due to a broken trust chain between the Provisioning Profile, the Apple Certificate, and the registered device list (UDID).

 

Don't worry, we'll explain the technical background of this integrity failure and how Updraft helps to fix it.

 

What is the integrity verification process?

During installation, iOS performs validation checks on three key components to prevent unsigned or altered code execution:

 

  1. Provisioning Profile: It must match the app's bundle identifier.

  2. Apple Certificate: It must be valid and trusted by the device.

  3. Device UDID: The device’s UDID must be included in the Provisioning Profile (especially for Ad-hoc distributions).

 

If any of these validation steps fail, signature verification stops, and the OS rejects the build.

Common causes for this installation failure

Common Causes

The integrity verification failure usually results from an invalid or mismatched signing configuration. 

 

The most frequent culprits include:

 

  • Expired Credentials: Expired Apple Certificates or Provisioning Profiles invalidate all associated builds. These must be renewed and the build re-signed.

  • Missing Device UDID: For Ad-hoc distributions, installation fails if the tester’s UDID is missing from the Provisioning Profile.

  • Incorrect Profiles: Using an incorrect Provisioning Profile (e.g., a development profile meant for external devices) or a mismatched Apple Certificate invalidates the signature.

  • Obsolete Installation Link: If the build was re-signed or replaced, previous installation links become invalid.

How Updraft simplifies the resolution through iOS code signing

Luckily, whether you’re a developer or not, you don't need to worry about manually fixing these complexities when you're using Updraft as your build management and app distribution tool. The primary correction procedure for this error involves using a signing utility to re-sign the existing build with the correct Apple Certificate and Provisioning Profile.

 

Updraft offers this capability:

 

  • No Xcode Required: Upload one app build to Updraft and you won't have to touch Xcode anymore (plus point: no MacBook is required).

  • Resigning Feature: Updraft includes the capability to re-sign .ipa files with new certificates and provisioning profiles. This feature is available in the Professional ($49/month) and Enterprise plans.

  • Handle Expirations and Changes: If a distribution certificate expires or if you need to switch it (e.g., from a development to a distribution certificate), Updraft’s resigning feature has got you covered. You can even change entitlements, release notes, build/version numbers, or the app name by resigning your builds to your liking.

  • Bypass TestFlight Limitations: If the 90-day testing window provided by TestFlight isn't enough, you can easily distribute your apps via a link from Updraft without having to go through a beta app review process or re-building your app every 90 days.

 

Code signing tools, like Updraft, are essential preventive practices because they centralize certificate and profile management, eliminate manual errors, and ensure ongoing trust consistency.

Preventive Practice

It is good practice to regularly check the following tasks as a preventive measure to avoid the error described above. The following points should be considered: 

  • Maintain active Apple Certificates and Provisioning Profiles.

  • Keep all test devices registered before build distribution.

  • Replace outdated installation links immediately after re-signing.

  • Centralize certificate and profile management in automated systems.

Summary

The integrity verification error stems from invalid or mismatched code-signing configuration. Correcting the signing status restores installability. By using build management platforms like Updraft, you can easily handle resigning and distribution, simplifying your mobile app delivery process. For a broader overview of iOS installation failures, see also our previous blog-post: Guide to fix “Unable to install .ipa file” issue on iOS devices.

 

Feel free to send us your Feedback! It helps us to create a better experience for everybody. If you have any questions regarding Updraft, don't hesitate, just contact us by email via info@getupdraft.com.