Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: How to fix Xcode 6.1 error while building IPA

Xcode 6.1 error while building IPA

Quick Answer: The issue is caused by the usage of --preserve-metadata flag with codesign command, which is deprecated in Xcode 6.1. Try using --force and --sign flags instead.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

Xcode 6.1 has introduced an error when building IPA files using the TestFlight desktop app, which can be frustrating for developers who rely on this feature.

The error is caused by a warning related to the usage of --preserve-metadata, which is used to preserve metadata during the signing process.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is due to the changes made in Xcode 6.1 regarding code signing and metadata preservation. The --preserve-metadata option was deprecated in favor of using entitlements and resource rules.
  • An alternative reason could be that the developer has not updated their provisioning profiles or certificates, which may cause issues with code signing and metadata preservation.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Updating Provisioning Profiles and Certificates

  1. Step 1: Open Xcode and go to Window > Organizer > Devices. Select the device that you want to test your app on and click on the 'Provisioning Profile' tab.
  2. Step 2: Update the provisioning profile to ensure it matches the current certificate and app ID.
  3. Step 3: Go back to the TestFlight desktop app and try building the IPA again.

Disabling --preserve-metadata Option

  1. Step 1: Open the Terminal and navigate to the directory where your Xcode project is located.
  2. Step 2: Run the command `codesign --force --disallow-preserve-metadata` to disable the --preserve-metadata option. This will allow you to proceed with building the IPA.

✨ Wrapping Up

To fix the error, update yourprovisioning profiles and certificates or disable the --preserve-metadata option using the Terminal. If you're still experiencing issues, try restarting Xcode and the TestFlight desktop app.

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