Using Xcode Without an Apple Developer Account

Posted: 2024-01-18
Tags: Xcode

Xcode is Apple’s free development environment, available from the App Store.

Apps can be deployed locally with a free Apple ID and a locally issued signing certificate, but putting apps in the App Store requires a paid Apple Developer account.

To generate a signing certificate, do the following:

• Launch Xcode.
• Open Xcode Settings by either:
  • Click Xcode in the top menu bar, then click Settings….
  • Or press Command - , to open Settings directly.
• Open the Accounts tab.
• Click the + button on the bottom left.
• Select Apple ID and click Continue.
  • Log in with your Apple ID.
• Click Manage Certificates…
• If there is no Apple Development Certificate listed click the + button.
  • Select Apple Development
• Click Done and close the Settings window.