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Using TestFlight for iOS App Testing

TestFlight is Apple's official platform for beta testing iOS apps. It allows you to distribute pre-release versions of your app to testers before you publish it to the App Store. This guide will walk you through how to use TestFlight with your Taptool app.

What is TestFlight?​

TestFlight is a service provided by Apple that enables developers to invite users to test their applications before they're officially released on the App Store. It provides a simple way to:

  • Distribute test builds to internal team members and external testers
  • Collect feedback on your app's functionality
  • Identify bugs and issues before public release
  • Test app performance across different devices

Benefits of Using TestFlight​

Using TestFlight with your Taptool app offers several advantages:

  1. Risk-Free Testing: Test your app in a real-world environment without affecting your App Store ratings
  2. Diverse Testing Group: Invite up to 10,000 external testers to try your app
  3. Simple Distribution: Easily distribute new builds as you make improvements
  4. Feedback Collection: Receive feedback directly through the TestFlight app
  5. Streamlined Experience: Testers can install your app with minimal setup

How TestFlight Works with Taptool​

When your Taptool app is ready for testing, our development team will:

  1. Create a beta build of your app
  2. Upload the build to App Store Connect
  3. Set up the appropriate testing groups
  4. Send out invitations to your testers

As the app owner, you'll have the ability to:

  • Decide who receives testing invitations
  • View tester feedback
  • Approve new builds for testing

Setting Up TestFlight Testing​

Prerequisites​

Before you can begin TestFlight testing:

  1. You must have an active Apple Developer account
  2. Your app must be set up in App Store Connect
  3. You must have provided all required app information and assets

Step 1: Identify Your Testing Groups​

Determine who will test your app:

  • Internal Testers: Your team members (up to 100 people)
  • External Testers: Customers, stakeholders, or other users (up to 10,000 people)

For each tester, you'll need:

  • Their email address
  • Their first and last name (for internal testers only)

TestFlight allows you to invite external testers using a shareable link if you don't have their email addresses.

Step 2: Provide Tester Information to Taptool​

Once you've identified your testers, you'll need to:

  1. Log in to your Taptool dashboard
  2. Navigate to the "Testing" section
  3. Click on "TestFlight Configuration"
  4. Enter the email addresses for your testers
  5. Save your changes

Step 3: Wait for Build Preparation​

The Taptool team will:

  1. Prepare a TestFlight build of your app
  2. Upload it to Apple's servers
  3. Configure the testing groups based on your specifications
  4. Notify you when the build is ready for testing

Step 4: Invitations Sent to Testers​

Once your build is approved by Apple for testing:

  1. TestFlight invitations will be automatically sent to your testers
  2. Testers will receive an email with instructions to download TestFlight
  3. They'll follow the steps to install both TestFlight and your app

Guide for Testers​

If you're inviting testers to try your app, you may want to share these instructions with them:

How to Accept a TestFlight Invitation​

  1. Check your email for an invitation from TestFlight
  2. Tap the "View in TestFlight" or "Start Testing" button in the email
  3. If TestFlight isn't installed, you'll be directed to download it from the App Store
  4. Once TestFlight is installed, open the app
  5. Sign in with the Apple ID that received the invitation
  6. Accept the invitation for the app
  7. Install the beta version of the app

How to Provide Feedback​

Testers can provide feedback by:

  1. Opening the TestFlight app
  2. Selecting your app
  3. Tapping "Send Feedback"
  4. Describing any issues or suggestions
  5. Submitting their feedback

Managing Your TestFlight Testing​

Viewing Tester Status​

You can monitor who has accepted invitations and installed your app:

  1. Log in to your Taptool dashboard
  2. Go to the "Testing" section
  3. Select "TestFlight Status"
  4. View the list of testers and their current status

Submitting New Builds​

As you make improvements to your app, you may want to submit new builds for testing:

  1. Implement the necessary changes to your app in Taptool
  2. Request a new build through your Taptool dashboard
  3. Once prepared, the new build will be submitted to TestFlight
  4. Existing testers will be notified automatically about the update

Troubleshooting Common TestFlight Issues​

Testers Not Receiving Invitations​

If testers report not receiving invitations:

  • Check spam/junk folders
  • Verify the email address is correct
  • Resend the invitation through your Taptool dashboard

Expired Builds​

TestFlight builds expire after 90 days. If a build expires:

  • Request a new build through your Taptool dashboard
  • Testers will need to update to the new build

Installation Problems​

If testers have trouble installing your app:

  • Ensure they're using the same Apple ID that received the invitation
  • Check that their device meets the minimum requirements
  • Verify they have sufficient storage space on their device

Moving from TestFlight to App Store​

Once testing is complete and you're satisfied with your app:

  1. Notify your Taptool Implementation Specialist that you're ready to publish
  2. Review and confirm your App Store listing details
  3. The Taptool team will prepare your app for submission to the App Store
  4. Your app will go through Apple's review process
  5. Once approved, your app will be available for public download

TestFlight Best Practices​

To get the most out of your TestFlight testing:

  • Start small: Begin with internal testers before expanding to external users
  • Be selective: Choose testers who will provide constructive feedback
  • Set expectations: Clearly communicate what aspects you want testers to focus on
  • Iterate quickly: Address critical issues and modify your app as needed
  • Collect focused feedback: Ask specific questions rather than just general impressions
  • Thank your testers: Acknowledge their contributions to improving your app