> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nativeline.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# TestFlight Overview

> Beta test your app before launching

# TestFlight

TestFlight is Apple's official platform for beta testing iOS apps. It lets you share your app with testers before releasing publicly on the App Store.

## What is TestFlight?

TestFlight is a free app from Apple that allows:

* **You** to upload beta versions of your app
* **Testers** to install and test on their devices
* **Feedback** to flow back to you before public launch

***

## Why Use TestFlight?

### Find Bugs Early

Real users on real devices catch issues you might miss:

* Device-specific bugs
* Edge cases in user flow
* Performance issues
* Usability problems

### Validate Your App

Before spending time on App Store submission:

* Confirm core features work
* Get user feedback on design
* Refine the experience

### Build Excitement

Beta testers become your first fans:

* They feel invested in the app
* They'll leave early reviews
* They spread word of mouth

***

## How It Works

```
Build App → Upload to App Store Connect → Invite Testers → Get Feedback
                                                ↓
                                    Testers install via TestFlight app
```

<Steps>
  <Step title="Upload your build">
    Nativeline uploads your app to App Store Connect
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite testers">
    Add tester emails or share a public link
  </Step>

  <Step title="Testers install">
    They download TestFlight app, then install your app
  </Step>

  <Step title="Collect feedback">
    Testers use the app and send feedback
  </Step>

  <Step title="Iterate">
    Fix issues, upload new builds, repeat
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Tester Types

### Internal Testers

| Aspect | Details                                |
| ------ | -------------------------------------- |
| Who    | Members of your App Store Connect team |
| Limit  | Up to 100 testers                      |
| Review | No Apple review required               |
| Access | Immediate after upload processing      |

**Best for:** Your own devices, team members, close collaborators

### External Testers

| Aspect | Details                                          |
| ------ | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Who    | Anyone with an email address                     |
| Limit  | Up to 10,000 testers                             |
| Review | First build requires brief Apple review          |
| Access | After review approval (\~24-48 hours first time) |

**Best for:** Wider beta testing, user feedback

***

## TestFlight Limits

| Limit              | Value     |
| ------------------ | --------- |
| Internal testers   | 100       |
| External testers   | 10,000    |
| Tester groups      | 195       |
| Builds per version | Unlimited |
| Build availability | 90 days   |

***

## What Testers See

When testers install via TestFlight:

1. **App appears on home screen** — with a small orange dot indicator
2. **Full app functionality** — works just like the real app
3. **Feedback option** — can take screenshots and send feedback
4. **Automatic updates** — new builds install automatically

***

## Build Expiration

<Warning>
  TestFlight builds expire after 90 days. Testers must update to a newer build to continue testing.
</Warning>

Plan to upload new builds regularly to keep testers active.

***

## TestFlight vs App Store

| Aspect     | TestFlight                    | App Store        |
| ---------- | ----------------------------- | ---------------- |
| Audience   | Invited testers               | Everyone         |
| Review     | Faster (or none for internal) | Full review      |
| Purpose    | Testing, feedback             | Public release   |
| Updates    | Automatic                     | User-controlled  |
| Expiration | 90 days                       | Never            |
| Payments   | Cannot process                | Full IAP support |

***

## Requirements

To use TestFlight, you need:

* ✅ Apple Developer Program membership (\$99/year)
* ✅ App uploaded to App Store Connect
* ✅ Valid code signing certificates
* ✅ Testers with iOS devices and TestFlight app

***

## Getting Started

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Setup Guide" icon="gear" href="/publishing/testflight/setup">
    First-time configuration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upload Builds" icon="upload" href="/publishing/testflight/uploading">
    Get your app to TestFlight
  </Card>

  <Card title="Invite Testers" icon="user-plus" href="/publishing/testflight/testers">
    Add and manage testers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/publishing/testflight/troubleshooting">
    Fix common issues
  </Card>
</CardGroup>