TestFlight Setup
This guide walks you through setting up TestFlight for the first time. After this, uploading subsequent builds is quick and easy.Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure you have:- Apple Developer Program membership (active)
- Apple Developer account connected to Nativeline
- Your app with a unique Bundle ID
- App icon (1024x1024 PNG)
Step 1: Create App in App Store Connect
Before uploading, your app must exist in App Store Connect.Open App Store Connect
Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com and sign in
Fill in app details
- Platform: iOS
- Name: Your app’s display name
- Primary Language: Your main language
- Bundle ID: Must match your Nativeline project
- SKU: Any unique identifier (e.g., “myapp-001”)
Step 2: Configure App Store Connect
Basic Information
Once your app is created, add basic info:-
App Information
- Category (e.g., Productivity, Entertainment)
- Content Rights
- Age Rating
-
Pricing and Availability
- Price (Free or select a price tier)
- Availability (which countries)
You don’t need to complete the full App Store listing for TestFlight. Just the basics.
Privacy Policy
Apple requires a privacy policy URL for all apps:- Create a privacy policy (many free generators online)
- Host it somewhere (your website, Notion page, etc.)
- Add the URL in App Store Connect → App Information → Privacy Policy URL
Step 3: Configure TestFlight
Navigate to TestFlight
In App Store Connect:- Click on your app
- Select “TestFlight” tab
Set Up Test Information
For external testing, you’ll need:- Beta App Description: What testers should know
- Beta App Review Information: Contact info for Apple review
- What to Test: Instructions for testers
Create a Tester Group (Optional)
Organize testers into groups:- Click ”+” next to “External Groups”
- Name your group (e.g., “Beta Testers”)
- Add testers to this group later
Step 4: Connect Nativeline to App Store Connect
Enable App Store Connect Integration
In Nativeline:- Open your project
- Click the plane icon (✈️) in the top-right toolbar
- Click Connect to App Store Connect when prompted
- Sign in with your Apple Developer Apple ID
- Select your team (if multiple)
Verify Connection
Once connected, you should see:- Your team name
- Your app listed
- “Ready to upload” status
Step 5: Prepare Your App
Finalize Your App
Before uploading, ensure:- App is working and tested in Simulator
- No obvious crashes or bugs
- Version number is set (e.g., 1.0.0)
- Build number is set (e.g., 1)
Update Version Information
In Nativeline Settings → App Identity:| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Version | User-facing version | 1.0.0 |
| Build | Increments with each upload | 1, 2, 3… |
Build numbers must always increase. If you upload build 5, your next upload must be 6 or higher.
Step 6: Upload Your First Build
What Happens After Upload
Processing
Apple processes your build:- Validates the binary
- Checks for required assets
- Scans for issues
- “Processing” → Wait
- “Ready to Submit” → You can add testers
If Processing Fails
Check for:- Missing app icon
- Invalid provisioning
- Bundle ID mismatch
Post-Setup Checklist
After completing setup:- App exists in App Store Connect
- Bundle ID matches between Nativeline and App Store Connect
- First build uploaded and processed
- Build shows “Ready to Submit” in TestFlight tab