> ## 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 Setup

> Configure your app for TestFlight beta testing

# 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.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open App Store Connect">
    Go to [appstoreconnect.apple.com](https://appstoreconnect.apple.com) and sign in
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Apps">
    Click "My Apps" from the main dashboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create new app">
    Click the "+" button → "New App"
  </Step>

  <Step title="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>

  <Step title="Create">
    Click "Create" to register your app
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  The Bundle ID must exactly match what's in your Nativeline project Settings → App Identity → Bundle Identifier.
</Tip>

***

## Step 2: Configure App Store Connect

### Basic Information

Once your app is created, add basic info:

1. **App Information**
   * Category (e.g., Productivity, Entertainment)
   * Content Rights
   * Age Rating

2. **Pricing and Availability**
   * Price (Free or select a price tier)
   * Availability (which countries)

<Note>
  You don't need to complete the full App Store listing for TestFlight. Just the basics.
</Note>

### Privacy Policy

Apple requires a privacy policy URL for all apps:

1. Create a privacy policy (many free generators online)
2. Host it somewhere (your website, Notion page, etc.)
3. Add the URL in App Store Connect → App Information → Privacy Policy URL

***

## Step 3: Configure TestFlight

### Navigate to TestFlight

In App Store Connect:

1. Click on your app
2. 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:

1. Click "+" next to "External Groups"
2. Name your group (e.g., "Beta Testers")
3. Add testers to this group later

***

## Step 4: Connect Nativeline to App Store Connect

### Enable App Store Connect Integration

In Nativeline:

1. Open your project
2. Click the **plane icon** (✈️) in the top-right toolbar
3. Click **Connect to App Store Connect** when prompted
4. Sign in with your Apple Developer Apple ID
5. 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... |

<Note>
  Build numbers must always increase. If you upload build 5, your next upload must be 6 or higher.
</Note>

***

## Step 6: Upload Your First Build

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start the upload">
    Click the **plane icon** (✈️) in the top-right toolbar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review settings">
    Confirm version, build number, and signing configuration
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start upload">
    Click "Upload" and wait for the process to complete
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for processing">
    App Store Connect processes your build (10-30 minutes)
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## What Happens After Upload

### Processing

Apple processes your build:

* Validates the binary
* Checks for required assets
* Scans for issues

You'll see status in App Store Connect:

* "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

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Upload Builds" icon="upload" href="/publishing/testflight/uploading">
    Learn the upload process
  </Card>

  <Card title="Invite Testers" icon="user-plus" href="/publishing/testflight/testers">
    Add your first testers
  </Card>
</CardGroup>