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Inviting Testers

Once your build is on TestFlight, it’s time to invite testers. This guide covers both internal and external testing.

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Internal vs External Testers

AspectInternalExternal
WhoApp Store Connect team membersAnyone with an email
Limit10010,000
Apple reviewNot requiredRequired (first build only)
Access speedImmediate24-48 hours (first time)

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Internal Testers

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Who Can Be Internal Testers?

Only people who are part of your App Store Connect team with roles like:
  • Admin
  • App Manager
  • Developer
  • Marketing

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Adding Internal Testers

1

Go to Users and Access

In App Store Connect, click “Users and Access”
2

Add new user

Click ”+” to add a new team member
3

Enter details

  • First name, last name
  • Email address (must be Apple ID)
  • Select role
4

Grant TestFlight access

In TestFlight tab → Internal Testing → Add the user

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Enabling for Internal Testers

  1. Go to TestFlight → Internal Testing
  2. Check the checkbox next to each internal tester
  3. They’ll receive an email invitation
Internal testers get access to builds immediately after processing. No additional review required.

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External Testers

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Adding Individual Testers

1

Go to TestFlight

Select your app → TestFlight tab
2

Create or select a group

Click ”+” next to External Groups or select existing group
3

Add testers

Click ”+” next to Testers
4

Enter email addresses

Add emails one at a time or paste a list
5

Send invitations

Click “Add” to send invitations
For wider distribution, use a public link:
  1. Create an external group
  2. Enable “Public Link”
  3. Copy and share the link
Anyone with the link can join (up to 10,000 total external testers).
Public links can be shared freely. Only use for apps you want anyone to test.

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External Review (First Time)

The first build for external testers requires Apple review:

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What Apple Checks

  • App doesn’t crash on launch
  • Basic functionality works
  • No obvious guideline violations

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What to Provide

  • Beta App Description: Brief description for testers
  • Feedback Email: Where testers send feedback
  • Contact Info: For Apple to reach you if needed
  • Notes: Anything Apple should know

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Review Timeline

  • Usually 24-48 hours
  • Can be faster or slower depending on volume

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After Approval

Subsequent builds for the same version typically don’t need re-review unless:
  • You significantly change the app’s functionality
  • You add new features that might need review
  • Apple requests it

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Managing Tester Groups

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Creating Groups

Organize testers by purpose:
  • Friends & Family — Close contacts for early testing
  • Power Users — Experienced testers
  • Focus Group — Specific demographic
  • Bug Hunters — Technical testers

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Group Settings

Each group can have:
  • Automatic distribution (new builds sent automatically)
  • Specific build assignment
  • Custom “What to Test” instructions

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Removing Testers

  1. Go to the tester in TestFlight
  2. Click “Remove” or “Delete”
  3. They lose access immediately

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What Testers Experience

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Invitation Email

Testers receive an email from Apple with:
  • App name
  • Your custom message (if provided)
  • “View in TestFlight” button

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Installing Your App

  1. Tester downloads TestFlight app (if not already installed)
  2. Clicks “Accept” on your invitation
  3. Installs your app
  4. App appears on home screen with orange dot

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Updates

When you upload a new build:
  • Testers see “Update Available” in TestFlight
  • With automatic distribution, it may auto-update
  • They can always roll back to previous builds

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Gathering Feedback

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Built-in Feedback

Testers can:
  1. Take a screenshot in your app
  2. Shake device or tap TestFlight notification
  3. Write feedback and send
You receive feedback in App Store Connect → TestFlight → Feedback.

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Crash Reports

When the app crashes:
  • TestFlight collects crash data
  • View in App Store Connect → TestFlight → Crashes
  • Helps identify issues to fix

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External Feedback Channels

Consider also using:
  • A feedback form in your app
  • Discord or Slack channel
  • Google Form or Typeform
  • Direct email

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Best Practices

Begin with close contacts who’ll give honest feedback. Expand to larger groups after fixing initial issues.
Let testers know when new builds are available and what changed. They’ll test more actively if they feel involved.
Even a simple “Thanks, we’re looking into it” encourages more feedback.
Tell testers what you want them to focus on. General “use the app” feedback is less actionable than specific questions.

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Tester Requirements

Testers need:
  • iOS device (iPhone or iPad)
  • iOS 13.0 or later (for TestFlight)
  • TestFlight app (free from App Store)
  • Apple ID
  • Your invitation
Testers don’t need a developer account. Just a regular Apple ID.

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Invitation Messages

Customize your invitation message:

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Good Invitation Example

Thanks for testing MyApp!

This beta version includes our new photo filters.
Please try creating a few photos and let us know
if you encounter any issues.

Focus areas:
- Photo saving
- Filter performance
- Any crashes

Send feedback directly through TestFlight or
email us at beta@myapp.com

Thanks for your help!

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Next Steps

Troubleshooting

Fix common issues

App Store Submission

Ready for public launch