TestFlight Troubleshooting
Running into issues with TestFlight? Here are solutions to the most common problems.Upload Issues
”Invalid Binary” Error
Symptoms: Upload succeeds but email says “Invalid Binary” Common causes and fixes:| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Missing app icon | Add 1024x1024 PNG icon in Settings → App Identity |
| Wrong provisioning | Reset signing certificates in Settings → Signing |
| Duplicate build number | Increment build number and re-upload |
| Missing Info.plist keys | Let Nativeline regenerate the project |
Upload Gets Stuck
Symptoms: Progress bar doesn’t move for extended time Fixes:- Wait at least 30 minutes (large apps take time)
- Check internet connection
- Cancel and retry
- Try during off-peak hours
- Restart Nativeline and try again
”Unable to Upload”
Symptoms: Upload fails immediately Check:- Signed into App Store Connect in Nativeline
- Developer Program is active (not expired)
- Internet connection is stable
- App exists in App Store Connect with matching Bundle ID
Processing Issues
Stuck on “Processing”
Symptoms: Build shows “Processing” for hours Normal: Processing can take 30 minutes to 2 hours If longer:- Check Apple System Status
- Wait up to 24 hours (rare cases)
- Upload a new build with incremented number
”Missing Compliance”
Symptoms: Build processed but shows “Missing Compliance” Fix:- In App Store Connect, click on the build
- Answer the export compliance question
- Typically: Yes, uses HTTPS only → Select exempt
”Build Invalid”
Symptoms: Email says build is invalid with specific error Common errors:| Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| ITMS-90683: Missing Purpose String | Add usage descriptions in Settings → Permissions |
| ITMS-90024: Info.plist error | Regenerate project files |
| ITMS-90096: Bundle ID mismatch | Match Bundle ID in Nativeline and App Store Connect |
| ITMS-90171: Invalid certificate | Reset certificates in Settings → Signing |
Tester Issues
”Unable to Accept Invitation”
Symptoms: Tester can’t accept the TestFlight invitation Fixes:- Ensure tester has TestFlight app installed
- Tester should update iOS to latest version
- Have them check spam folder for invitation
- Resend the invitation
- Try adding them to a different group
”App Not Installing”
Symptoms: Tester accepts but app won’t install Fixes:- Check if device meets minimum iOS version
- Ensure enough storage space on device
- Have tester restart TestFlight app
- Remove and re-add tester
”Cannot See New Build”
Symptoms: You uploaded a new build but testers don’t see it Check:- Build finished processing (not still in “Processing”)
- Build is added to tester’s group
- Automatic distribution is enabled for the group
- Tester should manually refresh TestFlight app
Invitation Emails Not Arriving
Symptoms: Testers never receive invitation Fixes:- Check spam/junk folders
- Verify email address is correct
- Try a different email address
- Apple’s email can be slow — wait 30 minutes
- Use public link instead
External Review Issues
Review Taking Too Long
Symptoms: External review takes more than 48 hours Normal: First reviews can take 24-48 hours, sometimes longer Options:- Wait — most clear within 72 hours
- Check for emails from Apple requesting info
- Contact Apple Developer Support if urgent
Review Rejected
Symptoms: External review was rejected Common reasons:- App crashes on launch
- Missing required functionality
- Privacy policy issues
- Placeholder content
- Read the rejection reason carefully
- Fix the issues
- Upload new build with incremented number
- Submit for review again
App Crashes for Testers
Gathering Information
When testers report crashes:-
Check TestFlight Crashes
- App Store Connect → TestFlight → Crashes
- View crash logs and frequency
-
Ask Testers for Details
- What were they doing?
- What device/iOS version?
- Does it happen every time?
-
Review Console Logs (Pro feature)
- Open Code Editor in Nativeline
- Check Logs tab for error messages
Common Crash Causes
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crashes on launch | Missing permission or capability | Add required permissions |
| Crashes when tapping button | Nil pointer or missing data | Add nil checks |
| Crashes with specific data | Edge case | Handle the specific scenario |
| Crashes on old iOS | API compatibility | Check minimum iOS version |
Build Expiration
Builds About to Expire
Symptoms: 90-day limit approaching Fix: Upload a new build before expiration. Testers will be notified to update.Build Already Expired
Symptoms: Testers can’t use the app anymore Fix: Upload a new build immediately. Testers need to update through TestFlight.Certificate Issues
”No Valid Signing Certificate”
Symptoms: Can’t create a distribution build Fixes:- Go to Settings → Signing
- Click “Reset Certificates”
- Let Nativeline create new ones
- Try uploading again
”Provisioning Profile Expired”
Symptoms: Build fails due to profile issues Fixes:- Reset signing in Nativeline Settings
- Ensure Developer Program is active (not expired)
- Regenerate profiles in Apple Developer portal if using manual signing
Quick Fixes Checklist
When things aren’t working:- Developer Program is active and not expired
- Signed into correct Apple ID in Nativeline
- Bundle ID matches between Nativeline and App Store Connect
- Build number is higher than all previous builds
- App icon is present (1024x1024 PNG)
- Internet connection is stable
- Apple’s systems are operational (check system status)
Getting More Help
Check Apple’s System Status
developer.apple.com/system-status Outages affect:- App Store Connect
- TestFlight
- Certificate services
Contact Apple Developer Support
- Go to developer.apple.com/contact
- Select “App Store Connect & TestFlight”
- Describe your issue
- Attach screenshots if relevant