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Uploading Builds

Once TestFlight is set up, uploading new builds is straightforward. This guide covers the upload process and what to expect.

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Before Uploading

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Increment Build Number

Each upload requires a unique build number: 
Settings → App Identity → Build Number
Build numbers must always increase:
  • Build 1 → Build 2 → Build 3
  • Can skip numbers (1 → 5 is fine)
  • Cannot reuse numbers

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Version vs Build Number

FieldWhat It IsWhen to Change
VersionUser-facing (1.0.0)New features, major updates
BuildInternal (1, 2, 3…)Every upload
Example progression: 
Version 1.0.0, Build 1  → First TestFlight upload
Version 1.0.0, Build 2  → Bug fix
Version 1.0.0, Build 3  → Another fix
Version 1.1.0, Build 4  → New feature (version bumped)

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Uploading from Nativeline

1

Ensure your app builds successfully

Run in Simulator first to catch obvious issues
2

Increment build number

Settings → App Identity → Build Number
3

Start upload

Click the plane icon (✈️) in the top-right toolbar to start the TestFlight upload
4

Wait for build

Nativeline creates a release build (may take several minutes)
5

Wait for upload

Binary uploads to App Store Connect
6

Done

You’ll see a confirmation when complete

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Upload Progress

During upload, you’ll see:
  1. Building — Creating release binary
  2. Signing — Applying distribution certificate
  3. Uploading — Sending to Apple servers
  4. Processing — Apple validating (this happens in App Store Connect)

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After Upload

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Immediate

  • Build appears in App Store Connect under TestFlight tab
  • Status shows “Processing”

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Processing Time

  • Usually 10-30 minutes
  • Can take longer during busy periods
  • You’ll get an email when processing completes

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Processing Status

StatusMeaning
ProcessingApple is validating your build
Ready to SubmitCan be sent to testers
Missing ComplianceNeed to answer export compliance
Invalid BinaryThere’s an issue (check email)

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Export Compliance

After processing, you’ll need to answer export compliance: Question: Does your app use encryption? Common Answer: If your app only uses HTTPS (most apps):
  • Select “Yes”
  • Confirm it only uses HTTPS or other exempt encryption
  • Save
Standard HTTPS for API calls is exempt. If you’re not implementing custom encryption, you’re likely exempt.
To avoid answering each time, add to your Info.plist: 
ITSAppUsesNonExemptEncryption: NO
Nativeline can set this for you: 
Set export compliance to no custom encryption

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Automatic Distribution

Once a build is processed, you can enable automatic distribution to testers:
  1. In App Store Connect → TestFlight
  2. Select your tester group
  3. Enable “Automatic Distribution”
  4. New builds are automatically sent to that group

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Multiple Builds

You can have multiple builds available:

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Managing Builds

  • Expire old builds manually
  • Add notes to builds for tracking
  • Enable/disable builds for specific groups

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Best Practice

  • Keep recent builds active
  • Expire very old builds to avoid confusion
  • Use build notes to track what changed

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Build Notes

Add notes to help testers know what changed:
  1. In App Store Connect → TestFlight → select build
  2. Click “Test Details”
  3. Add “What to Test” notes
Example: 
What to Test:
- New photo filter feature
- Fixed crash when saving
- Please test on both WiFi and cellular

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Upload Tips

Large apps take time. The progress bar may seem stuck during actual file transfer. Wait at least 30 minutes before troubleshooting.
Uploads require consistent internet. If connection drops, you’ll need to restart the upload.
Building and uploading uses significant RAM and CPU. Close other intensive apps for faster uploads.
Apple’s servers are faster during off-peak hours. Early morning or late night uploads often process faster.

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Common Upload Issues

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”Invalid Binary”

Cause: Something is wrong with the build Check:
  • Email from Apple with specific error
  • Common issues: missing icon, wrong provisioning, invalid entitlements

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”Processing Failed”

Cause: Apple couldn’t process the build Fix:
  • Increment build number
  • Upload again
  • If persists, check Apple System Status

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”Upload Failed”

Cause: Network or authentication issue Fix:
  • Check internet connection
  • Re-authenticate with App Store Connect in Nativeline
  • Try again

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Next Steps

Invite Testers

Share with your testers

Troubleshooting

Fix upload issues