> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.replit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Beta test with TestFlight

> Hand PixelGames to real testers with TestFlight, before it's public on the App Store.

TestFlight is Apple's own app for testing apps before they're public. Testers install
TestFlight, then get PixelGames through it. It distributes a build you've already
[uploaded](/build/mobile-upload-ios).

## Test it yourself

You can start the moment the upload finishes. Apple emails you an invite for your own build,
select **View in TestFlight** to install PixelGames on your phone, the same step covered in
[upload your app](/build/mobile-upload-ios).

PixelGames now runs as its own app, so you can test push notifications, in-app purchases,
Sign in with Apple, and anything else that needs a real installed app.

## Invite other testers

To let other people try PixelGames, without them near your computer, add them as testers in
App Store Connect.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a tester group">
    In App Store Connect, open PixelGames and select the **TestFlight** tab. In the sidebar,
    select **+** next to **External Testing**.

    <Frame caption="The TestFlight tab, with the + next to External Testing in the sidebar.">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/replit/wpDFPJulnZRpqmW6/images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wpDFPJulnZRpqmW6&q=85&s=389fdf78a7042241dd863867a2c5d6e6" alt="App Store Connect TestFlight tab with the External Testing plus button highlighted" data-path="images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step1.png" width="1555" height="772" data-path="images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step1.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name the group">
    Give it a name you'll recognize later, like **Beta Testers**, then select **Create**.

    <Frame caption="Naming the new external tester group.">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/replit/wpDFPJulnZRpqmW6/images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wpDFPJulnZRpqmW6&q=85&s=6c9fed65caf0ee85d6b5d756fbcbcb34" alt="The Create a New Group dialog with Beta Testers entered as the group name" data-path="images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step2.png" width="1561" height="717" data-path="images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step2.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a build, then invite testers">
    On the group page, select **Add Builds** to choose the build testers receive, then
    **Invite Testers** to add them by email. They each get an invite.

    <Frame caption="The new group's page, with Add Builds and Invite Testers to complete.">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/replit/wpDFPJulnZRpqmW6/images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wpDFPJulnZRpqmW6&q=85&s=fa80524844b6e73c8422d1c9c23b0c05" alt="The Beta Testers group page showing the Add Builds and Invite Testers steps" data-path="images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step3.png" width="1592" height="739" data-path="images/pixelgames/mobile/testers-step3.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Testers install TestFlight, then PixelGames">
    Testers install the free **TestFlight** app from the App Store, accept your invite, and
    install PixelGames through it. Updates show up the same way.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  External groups go through Apple's Beta App Review before testers can install, usually about a
  day for the first build. Testers you add under **Internal Testing** can install right away.
</Note>

## Troubleshooting

* **Tester never got the invite:** double-check the email address in App Store Connect, and
  ask them to check spam.
* **Build works for you, not for testers:** confirm they're on the same build version, an
  older invite link can point at a stale build.
* **Tester lost access to the app:** TestFlight builds expire after 90 days, that's usually
  why. Submit a fresh build.

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Submit to the App Store" icon="apple" href="/build/mobile-publish-ios">
    Take the tested build to a public release.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Internal testing" icon="android" href="/build/mobile-internal-testing">
    Do the same for Android testers.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>
