How to Create a TestFlight Public Link

Public Links are the easiest and fastest way to share your TestFlight app with the world.

What's a TestFlight Public Link?

TestFlight is Apple's platform for beta testing iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps. Public links allow developers to easily distribute beta versions of their apps to a wider audience for testing.

A TestFlight public link is a URL that allows anyone to install and test your beta app without needing an email invitation. This is useful in several ways:

• Reach a broader audience of testers quickly and easily
• Simplify the process of adding new testers to your beta program
• Allow testers to share the link with others (if desired)
• Gather more diverse feedback on your app before its public release

Note that TestFlight public links are available for both new apps and app updates, unlike phased releases which are only for updates.

How TestFlight Public Links work

When users encounter a TestFlight Public Link, they'll be directed to the appropriate TestFlight app for their platform and asked if they want to join the beta. If they accept, they can install the beta app and run it.

If the user doesn't have the TestFlight app installed, they'll reach a web page that walks them through the steps to install TestFlight so they can then join the beta and run the app.

How to create a TestFlight Public Link

Apple has made this process straightforward within App Store Connect. Here's how to create a public link for your TestFlight beta:

1. Login to App Store Connect and navigate to your app.
2. Click on the TestFlight tab.
3. You may be required to fill out Test Information before continuing (look for the warning triangle ⚠️ in the left column).
4. At minimum, Test Information you need to provide is Beta App Description, Feedback Email, and Contact Information.
5. Upload a build of your app via Xcode or other means.
6. If this is the first build of your app, you will need to submit it to TestFlight App Review.
7. After your build processes, navigate to the Builds section and click on the build you uploaded and submit it to TestFlight App Review.
8. Once your build is approved, navigate back to the TestFlight tab for your app.
9. Click the + button next to External Testing to Create a New Group, call it "Public Link Testers" or whatever you like.
10. With your new group created and selected, scroll down to Builds and assign your desired build to the group.
11. In Tester Management, click the Enable Public Link button.
12. Your Public Link is now displayed and ready to share!

Try using TestFlight public links for your next beta test and check out Apple's official documentation on TestFlight for more information.