TestFlight from Xcode

Introduction¶

There are several different methods for making use of TestFlight:

• Test an app someone else is developing
• Use the Build with Browser method to build and distribute your Loop app to your iPhone or that of a family member
• Use TestFlight as a remote distribution (and backup) for an app you build using Xcode

This guide can also be followed to install other apps you build with Xcode via TestFlight. Examples include LoopFollow, LoopCaregiver and xDrip4iOS.

Some useful features of using TestFlight to install Loop:

• You don't need to plug your phone into your computer
• You can update Loop on your kid's phone while they're away at college
• Reinstalling Loop on the fly is quick and easy from your phone, even if you accidentally delete the app, see Protect that App, or need to install Loop on a brand new phone

Since apps built with TestFlight expire after 90 days, it is suggested you also setup a build using the Build with Browser method even if you don't plan on using it. The GitHub build can be updated in a few minutes from any browser and is an extra layer of protection in these scenarios if you do not have access to your Mac for a rebuild:

• Your Xcode built Loop in TestFlight expires
• An urgent update to Loop is released

In all cases, except accidental deletion of Loop or loss of phone, the Loop you install from TestFlight builds over your existing app and you keep all your settings including your pump.

Build to TestFlight via Xcode¶

Initial Steps¶

Before creating the app or uploading it to TestFlight, use the Build with Mac guide to sign your targets and build Loop to a simulator phone in Xcode. This checks to ensure the app you upload to your TestFlight will work as expected.

Archive the Project¶

Change the build target to from building to a simulated phone to LoopWorkspace > Any iOS Device (arm64) like the image below.

Now go to the top menu and choose Product > Clean Build Folder. Once it's done, it should say "Clean Finished".

Go back to the top menu and choose Product > Archive. This will build Loop into a file rather than a phone or simulator. It should take about the same amount of time as building to a phone or simulator does.

Upload the Archive¶

Once the archive finishes building, it should automatically open the Archives window. If you want to open this window without re-archiving, click the following in the top menu: Xcode > Window > Organizer.

Select the archive and click Distribute App. If you've archived the project before, be sure to select the archive you intend to upload - most likely the one with the most recent Creation Date.

On the next screen, App Store Connect is selected by default. Click Next.

On the next screen, Upload is selected by default. Click Next.

First-Time Archive Upload¶

If you have already created a TestFlight for Loop via Xcode or the GitHub Build method, the next screen will not be shown, so skip ahead to Subsequent Archive Upload.

If this is the first time you're creating a TestFlight for Loop, enter the following on the next screen and click Next:

• Name: Enter a name that is unique. Most people just use "Loop" followed by their initials, so James Kirk would use "LoopJK". If he gets an error that the name is already taken, he might try something like "LoopJTK" or "Loop_JTK_1701".
• SKU: This can be anything, but it can't be the same SKU that you've used for a different app that you've created a TestFlight for. Ideally, just leave it as the autofilled bundle id.
• Primary Language: Set this to your primary language.
• Bundle Identifier: This should already be autofilled. If it's not, it should be "com.YOUR_TEAM_ID.loopkit.Loop". Make sure you replace YOUR_TEAM_ID with your actual TEAM ID, which you can find at developer.apple.com/account.

Subsequent Archive Upload¶

On the next screen, leave everything checked and click Next.

On the next screen, leave it set to Automatically manage signing and click Next. You will see a few messages as it performs some tasks. Be patient.

When you see the next screen, click Upload.

Wait until uploading is finished. Don't be alarmed if you see the following screen, just click Done.

Deploy App¶

Now that your app is uploaded to TestFlight, it will take some time before it finishes processing and becomes available for installation on your iPhone.

• You can check appstoreconnect.apple.com/apps to find its progress by clicking Test Flight and then iOS under Builds in the upper left.
• Once it no longer says "Processing" and instead says "Ready to Submit" next to the build's number, it should be available and ready to install on your iPhone.
• The processing is normally done within half-hour but sometimes Apple gets slowed down; be sure to refresh your browser to see if processing completed since the last time you checked

First Time with TestFlight¶

If you are a repeat user of TestFlight, skip ahead to Install App from TestFlight.

When you use TestFlight to distribute the app to yourself or a family member, you create an Internal TestFlight Group.

• You will add yourself - your email address will already be available
• If you want to add others, you must add the email addresses for these users. Each email address must match that associated with each Apple account
• This group can be edited as needed to add or remove members

If one of your users is a child, you or another adult will need to log into the Media & Purchases portion of their phone to install and use TestFlight and to install each new build of the app from TestFlight. Do not try to add a child to your Internal TestFlight Group.

This link provides the instruction you need as a first-time TestFlight user.

• Prepare TestFlight Group

You must also install the TestFlight app on the phone of the person who will be using the app you just built.

• Follow the instructions at Install TestFlight

Continue with the next section, which covers the steps needed for each new TestFlight build.

Install App from TestFlight¶

The members of your Internal TestFlight group are notified via email each time a new build is available. They can choose to install the new build of the app from TestFlight.

• Follow the instructions at Install App with TestFlight

When installing the app for a child, there are additional instructions.

• TestFlight for a Child

Update App¶

Apps installed via TestFlight are only valid for a maximum of 90 days, so you must upload a new build to TestFlight at least every 90 days.

To update, simply repeat the steps on this page.