The 5 Easy Steps for Downloading an iOS Beta App

Specifically for iOS beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight

So your friend/old colleague/that-random-tech-person-at-the-bar asks you to beta test their new iOS app.

“Yes!” You eagerly said.

“Great!” They replied with glowing eyes, “It’s really easy. I’ll send you an email and you just click the button. You’ll figure the rest out, no problem.”

Right, ‘cause that’s how technology works:

Before you go trashing your computer, here are the 5 steps to get from that eager “Yes!” to actually having the beta app on your phone.

Step 1 —Find the Invitation Email

The invitation email will come from the iTunes Store (the actual email is do_not_reply@apple.com, which never fails to make me laugh). Read the fine print if you’re curious, all the standard stuff is in there.

If you can’t find it at the top of your inbox, do a search for “TestFlight: You’re invited to test”

Still having problems? Try one of these solutions:

• Check your email filters, make sure some automation isn’t throwing it into a stray folder, spam, or the trash
• Make sure you’re looking in the right inbox (no judgement, happens to all of us juggling a few email addresses)
• Still can’t find it? Contact the person managing the beta test and see if it’s an issue on the iTunes side

Step 2 — Accept the Invite

Scroll down and you’ll see a lovely big button. Give it a click!

If you don’t have it already, this will prompt you to download the TestFlight app

Keep in mind, this invite is synced to the Apple ID on your phone (hopefully yours) so forwarding the email won’t pass the beta app onto anybody. Contact the person managing the beta test to refer another tester.

Step 3 —Download the Beta App

Open the recently downloaded TestFlight iOS app and you should see the Beta App. If it’s not already installing, click the button!

I’m an existing tester, so if your screen is slightly different don’t panic! It’s just because you’re a n00b

Step 4— Find the Icon!

Like any new app you download from the iTunes App Store, this Beta App will appear on one of your phone screens and start loading. From now on, it’s basically like every other app on your phone.

Make sure to check your emails or the TestFlight app for updates

Step 5 — Be a Good Beta Tester

Use the app regularly! If they ask you to be mum on the details, be mum on the details. And send in any feedback you might have.

What’re some examples of good feedback? Glad you asked!

It crashed!

That alone doesn’t help much. Make sure you include:

• Step by step what you did leading to the crash
• Elaborate on what type of crash. Did your phone freeze? Did the app shut down? Did your whole phone imploded and started smoking?
• Include your iPhone version + iOS currently installed

I wish it did [your awesome idea]!!

Even if you think they’ve thought of it, even if somebody else already sent it in, even if you don’t think it’s too complex for right now…send it in.

You never know what kind of impact your idea will have if you don’t share it.

I know somebody who would L-O-V-E this app. How can I share it with them?

Unless they’re super stealthy or maxing out their user limit, most product people love it when you say this. Especially if it’s true…

Remember, it’s a beta! It will have bugs. So, you know, don’t lose your sh*t…

…just remember, somebody like me will always be there for you.

Hope that helps! Happy testing ❤

My name is Julie, Queen Glitter Bomb at Giphy. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter or Instagram with Qs or to just say hi!