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Instructions to send TestFlight testers

A short message with install steps, what to test and how to send feedback.

updated ·3 min read

In this guide

An unclear first message is an easy way to lose a tester before they test anything. A good message answers three questions: how do I install it, what should I look at, and where does my feedback go. Below are the facts it needs and two messages you can copy.

What is true about TestFlight

From Apple's TestFlight overview:

  • Testers install the free TestFlight app on their device.
  • External testers join through "their invitation email or a public link".
  • You can test a build "for up to 90 days"; after that it becomes unavailable.
  • Feedback through the TestFlight app or a screenshot inside your beta app needs TestFlight version 2.3 or later on iOS, macOS or visionOS. Testers on tvOS or earlier versions of iOS can send feedback to the email address you specified.
  • If you invite external testers, your build "may require review" first. Apple says the first build of your app added to a group is sent to App Review; later builds may not need a full review.

So tell testers which route you are using (email invite or public link), and give them a deadline shorter than the build's lifetime.

The five parts of the message

  1. Why them, in one line. "I'm testing the sign-up flow of my budgeting app."
  2. Install steps. Install TestFlight, open your invite or link, accept, install.
  3. Time needed. "About 15 minutes." Be honest.
  4. What to test. Two or three tasks, not "try everything". See what to write in the test information.
  5. How to send feedback. One channel only, and what to include: device, iOS version, steps, screenshot.

Hi [Name],

Thanks for helping me test [App]. It takes about [15] minutes.

  1. Install the free TestFlight app from the App Store.
  2. Open this link on your iPhone: [link]
  3. Tap Accept, then Install.

Please try: (a) create an account, (b) [task two], (c) [task three].

Send feedback by [screenshot via TestFlight / reply to this message]. Please include your iPhone model, what you tapped and what you expected to happen.

Please finish by [date]. Anything confusing is useful to me, so don't hold back.

Message template (email invite)

Hi [Name],

You will get an email from TestFlight with the subject about [App]. Open it on your iPhone, tap the button to view in TestFlight, install the app and open it.

Tasks: [two or three tasks]. About [15] minutes, ideally by [date].

If something breaks, reply with a screenshot and what you did just before.

Adapting it

  • Button names in the TestFlight app can change; adjust the steps to what your testers actually see.
  • Name the build number so testers know they have the right one.
  • Do not collect more personal data than you need. See inviting iOS testers: what data to collect.
  • Thank testers after the test and tell them what you changed.

Rather than recruiting testers yourself, you can get private, structured feedback from other developers on AppReviewX; one feedback you write earns one credit. Get started on AppReviewX.