Ayush's Blog

Using Fastlane To Submit Builds For External Testing

pilot is yet another cool tool from fastlane tool belt. It helps you manage all your TestFlight related work from your terminal.

Previously:

  1. Create an archive from Xcode.
  2. Repeatedly click “Submit”, “Next”, “Yes” etc type of buttons when submitting the build to iTunesConnect.
  3. After uploading, login to iTunesConnect
  4. Submit the build for external testing review including answering all the question asked in submission process.
  5. Check if app reviewed and allowed for testing.
  6. Repeat step 4 until build is reviewed and allowed for testing.
  7. Once done, submit the app for testing by adding “What to test” and answering other questions asked.

Now:

  1. Go to root project folder
  2. fastlane testflight

How:

  1. Install fastlane. Check Installation guide.
  2. fastlane init creates a Fastfile for you.
  3. In your Fastfile create a new lane for testflight like this:
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desc "Submit app to external testers"
lane :testflight do
    gym # builds your project
    pilot(distribute_external: true, # distribute to external testers
          changelog: "New build with fastlane") # "What to test"
end

Explore more at fastlane.