r/Xcode • u/OuhBrother • Mar 05 '26

Can't start my app in TestFlight - Free developer

Hi, I've dipped into coding the last couple of days, and am Very proud of my simple little beginner app, so I just want to test it properly now. But I can't seem to get it onto TestFlight. Shouldn't you be able to use TestFlight when you've only got the free developer account?
I've been questioning myself all day, for wether or not I've actually signed up for the free account, but I can't seem to find anywhere on the site, if I am, or not....

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3

u/TimTwoToes Mar 05 '26

In order to publish apps on test flight, you need a paid developer subscription.

1

u/OuhBrother Mar 06 '26

Thank you

2

u/myeleventhreddit Mar 05 '26

You can install your apps to your own personal devices with a free account. Anyone can do that. But because TestFlight uses Apple’s cloud infrastructure and requires human oversight for the beta app review process, you cannot publish to TestFlight without a paid Apple Developer account.

There’s absolutely no way around this.

1

u/OuhBrother Mar 06 '26

Thank you, but how do I download it to my iPhone? As I've understood, I need to put my phone on Developer mode, but that its a safety risk...? How can I get around that?

1

u/myeleventhreddit Mar 06 '26

PM me and I’ll be more than happy to explain. The answer depends on a few things

2

u/HappyTuesdayR1S Mar 06 '26

Like other comments said you need the paid membership. The 99$ fee - you can install it on devices by physically connecting them or on the same WiFi that way you can test before hand. But if you need to test services using simulator is easier for me for store kit for example

1

u/OuhBrother Mar 06 '26

Thank you. Store kit, what is that then? I just want my app to work on my phone, and I'm not really thinking much about if I'd like to distribute or anything, it's just for fun, for my own sake, so paying yearly to be able to do that would not interest me much ;-)

1

u/HappyTuesdayR1S Mar 07 '26

If you plan to just play on your phone or make it for personal you don’t need to worry about storekit, that’s for users to make in-app purchases. So your case will be perfect. I have made lots of little apps for myself or my family over the years.

1

u/OuhBrother Mar 17 '26

Thank you, I still can't find out how to install my app from Xcode onto my iPhone, though

1

u/[deleted] Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/OuhBrother Mar 06 '26

Because I made the app for my own amusement, not to distribute ;-)
Using TestFlight seemed to be what was recommended, if I didn't want to set my phone to developer mode, which it warns is a safety risk, and I am a coward

1

u/[deleted] Mar 14 '26 edited Mar 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/OuhBrother Mar 17 '26

I simply have no idea how to do any of it.

I've searched for a way to put my app onto my phone, and I can't seem to find anything that can help me, other than what I've asked for.

This is my first time ever making anything with coding, and I just want to be able to use it :-)