iOS Build Setup Guide
Learn how to configure App Store Connect API credentials to build and submit iOS apps with Mobiforge.
Overview
To build and submit iOS apps to TestFlight or the App Store, you need to configure App Store Connect API credentials. This includes your Apple Developer Team ID and an App Store Connect API key.
App Store Connect API
The App Store Connect API is Apple's recommended method for automated certificate management and build submission. It's more secure and reliable than manual certificate uploads.
Prerequisites
Apple Developer Account
You must have an active Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year)
App Created in App Store Connect
Your app must exist in App Store Connect (can be created during setup)
Admin or Account Holder Access
You need admin access to create API keys in App Store Connect
Get Your Apple Developer Team ID
Your Team ID is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier that identifies your Apple Developer team. You'll need this for code signing.
Step 1: Sign in to Apple Developer
- Go to the Apple Developer website
- Sign in with your Apple ID that has an active Developer Program membership
Step 2: Navigate to Membership
- Once signed in, look for the "Membership" section in the sidebar or main navigation
- Click on "Membership" to view your membership details
Step 3: Find Your Team ID
- On the Membership page, you'll see a card or section showing your membership details
- Look for "Team ID" - it will be displayed as a 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g.,
ABC123DEF4) - Copy this Team ID - you'll need it in Mobiforge
💡 Tip: The Team ID is usually shown near your organization name and membership type. It's the same for all apps under your developer account.
Create App Store Connect API Key
The App Store Connect API key allows Mobiforge to manage certificates, provisioning profiles, and submit builds programmatically. You'll get three pieces of information: Issuer ID, Key ID, and a .p8 private key file.
Step 1: Access App Store Connect
- Go to App Store Connect
- Sign in with your Apple ID (must have admin or account holder access)
Step 2: Navigate to Users and Access
- In App Store Connect, click on your name or account icon in the top right
- Select "Users and Access" from the dropdown menu
- Alternatively, you can find it in the main navigation under Settings
Step 3: Go to Keys Tab
- In the Users and Access page, you'll see several tabs: Users, Access, and Keys
- Click on the "Keys" tab
- You'll see a list of existing API keys (if any) and an option to create a new one
Step 4: Create New API Key
- Click the "+" button (usually in the top right) to create a new key
- Enter a name for your key (e.g., "Mobiforge CI" or "Mobiforge Builds")
- Select the "App Manager" role (this provides the necessary permissions for certificate management and build submission)
- Click "Generate" or "Create"
⚠️ Important: The App Manager role is recommended as it provides the right balance of permissions. Admin role works too, but App Manager follows the principle of least privilege.
Step 5: Download the .p8 Key File
- After creating the key, you'll see a download option for the .p8 private key file
- Download the .p8 file immediately - you can only download it once!
- Save it in a secure location - you'll need to upload it to Mobiforge
⚠️ Critical: Apple only allows you to download the .p8 file once. If you lose it, you'll need to create a new API key. Make sure to save it securely!
Step 6: Copy Key ID and Issuer ID
- After downloading the .p8 file, you'll see the key details on the Keys page
- Copy the Key ID - it's a 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g.,
ABC123DEF4) - Copy the Issuer ID - it's a UUID format string (e.g.,
xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx) - The Issuer ID is usually shown at the top of the Keys page and is the same for all keys under your account
💡 Note: The Issuer ID is account-wide (same for all API keys), while the Key ID is unique to each key you create.
Configure in Mobiforge
Now that you have all the required credentials, configure them in Mobiforge to enable iOS builds and TestFlight submission.
Step 1: Set Your Bundle ID
- In Mobiforge, go to your project settings
- Set your iOS Bundle Identifier (e.g.,
com.yourcompany.appname) - The Bundle ID must match the one you use (or will use) in App Store Connect
Step 2: Open iOS Build Settings
- Open the Build modal in Mobiforge
- Select iOS as your platform
- Click "Configure TestFlight / App Store" button
Step 3: Enter Your Credentials
- Enter your Team ID (from Step 1)
- Enter your Issuer ID (from Step 2, Step 6)
- Enter your Key ID (from Step 2, Step 6)
- Upload the .p8 file you downloaded (from Step 2, Step 5)
Step 4: Save and Verify
- Click "Save" to store your credentials
- Mobiforge will verify the credentials by testing access to App Store Connect
- If verification succeeds, you're all set! You can now build iOS apps and submit to TestFlight
✓ Success: Once verified, your credentials are stored securely and will be used automatically for all future iOS builds.
Credentials Summary
Here's a quick reference of what each credential is used for:
Team ID
What it is: Your Apple Developer team identifier
Where to find: Apple Developer Portal → Membership → Team ID
Used for: Code signing and certificate management
Issuer ID
What it is: Your App Store Connect account identifier
Where to find: App Store Connect → Users and Access → Keys (shown at top of page)
Used for: Authenticating API requests to App Store Connect
Key ID
What it is: Unique identifier for your API key
Where to find: App Store Connect → Users and Access → Keys → Your key
Used for: Identifying which API key to use for authentication
.p8 Private Key File
What it is: The private key file for your API key
Where to find: Downloaded when creating the API key (can only download once!)
Used for: Signing API requests to App Store Connect
Troubleshooting
Verification fails with "Invalid credentials"
Double-check that all fields are entered correctly. The Team ID, Issuer ID, and Key ID are case-sensitive. Make sure the .p8 file is the correct one downloaded when creating the API key.
Can't find Team ID in Membership
Make sure you're signed in with an Apple ID that has an active Developer Program membership. The Team ID should be visible on the Membership page. If you're part of multiple teams, make sure you're viewing the correct team.
Lost the .p8 file
Unfortunately, Apple only allows you to download the .p8 file once. If you've lost it, you'll need to create a new API key in App Store Connect → Users and Access → Keys. Delete the old key and create a new one, then download the new .p8 file.
Build fails with certificate errors
Make sure your app exists in App Store Connect with the correct Bundle ID. The Bundle ID in Mobiforge must match exactly with the one in App Store Connect. Also verify that your API key has the App Manager role (or Admin role).
Can't access Users and Access in App Store Connect
You need admin or account holder access to create API keys. If you don't see the Users and Access option, contact your account administrator to grant you the necessary permissions or create the API key for you.
Next Steps
Once your credentials are configured, you can:
- Build your app as IPA format for iOS
- Submit IPA builds directly to TestFlight from Mobiforge
- Automatically manage certificates and provisioning profiles
- Distribute builds to testers via TestFlight