When I first tried to get my Flutter iOS app into TestFlight, the process felt like a maze of commands, certificates, and Apple portals. After a few trial runs, I now have a simple workflow that gets my build from code to testers with little or no stress. If you're new to Flutter iOS builds or just need a refresher, here's the step-by-step process I follow;

Step 1: Start in the Right Place. Make sure you are inside your project's root folder. Sometimes I do a quick check with: `ls`. If I'm not in the root, I just back out with: `cd .. `

Step 2: Create a Release Branch. It's always good practice to branch off so that your release changes are isolated. For example: `git checkout -b release`. This keeps your production builds clean and separate from your ongoing development work.

Step 3: Build the IPA. Now it's time to create the iOS archive (IPA file). Run: `flutter build ipa — flavor prod -t lib/main_prod.dart`.

Here's what this command does:

  1. — flavor prod → tells Flutter to use your prod configuration.
  2. -t lib/main_prod.dart → points to your production entry file.

After this step, Flutter creates an IPA in the build/ios/ipa/ directory.

Step 4: Push the Build to Apple. Once the build is done, open Transporter (Apple's macOS app for uploading builds). Drag and drop your IPA file into Transporter and click Deliver. If everything goes well, you'll see the build show up in App Store Connect under your app's TestFlight tab.

Step 5: Enable Internal Testing. This is where you let your team (or yourself) install the build via TestFlight.

  1. Go to App Store Connect → TestFlight.
  2. Find your new build. On the right side, click the three dots.
  3. Choose Add Internal Testers.
  4. Select teammates who are part of your App Store Connect account.

They will get an email invite and can immediately download the app through the TestFlight app on their iPhones or iPads.

Publishing to TestFlight isn't just about pushing builds, it's about learning how the release pipeline works, and making it repeatable. Hopefully, this guide helps another new developer save time (and a few headaches) while getting their Flutter app into the hands of testers.