How to Create Provisioning Profiles Using AppUploader

Abstract

This article provides a detailed guide on creating iOS app provisioning profiles using AppUploader. It covers profile types, creating a new profile, Bundle ID explanation, test device management, and development certificate usage, with screenshots to help developers fully understand the process and key considerations.

Introduction

In iOS development, a provisioning profile is essential as it is tightly linked with certificates and the app, directly affecting testing and distribution. Understanding the profile creation workflow is critical. This guide demonstrates step-by-step how to create and manage provisioning profiles with AppUploader.

Provisioning Profile Management Workflow

Step 1: Access Provisioning Profile Management

Open AppUploader, and click “Provisioning Profile Management” on the main page, as shown below:

Provisioning Profile Management

Step 2: Create a New Provisioning Profile

On the profile management page, click “Create New Profile” and fill in the following details:

  • Profile Name
  • Profile Type
  • Associated Bundle ID

If the desired Bundle ID does not exist, click “Add Bundle” to create one.

Create New Profile

Profile Type Explanation

Before creating a profile, understand its purpose:

  • App Store Type → For distribution on the App Store
  • Development Type → For installing and testing apps
  • Push Certificate App → No provisioning profile required

Choose the type according to your actual needs.

Profile Type Explanation

Bundle ID Explanation

  • Bundle ID (App ID) identifies the app and links it to the provisioning profile, not the certificate.
  • Each app needs a unique profile, but multiple apps can share a certificate.
  • Ensure the correct Bundle ID is selected when creating a profile.

Test Device Management

For “iOS App Development” profiles:

  1. Associate all test devices with the profile and select them.
  2. If no devices exist, add test devices by entering their UDID.
  3. If the compiled app cannot be installed, it usually means the device is not included in the profile; update the profile and recompile.

Download and Save

After creating the profile, click “Download” and save it locally to generate the provisioning profile.

Note: Provisioning profiles are one-to-one with apps; a profile can only be used for a single app.

Additional Notes

If you see a “No Certificate” prompt, possible reasons include:

No Certificate Prompt

Development Certificate Explanation

  1. No certificate available: Create a certificate first in the “Certificate Management” section.
  2. Type mismatch: The current profile type does not match any existing certificate; create a certificate of the corresponding type.
  3. Push certificate apps: No provisioning profile is required for push-only apps.

Summary

Creating provisioning profiles with AppUploader enables efficient preparation for iOS app testing and distribution. Mastering profile types, Bundle ID binding, and test device management helps avoid installation failures and improves development efficiency.