This guide covers how to create a release in TestApp.io, including new features like release notes for AI task generation, version linking, and blocker tracking.

1. Uploading a Release

There are two ways to upload a release:

Manual Upload (Portal)

  1. Go to your app in the TestApp.io portal.
  2. Click "New Release" or drag and drop your file.
  3. Select your build file: APK (Android) or IPA (iOS).
  4. TestApp.io automatically detects the app name, version, and build number from the file metadata.
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Android uploads accept APK files only. Use APK format for all CI/CD and manual uploads.

Automated Upload (CI/CD)

Use ta-cli to upload from your CI/CD pipeline with a single command:

ta-cli publish   --api_token=YOUR_TOKEN   --app_id=YOUR_APP_ID   --release_notes="Bug fixes and performance improvements"   --notify=true   --file=path/to/app.apk

Supported CI/CD platforms: GitHub Actions, Bitrise, CircleCI, Fastlane, Jenkins, Xcode Cloud, and more.

2. Adding Release Notes

Release notes help your team understand what changed in each build. You can add them:

  • Manually — Type notes in the release form.
  • From Git — Use --git_release_notes=true with ta-cli to pull from your latest commit message.
ℹ️
Release notes are used by TestApp.io's AI to automatically generate tasks from tester feedback. See the AI Task Generation Guide for details.

3. Notifying Your Team

After uploading, notify your team about the new release:

  • In-app notification — Toggle "Notify" when creating the release.
  • Slack/Teams — If connected, notifications are sent automatically to your configured channels.
  • Install link — Share the direct install link or QR code with testers.

4. Linking Releases to Versions

Releases can be linked to a Version to track them as part of your release lifecycle:

  • When creating or editing a release, select the version it belongs to.
  • The release appears in the version's Releases tab.
  • Blockers reported against the release are reflected in the version's quality metrics.

Learn more: Version Lifecycle Guide

5. Tracking Blockers on Releases

When testers find critical issues, they can report blockers against a release:

  • Blocker counts appear on the release card and app dashboard.
  • Releases with unresolved blockers show a warning indicator.
  • Blockers must be resolved before a version can move to "Ready" status.

Learn more: Blocker Tracking Guide

6. Installing Releases

Testers can install releases in multiple ways:

  • QR Code — Scan from the portal on desktop to install on mobile.
  • Direct link — Open the install link on a mobile device.
  • TestApp.io app — Tap "Install on Device" from the portal on mobile.
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Testers can use the TestApp.io mobile app (iOS / Android) to install builds and receive push notifications whenever a new release is uploaded.

Learn more: Install from Portal Guide

For distributing to external testers and clients, create a share link with optional password protection and install analytics.

Need help? Contact us — we're happy to assist!