How to Resolve Apple Distribution Certificate Issues

Introduction

Apple Distribution Certificates are critical for building and publishing iOS apps. If you encounter expiration notices or generation errors, you’ll need to clear your existing certificates and generate new ones.

This guide walks you through the process of removing old certificates, resetting the signing configuration in the Core App plugin, and triggering new certificates to ensure smooth build generation.

Clear Existing Certificates in Apple Developer Portal

To ensure a clean slate, start by expiring or deleting all your current certificates in the Apple Developer portal.

1. Go to Apple Developer Portal.
   
2. Navigate to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles.
   
3. Locate and expire or delete all existing certificates, especially the iOS Distribution certificates.
   

Reference: Video Tutorial on Clearing Certificates

Remove Certificates in the Core App Plugin

After cleaning your Apple Developer account, reset your signing certificate configuration in WordPress.

1. In WordPress Admin, go to BuddyBoss App > Configure > iOS Settings.
   
2. Scroll to Signing Certificates.
   
3. Uncheck Automatically generate signing certificates, then click Save Changes.
   
4. A delete (X) icon will appear next to existing certificate fields.
   
5. Click the X to delete all certificates, then click Save Changes again.
   

Re-enable Certificate Generation

Once everything is cleared:

1. Navigate back to BuddyBoss App > Configure > iOS Settings > Signing Certificates > Generate Certificate.
   
2. Re-check Automatically generate signing certificate.
   
3. Click Save Changes.
   

The system should now automatically generate both Development and Distribution certificates.

Impact on Live and Test Apps

• Live apps on the App Store will not be affected by this process.
  
• Test builds installed on devices will stop working immediately after deletion. You must request a new build using the refreshed certificates and reinstall it for testing.
  

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I see a warning about my Distribution Certificate expiring. What should I do?
A: Follow the steps in this guide to expire and regenerate your certificates.

Q: I generated a new Development Certificate, but the Distribution Certificate didn’t update.
A: This usually happens if the plugin is misconfigured. Make sure to delete all certificate fields, disable and re-enable the auto-generate setting, and save.

Q: Will deleting certificates affect my live app in the App Store?
A: No. Live apps are unaffected. Only Test Apps need to be rebuilt and reinstalled.

Q: The plugin still doesn’t generate new certificates. What now?
A: Make sure everything is cleared correctly. If the issue persists, notify the support team for further debugging.