Introduction
Building your BuddyBoss App for iOS and Android is effortless with our cloud-based build servers. They automatically pull your site’s configuration, branding, menus, and any connected GitHub customizations, then compile everything into native binaries, Test Apps for QA and Release Apps for App Store submission.
This guide walks you through the flow: connect your site, configure essential settings (including iOS test devices and branding), and request builds without ever touching Xcode or Android Studio.
Youtube Tutorial
Generate App Builds
How do we create builds for you?
When you create a build, our build servers pull all your data from your WordPress environment and compile it into a file you can install on your device (Test Build) or submit to Apple & Google (Release Build). Each new build automatically uses the latest public version of the BuddyBoss App, and any custom code from your connected GitHub repository is merged in.
Creating Builds
Before creating builds, complete the setup in the Connect and Configure tabs first. The menu flow is designed to guide you step by step.
Note: Separate tutorials cover how to Connect your app and Configure your app.
Registering iOS Test Devices
- Go to BuddyBoss App > Configure > iOS Devices.
- Scan the UDID QR code to add each device (limit of 100).
Note: Each new device requires a new Test App build. Android testing requires no registration.
Recommended Pre-Build Setup
- Add tabs to your App Tab Bar (BuddyBoss App > Menus > Tab Bar)
- Add links to your More Menu (BuddyBoss App > Menus > More Menu)
- Configure your Branding icons and splash screens (BuddyBoss App > Branding > Images)
Note: Menus can be updated later without rebuilding; branding changes like App Icons or splash screens do require a new build.
Request Build
Once you’re happy with your setup, generate your first build:
- Go to BuddyBoss App > Builds and click Request Build.
- Select your platform(s) (iOS, Android) and Build Type (Test or Release). You can request both simultaneously.
- Click Next, review the included settings, then click Send Build Request.
- Builds typically take 15–30 minutes. You can monitor the progress with Recheck Status Now.
- Upon completion, Test Builds offer an Install Test App button for direct sideloading; Release Builds appear on the Builds page ready for download or App Store submission.
Note: You get 20 builds per month. If you exceed this with a valid need, let us know.
Post-Build Actions
- Test Apps: Install directly on registered devices for QA.
- Release Apps: Download the .ipa/.apk or use our Publishing Tool to submit to Apple & Google on your behalf. We’ll pre-check your configuration to minimize rejections.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: My build request failed. Why?
A: Ensure you’ve completed Connect and Configure (App Key, Icons, iOS devices, menus). Resolve any errors before retrying.
Q: Can I update menus without rebuilding?
A: Yes, menu changes sync instantly in both Test and Release Apps.
Q: How many builds can I generate?
A: 20 per month; contact us for additional builds if needed.
Q: My iOS Test App won’t install.
A: Verify your device’s UDID is registered under Configure > iOS Devices, then rebuild.
Q: Release build won’t publish in the App Store?
A: Use our Publishing Tool for correctly configured submissions and faster approvals.