How to Create an APNs Auth Key for Your iOS BuddyBoss App

Introduction

An APNs (Apple Push Notification service) Auth Key lets your BuddyBoss iOS app send push notifications securely and at scale. Instead of managing certificates, a single reusable .p8 key simplifies renewals and supports both Test and Release app builds. This guide walks you through generating your APNs key in Apple Developer and configuring BuddyBoss App to use it.

Tutorial Video

Generating Your APNs Auth Key

1. Log in to Apple Developer and click Account.
   
2. Select Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles.
   
3. In the sidebar, click Keys.
   
4. Hit the + button to create a new key.
   
5. Enter a Key Name (e.g., “BuddyBoss APNs Key”).
   
6. Under Key Services, check Apple Push Notifications service (APNs).
   
7. Click Continue, then Register.
   
8. Click Download to save the .p8 file—store it securely (you can re-download from this page).

Note: You’ll see a Key ID next to your new key. You’ll need both the .p8 file and Key ID in the next step.

Configuring BuddyBoss App with Your APNs Key

1. In WordPress, go to BuddyBoss App > Settings > Integrations > iOS Push Notifications.
   
2. Click Upload APNs Key.
   
3. Select the downloaded .p8 file.
   
4. Enter your Key ID (from Apple Developer) and Team ID (found under Apple Developer > Membership).
   
5. Click Save Changes.
   
   Prerequisite: Make sure your Bundle ID here matches the one registered in Apple Developer.
   
   

Testing Your APNs Key

• Request a Test Notification: In WP Admin, navigate to BuddyBoss App > Push Notifications and send a test alert.
  
• Verify Delivery: Confirm the notification appears on both your iOS Test and Release app installs.
  

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I get an “Invalid key” error when uploading.
A: Double-check that you uploaded the .p8 file (not a certificate) and entered the correct Key ID and Team ID.

Q: My test device doesn’t receive notifications.
A: Ensure your app build is signed with a provisioning profile that enables Push Notifications and that the device is using the matching Bundle ID.

Q: Do I need separate keys per app build?
A: No. A single APNs Auth Key works for all iOS builds (Test or Release) under your Team ID.

Q: How often do I renew the key?
A: APNs Auth Keys do not expire. You only need to regenerate one if it’s compromised or deleted.