Create provisioning profile without physical device (archiving for TestFlight testing)

Question

I am trying to create provisioning profile by clicking "Fix Issue" in Target -> General -> Identity settings. It shows me popup "No Devices Registered", so it seems like I need to have a device to create a provisioning profile. Is there any workaround? I just need to archive my app and upload it to iTunes for TestFlight testing, so the devices might come from other testers ultimately (internal or external ones), but I currently do not have an iPhone with me.

Answer 1

First understand the meaning of provisioning profile. It says A provisioning profile is a collection of digital entities that uniquely ties developers and devices to an authorized iPhone Development Team and enables a device to be used for testing. Ok this is an old definition before xcode 7 and ios 9. So what if you click on generic ios device and then archive. Does it throw error then? Because in my experience I can make archive of the app without any device, please select generic device rather than specific one for archiving. As for credentials, you must create two certificates: One for development, which allows you to run your Xcode projects on your plugged-in devices. One for distribution, which allows you to export ad hoc builds and submit apps to the store using your certified Mac.

The bottom line is: Since you’ll be building apps for distribution, you’ll also need a paid developer account.

Answer 2

You need to make sure you're code signing the application with a Distribution provisioning profile, and have your Distribution certificate installed in your keychain.

It sounds like you're accidentally code signing with a standard Development profile/certificate, which is why your app will only run on that profile's listed devices.

And you need to send invites on their email address to test the app.