Testing AppClip in TestFlight: Show Card?

Question

Have created an app with an App Clip. The App Clip URL is showing as validated. A basic card has been set up in the app information on Connect.

Have set an invocation URL in TestFlight. Have downloaded ONLY the App Clip from TestFlight.

When using a QR code representing the URL, it invokes a "Web link" pop-up instead of an App Clip pop-up.

What can I do to test seeing the App Clip card via TestFlight? I feel like I'm either missing something or maybe it isn't possible in TestFlight.

Bader

Answer 1

• built and run the App Clip on your device (or install the App Clip via TestFlight)
• on your device go to Settings -> Developer -> Local Experience
  • if you don't see the Developer option, look up enable Developer option iOS
• register local experience that you want to test
  • set URL PREFIX to match the prefix of the URL you will scan with QR or NFC
  • make sure BUNDLE ID matches your clip's bundle id
• scan your QR code or NFC

There are still some weird issues around scanning the QR code so sometimes you have to use the QR Scanner from Control Center if the Camera app doesn't prompt the App Clip card.

Villegas

That worked! I thought Local Experience only applied when you were running it locally, not when you distribute via TestFlight. But if I release on TestFlight to other users, I assume it will work without them needing to set up a Local Experience? – Bader

@Bader sadly, I don’t think there is a way for regular testers to experience the App Clip card experience :( I know, it sucks – Villegas

I experienced the same issue as @budidino: it didn't work with the normal camera. Had to use the QR Scanner from Control Center. Thank you budidino for finding that. I got really frustrated why it didn't work. [Using iOS 14.0, non-beta and XCode 12 non-beta] – Hathcock

didn't work with the normal camera, always showing a "Website-QR-Code" Banner – Gunsel

the URL PREFIX should only contain the associated domain e.g "example.com" and not the URL scanned with QR or NVC like "example.com/order?smoothie=carrot-chops" otherwise you will see an App Clip Card with an Error-Message instead of your registered Local Experience Data. – Gunsel