Information for Testers

Getting the Device Identifier
Installing the Mobile Provisioning Profile
Install the App
Troubleshooting

Device Identifier

In order to test beta releases of apps, please send me the Device Identifier (aka UDID) of your device. You can find that either in iTunes or by using the iPhone Configuration Utility. The iPCU is useful for managing applications I send so I recommend using it.

iTunes method

You can find the Identifier in iTunes on the device summary screen. Click on the Serial number to get the Identier. Click here for an example.

iPhone Configuration Utility

This is a program from Apple available for Mac OS X and Windows. Download and install from Apple.

Ad Hoc Helper

There is a great little app called "Ad Hoc Helper" which you can use to send me your UDID. Just download it and run. It will create an email to send to me. Download it here. Thanks to Erica Sadun for providing that.

How to install the profile

Once I have the UDID I will create a mobile provisioning profile and send it to you. iTunes applications are restricted with digital rights management to prevent unauthorized distribution.

There are two ways to install the mobile provisioning profile I send. First drag it from your email and save it on your desktop.

In Mac OS X, drag the profile onto your iTunes icon in the Dock. The profile will be copied to your device on your next sync.

Alternatively, use the iPhone Configuration Utility. Under Library select Provisioning Profiles and click on the Add icon. Select the profile and it should appear in the list. Sync in iTunes.

Windows instructions pending
Confirm that the profile is properly installed by going to the Settings app on your device and selecting General. Scroll to the bottom and select Profiles. A file called "My Ad Hoc Distribution Profile" should be listed.

How to install the app

I'll send you a link to a zip file that contains the app bundle. Download this and unzip to your Desktop. Once again, you can install this with iTunes or with the confi utility.

With iTunes, drag the app bundle from your Desktop to your iTunes icon on the Dock. Sync to your device and the app will install.

With the iPhone Configuration Utility you can manage all Ad Hoc applications and install and uninstall as new version are sent to you. Select Library and Applications and click on the Add button. Find the app bundle and select. With your device plugged in, select the device on the left and choose the Applications tab. Click Install for the app.

Troubleshooting

This process does not produce useful error messages so when things go wrong they are tricky to diagnose. First, I'll need to know your desktop OS, and your device OS. Then try these steps

Reboot the device. Then sync.
Restart iTunes
Buy a new Mac Book Pro (I know you just needed an excuse!)
Delete the app bundle and the zip file and redownload from the link. I have a theory that GMail is unzipping the file to do a virus scan and rezipping it which somehow breaks things so don't trust any zip file sent through the mail! Only use the links I send.
The only profile that will work for my apps is the profile I send you. Delete it if you got from someone else.
If you are brave send me the last 10 or so lines from the Device Console tab in the iPhone Config Util
Send me screen shots of any error messages you get.

If you have any questions please contact me at john dot fricker at gmail dot com. Thank you for testing! All your efforts are helpful and appreciated!