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Build the App

Build the Loop App

Section Summary (click to open/close)
  1. Click on the "Actions" tab of your LoopWorkspace repository.
  2. On the left side, select "4. Build Loop".
  3. On the right side, click "Run Workflow", and tap the green Run workflow button.
  4. You have some time now. Go enjoy a coffee. The build should take about 20-30 minutes.
  5. You should get several emails
    • one says the build succeeded (or failed)
    • one says TestFlight is ready (typically half-hour after the build succeeds)
    • Ignore the one that says you need to fix "issues" in your app. You are not selling the app in the app store; so no action is required. The app you built is for personal use for you or a family member.
  6. Your app should eventually appear on App Store Connect.
  7. For each phone/person you would like to support:
    • Add them in Users and Access on App Store Connect.
    • Add them to your TestFlight Internal Testing group.

To skip the detailed instructions, click on Set Up Users and Access (TestFlight).

Refer to the graphic below for the first four steps:

  1. Click on the "Actions" tab of your LoopWorkspace repository.
  2. On the left side, click on "4. Build Loop".
  3. On the right side, click "Run Workflow" to show a dropdown menu
    • You will see your default branch (typically main)
    • You can select a different branch, but typically, you run the default

  4. Tap the green button that says "Run workflow".

    build loop using github actions

  5. Wait a few minutes to make sure there is not an early failure

Be Patient

  • Refresh the browser if you are unsure if the action started
  • Do not start a new action until the first one completes

If the process appears to be happening without an error, go do something else for a while. The build should take about 20-30 minutes.

You should get several emails

  • one says the build succeeded (or failed)
  • one says TestFlight is ready (typically half-hour after the build succeeds)
  • Ignore the one that says you need to fix "issues" in your app

Your app should eventually appear on App Store Connect.

Successful Build

Congratulations

If you get the green check mark, your app successfully built. Just a few more steps.

Apple Email to Ignore

You can ignore an email from Apple that there are things you must fix in your app:

  • There is no action you need to take - the developers will handle any updates that are required before it affects your ability to build the app
  • Other warnings only address issues if you were selling the app in the app store, but it is for your own personal use

Build Failed?

Did you get a red X? Head over to the Errors with Browser to page find a solution.

Next Steps

If this is your first build, you need to configure your TestFlight Users

If this is a repeat build, wait up to an hour for your new build to appear in TestFlight. Then from the phone where you want to install the Loop app, use TestFlight on that phone to install the app.

Caregivers

If you are a Caregiver who helps manage a loved-ones diabetes, you may use other open-source apps that can be built the same way: