# How to Create a Release

Source: https://help.testapp.io/how-to-create-a-release/

This guide covers how to create a release in [TestApp.io](https://testapp.io/), including new features like release notes for AI task generation, version linking, and blocker tracking.

## 1. Uploading a Release

There are two ways to upload a release:

### Manual Upload (Portal)

1. Go to your app in the [TestApp.io portal](https://portal.testapp.io/).
2. Click **"New Release"** or drag and drop your file.
3. Select your build file: **APK** (Android) or **IPA** (iOS).
4. TestApp.io automatically detects the app name, version, and build number from the file metadata.

> ⚠️ ****Android uploads accept APK files only.**** Use APK format for all CI/CD and manual uploads.

### Automated Upload (CI/CD)

Use [ta-cli](https://github.com/testappio/cli) to upload from your CI/CD pipeline with a single command:

```bash
ta-cli publish   --api_token=YOUR_TOKEN   --app_id=YOUR_APP_ID   --release_notes="Bug fixes and performance improvements"   --notify=true   --file=path/to/app.apk
```

Supported CI/CD platforms: [GitHub Actions](https://help.testapp.io/github-action/), [Bitrise](https://help.testapp.io/bitrise/), [CircleCI](https://help.testapp.io/circle-ci/), [Fastlane](https://help.testapp.io/setup-ios-project-for-fastlane/), [Jenkins](https://help.testapp.io/jenkins/), [Xcode Cloud](https://help.testapp.io/xcode-cloud/), and more.

## 2. Adding Release Notes

Release notes help your team understand what changed in each build. You can add them:

- **Manually**. Type notes in the release form.
- **From Git**. Use `--git_release_notes=true` with ta-cli to pull from your latest commit message.

> ℹ️ Release notes are used by TestApp.io's AI to automatically generate tasks from tester feedback. See the [AI Task Generation Guide](https://help.testapp.io/ai-task-generation/) for details.

## 3. Notifying Your Team

After uploading, notify your team about the new release:

- **In-app notification**. Toggle "Notify" when creating the release.
- [**Slack**](https://help.testapp.io/slack-integration/)**/**[**Teams**](https://help.testapp.io/microsoft-teams/). If connected, notifications are sent automatically to your configured channels.
- **Install link**. Share the direct install link or QR code with testers.

## 4. Linking Releases to Versions

Releases can be linked to a **Version** to track them as part of your release lifecycle:

- When creating or editing a release, select the version it belongs to.
- The release appears in the version's **Releases** tab.
- Blockers reported against the release are reflected in the version's quality metrics.

Learn more: [Version Lifecycle Guide](https://help.testapp.io/version-lifecycle/)

## 5. Tracking Blockers on Releases

When testers find critical issues, they can report **blockers** against a release:

- Blocker counts appear on the release card and app dashboard.
- Releases with unresolved blockers show a warning indicator.
- Blockers must be resolved before a version can move to "Ready" status.

Learn more: [Blocker Tracking Guide](https://help.testapp.io/blocker-tracking/)

## 6. Installing Releases

Testers can install releases in multiple ways:

- **QR Code**. Scan from the portal on desktop to install on mobile.
- **Direct link**. Open the install link on a mobile device.
- [**TestApp.io app**](https://help.testapp.io/mobile-app-getting-started/). Tap "Install on Device" from the portal on mobile.

> 💡 Testers can use the [TestApp.io mobile app](https://help.testapp.io/mobile-app-getting-started/) ([iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/testapp-io/id1518972541) / [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=testapp.io)) to install builds and receive push notifications whenever a new release is uploaded.

Learn more: [Install from Portal Guide](https://help.testapp.io/install-from-portal/)

For distributing to external testers and clients, create a [share link](https://help.testapp.io/how-to-share/) with optional password protection and install analytics.

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## Related Articles

- [GitHub Actions Setup](https://help.testapp.io/github-action/)
- [Version Lifecycle Guide](https://help.testapp.io/version-lifecycle/)
- [Blocker Tracking Guide](https://help.testapp.io/blocker-tracking/)
- [Install from Portal Guide](https://help.testapp.io/install-from-portal/)
- [AI-Powered Task Generation](https://help.testapp.io/ai-task-generation/)
- [Sharing Releases with Testers](https://help.testapp.io/how-to-share/)

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Need help? [Contact us](https://testapp.io/contact-us/). we're happy to assist!