How to correctly set up a demo account for Apple app review
When you submit your app to the Apple App Store, reviewers need to be able to access and test your app. If your app has a login screen, Apple requires working test credentials. Without them, your app may be rejected.
Do I Need to Provide a Demo Account?
- If your app has no login — You don’t need to provide a demo account.
- If your app has a login — You must provide a demo account. Apple needs to sign in and test your app. If you leave the demo fields empty, Apple will reject the submission and ask for test credentials.
The “Demo User” and “Demo Password” fields in App Store Connect are optional in the sense that the form lets you leave them blank, but for apps with login, filling them in is required for approval.
What to Do
1. Create a Test Account in Your App
Create a real user account that Apple’s reviewers can use. This account must exist in your app’s login data source (the same data source your app uses to authenticate users).
- Use a simple, memorable username and password (e.g.
applereview@yourcompany.com/ReviewTest2024). - Ensure the account has access to the main features you want reviewed.
- Avoid using a personal or production account; use a dedicated test account.
2. Add the Credentials to Your Login Data Source
- Add the same username and password to your app’s login data source so that when Apple enters them on the login screen, authentication succeeds.
- If the credentials don’t exist in your data source, login will fail and your app can be rejected.
3. Enter the Details in App Store Connect
When submitting your app for review in App Store Connect:
- Open your app version and go to App Review Information.
- Find the Demo User and Demo Password (or Sign-in required) section.
- Enter the exact username and password you added to your login data source.
- Optionally add Notes (e.g. “Use this account to access the main dashboard and sample content”).
Summary
| Login | What to do |
|---|---|
| No login | No demo account needed. |
| A login | Create a test account → Add it to your login data source → Enter Demo User and Demo Password in App Store Connect. |
Providing working demo credentials avoids rejections and speeds up review. Apple typically reviews apps within 24–48 hours once all required information, including demo access, is complete.