How to Resolve the “Distribution Certificate / Private Key Not Installed” Issue in Xcode

How to Resolve the "Distribution Certificate / Private Key Not Installed" Issue in Xcode

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

When developing iOS applications using Xcode, you may encounter an error stating that your distribution certificate’s private key is not installed. This issue often arises when trying to archive and upload your app to the App Store using automatic signing. The error typically indicates that the private key associated with the distribution certificate is missing from your keychain, possibly due to the certificate being created on a different machine.

Steps to Retrieve and Install the Missing Private Key

There are multiple ways to resolve this issue. Below, we outline a straightforward method that has proven effective for many developers:

Method 1: Using Xcode to Create a New Certificate

  1. Open Xcode and navigate to Preferences.
  2. Select the Accounts tab and click on Manage Certificates.
  3. Click the + button at the bottom left corner and choose Apple Distribution.
  4. Wait for the creation process to complete, then click Done.
  5. Optionally, you may revoke the old certificate on the Apple Developer website to avoid conflicts.

Method 2: Exporting the Private Key from Another Computer

  1. Locate the computer where the original distribution certificate was created.
  2. Open Keychain Access and search for the iOS distribution certificate.
  3. Export the certificate along with its private key by right-clicking and selecting Export.
  4. Transfer the exported file to your current computer and import it into your keychain.

These solutions should help you resolve the issue and allow you to proceed with uploading your app to the App Store. For more details on managing certificates, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on Xcode provisioning profiles.

Enhancing Your Development Process with Repeato

While managing certificates is crucial for app deployment, ensuring the quality of your application is equally important. This is where Repeato, our no-code test automation tool, can significantly streamline your testing process. Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for iOS, Android, and web apps with ease. Its test recorder and editing features make it particularly fast and efficient.

Repeato’s capabilities, such as data-driven and keyword-driven testing, along with its support for command-line scripts and JavaScript code, provide you with the flexibility to automate complex tasks. All tests and workspace data are saved in text and JSON formats, making version control simple and effective. Repeato serves as a practical alternative to other test automation tools, addressing common challenges and enhancing your overall development workflow.

For more information on how Repeato can benefit your app development process, explore our documentation and blog.

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