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How to Create an APNs Auth Key for Your Learndash iOS App

Introduction #

An APNs (Apple Push Notification service) Auth Key lets your iOS app send push notifications securely and at scale. Instead of managing multiple certificates, a single reusable .p8 key simplifies renewals and supports both Test and Release builds. This guide walks you through generating your APNs key in Apple Developer and configuring your Learndash App to use it.

Generating Your APNs Auth Key #

  1. Log in to Apple Developer and click Account.
  2. Select Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles.
  3. In the sidebar, click Keys.
  4. Click the + button to create a new key.
  5. Enter a Key Name.
  6. Under Key Services, check Apple Push Notifications service (APNs).
  7. Click Continue, then Register.
  8. Click Download to save the .p8 file and store it securely.

Note: You’ll see a Key ID next to your new key. You’ll need both the .p8 file and Key ID in the next step.

Configuring the Learndash App with Your APNs Key #

  1. In WordPress, go to Learndash App > Settings > Integrations > iOS Push Notifications.
  2. Click Upload APNs Key.
  3. Select the downloaded .p8 file.
  4. Enter your Key ID (from Apple Developer) and Team ID (found under Apple Developer > Membership).
  5. Click Save Changes.
    • Prerequisite: Ensure your Bundle ID matches the one registered in Apple Developer.

Testing Your APNs Key #

  1. Request a Test Notification – In WP Admin, navigate to Learndash App > Push Notifications and send a test alert.
  2. Verify Delivery – Confirm the notification appears on both your iOS Test and Release app installs.

Troubleshooting and FAQs #

Q: I get an “Invalid key” error when uploading.
 A: Make sure you uploaded the .p8 file (not a certificate) and entered the correct Key ID and Team ID.

Q: My test device doesn’t receive notifications.
 A: Verify your app build is signed with a provisioning profile that enables Push Notifications and that the device is using the correct Bundle ID.

Q: Do I need separate keys per app build?
 A: No. A single APNs Auth Key works for all iOS builds (Test or Release) under your Team ID.

Q: How often do I renew the key?
 A: APNs Auth Keys do not expire. Regenerate one only if it’s compromised or deleted.

Updated on December 19, 2025