iOS Push Notification Integration

This document provides step-by-step instructions to create an APNs Authentication Key (.p8) from Apple Developer, add the GoogleService-Info.plist file to the project, and configure necessary settings in Firebase Console.

The goal is to enable push notification delivery to iOS devices via Firebase.

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📋 Prerequisites

Requirement	Description	Notes
✅ Apple Developer Account	Apple Developer account required	See iOS TestFlight Integration for details.
✅ Firebase Project	Firebase project must be created	See iOS Firebase Integration for details.
✅ iOS App created with Xcode	The app must be registered in Firebase
✅ Physical iOS device	Required for push testing (simulator not supported)

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🧩 1. Firebase Setup

Follow the document for creating a Firebase project and adding the GoogleService-Info.plist file to the project:

iOS Firebase Integration

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🧩 2. App Store Connect and Apple Developer Setup

Follow the document for Apple Developer account setup and app registration:

iOS TestFlight Integration

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🔑 3. Create APNs Authentication Key (.p8)

1. Log in to Apple Developer at Apple Developer Auth Keys.
2. Click the "+" (Create a key) button at the top right.
3. Fill in required information:
   • Key Name: e.g., FCM APNs Key
   • Services: Select Apple Push Notifications service (APNs) ✅
4. Click Continue > Register, then download the .p8 file.
5. Note these values:
   • Key ID (shown on the main page)
   • Team ID (found under Membership)

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☁️ 4. Upload APNs Key to Firebase Console

1. Go to Firebase Console > Project Settings > Cloud Messaging tab.
2. Scroll down to iOS App Configuration > APNs Authentication Key section.
3. Upload the .p8 file.
4. Fill in Key ID and Team ID fields.
5. Click Save.

✅ Firebase is now authorized to connect to APNs!

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⚙️ 5. iOS App Push Notification Setup

Ensure FirebaseMessaging SDK is installed.

• Add the following code in AppDelegate.swift:

import UIKit
import Firebase
import UserNotifications

@UIApplicationMain
class AppDelegate: UIResponder, UIApplicationDelegate {

  func application(_ application: UIApplication,
                   didFinishLaunchingWithOptions launchOptions: [UIApplication.LaunchOptionsKey: Any]?) -> Bool {
    FirebaseApp.configure()

    UNUserNotificationCenter.current().delegate = self
    UNUserNotificationCenter.current().requestAuthorization(options: [.alert, .badge, .sound]) { granted, error in
        print("Push permission: \(granted)")
    }

    application.registerForRemoteNotifications()
    Messaging.messaging().delegate = self

    return true
  }

  func application(_ application: UIApplication,
                   didRegisterForRemoteNotificationsWithDeviceToken deviceToken: Data) {
    Messaging.messaging().apnsToken = deviceToken
  }
}

• MessagingDelegate and UNUserNotificationCenterDelegate Extensions:

extension AppDelegate: MessagingDelegate {
  func messaging(_ messaging: Messaging, didReceiveRegistrationToken fcmToken: String?) {
    // Send token to backend
    NotificationServiceV2Helper.shared.saveFCMToken(fcmToken)
  }
}

extension AppDelegate: UNUserNotificationCenterDelegate {
  func userNotificationCenter(_ center: UNUserNotificationCenter,
                              willPresent notification: UNNotification,
                              withCompletionHandler completionHandler: @escaping (UNNotificationPresentationOptions) -> Void) {
    completionHandler([.alert, .badge, .sound])
  }
}

🚀 6. Test: Send Push via Firebase Console

1. Go to Firebase Console > Cloud Messaging.
2. Click Send your first message.
3. Enter title and message.
4. Select Test on device.
5. Enter the FCM token retrieved from the iOS device.
6. Click Send Test Message.

✅ Push notification should appear on the device.

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🧠 Notes & Tips

• The .p8 APNs key is valid for all your apps (one key for all bundle IDs).
• Push notifications do not work on the simulator; testing must be on a physical device.
• If you don't have a physical device, upload your app to TestFlight and ask someone with a real device to test.
• To receive push notifications:
  • Notification permission must be granted.
  • Device must have an internet connection.
  • FCM token must be sent correctly to your backend.

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💬 FAQ

Q: When I visit https://developer.apple.com/account/resources/, I get this error:

Access Unavailable
This resource is only for developers enrolled in a developer program or members of an organization's team in a developer program.

A: You need to be added to the Apple Developer account by an authorized person. See step 2 for details.

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Q: When I visit https://developer.apple.com/account/resources/authkeys/list, I get this error:

You are not allowed to perform this operation. Please check with one of your Team Admins, or, if you need further assistance, please contact Apple Developer Program Support.
https://developer.apple.com/support

A: You need to be added to the Apple Developer account by an authorized person. See step 2 for details.