---
title: "How to Create an APNs Auth Key for Your Learndash iOS App"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/create-apns-auth-key-ios/"
description: "Introduction An APNs (Apple Push Notification service) Auth Key lets your iOS app send push notifications securely and at scale. Instead of managing multiple ce…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "LearnDash"
date: "2025-09-22"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# 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.

![Screenshot of push notifications ](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/How-to-Create-an-APNs-Auth-Key-for-Your-Learndash-iOS-App-_-1.png)## **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.