AppReply.co uses Apple's official App Store Connect API to securely connect to your app's reviews and allow you to reply directly from our platform. This integration requires an Individual API key with Customer Support permissions.
IMPORTANT: AppReply.co ONLY supports Individual API keys. Team API keys are NOT supported.
API vs. Email Integration
AppReply.co offers two methods for Apple App Store integration:
For email integration instead, see App Store Email Integration.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Access to App Store Connect
- A user with Customer Support role and permission to generate Individual API keys
- Your app published on the Apple App Store
Integration Overview
AppReply.co exclusively uses the Individual API key authentication method, which provides the following benefits:
- Improved security through limited access permissions
- Access to only app ratings and reviews functionality
- No exposure of broader admin privileges
Step-by-Step Integration
For an Existing Customer Support User:
If you have an existing Customer Support user without API key access:
- Go to the "Users & Access" page
- Select the "People" tab
- Click on the email address of the Customer Support user
- Check the "Generate Individual API Keys" box
- Click "Save" in the top right corner
For a New Customer Support User:
If you need to create a new Customer Support user:
- Go to the "Users & Access" page, then select the "People" tab
- Click the "+" button
- Enter the First and Last Name and email address
- Under Roles, check "Customer Support"
- Under "Additional Resources" select "Generate Individual API Keys"
- Click "Next"
The new user will receive an email invitation to create an account. Once they've created their account, they'll be able to generate an individual API key.
3. Generate the Individual API Key
Once your Customer Support user has API key permissions:
- Log in to App Store Connect as that user
- Click your username in the top right, then click "Edit Profile"
- Under "Individual API Key", click "Generate Key"
- Make note of the "Key ID" (you'll need this for AppReply.co)
- Click "Download API Key" to download the .p8 file
- Important: This file can only be downloaded once
- Store it securely; if lost, you'll need to revoke and generate a new key
4. Complete Integration in AppReply.co
- Log in to AppReply.co
- Go to "Applications"
- Click the three dots (⋮) next to your app → "Integrate"
- Enter the Key ID you copied earlier
- Upload the .p8 file you downloaded
- Click "Integrate"
Verification
After setup, AppReply.co will:
- Verify the API key credentials
- Test the connection to App Store Connect
- Start syncing your reviews (usually within 5-15 minutes)
Understanding permissions
The Customer Support role with Individual API Key provides AppReply.co with access to:
- Read app ratings and reviews
- Reply to customer reviews
This limits access to only what's necessary for the review management functionality, maintaining the security of your App Store Connect account.
NOTE: Unlike some competitors, AppReply.co only supports Individual API keys for Customer Support users. We do not support Team API keys, as they provide unnecessary administrative privileges beyond what's required for review management.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues:
Common problems
- API Not Approved: Ensure Apple has approved API access for your account
- Permission Errors: Verify the user has Customer Support role with API key generation enabled
- Invalid Key: Make sure you've entered the correct Key ID and uploaded the proper .p8 file
- Lost Key File: The .p8 file can only be downloaded once; if lost, you'll need to revoke and generate a new key
- Using Team Key: Remember that AppReply.co only supports Individual API keys. Team API keys will not work with our system.
API Key limitations
- Each user can only have one active API key at a time
- If you need to generate a new key, you must first revoke the existing one
- API keys cannot be edited after creation (name or access level)
Security best practices
- Store your .p8 file securely
- Immediately revoke any compromised or lost API keys
- Use only the minimum required permissions (Customer Support role)
- Consider creating a dedicated user for the AppReply.co integration
- For enhanced security, API integration is preferable to email-based methods
Need help?
Our support team is ready to assist:
- Click on the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of your dashboard
- Email: help@appreply.co
- Response time: Usually within 1 hour during business hours
- Include screenshots of your App Store Connect settings for faster assistance