Resolving ‘The Application Could Not Be Verified’ Error on iOS Devices

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

Encountering the error message “The application could not be verified” while attempting to install an iOS app can be quite frustrating, especially when it occurs on one device but not another. This issue often arises due to conflicts with provisioning profiles or existing installations of the same app. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue efficiently.

Understanding the Issue

The error typically occurs when you try to install an app on an iOS device that already has a version of the app with the same bundle identifier. This can happen if there are conflicts with provisioning profiles or if the app was previously installed from a different source, such as the App Store.

Solution Steps

1. Delete Existing App: The most straightforward solution is to delete the existing app from the device. This removes any conflicting profiles or identifiers, allowing a fresh installation.
2. Restart Xcode: After deleting the app, restart Xcode. This can resolve any temporary glitches that might be causing the issue.
3. Check Provisioning Profiles: Ensure that the provisioning profile includes the correct device UDID and that it matches the app’s bundle identifier.
4. Use a Different Certificate: If the app is installed from the App Store, it may have a different certificate. Removing the App Store version can resolve the conflict.

Advanced Considerations

If deleting the app is not an option, for instance, if you need to preserve data, consider the following:

• Modify Entitlements: Adjust the app’s entitlements to include previous-application-identifiers as outlined in Apple’s technical documentation.
• Legacy Build System: Changing the build system to ‘Legacy’ in Xcode’s project settings can sometimes resolve the issue.

Leveraging Repeato for Testing

In scenarios where you need to ensure consistent deployment and testing across multiple devices, consider using a tool like Repeato. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that simplifies the creation and execution of automated tests for iOS, Android, and web apps. Its AI and computer vision capabilities allow for quick test recording and execution, ensuring that your app works seamlessly across different devices and setups. Repeato supports data-driven and keyword-driven testing, making it a practical alternative to other test automation tools.

Check it out!

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