Resolving the “Could not locate device support files” Error in Xcode

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

When working with Xcode, developers may encounter the frustrating error message: “Could not locate device support files.” This usually happens when there’s a mismatch between the iOS version on your device and the support files available in your current Xcode installation. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding the Problem

This error typically occurs when you try to run an application on a device with an iOS version that your Xcode does not support. This is common after updating your device’s iOS or when using an older version of Xcode.

Solution: Copying Device Support Files

To fix this issue, you can manually add the required device support files to Xcode:

  1. Locate an older version of Xcode that supports the iOS version you need.
  2. Navigate to the path: /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer/Platforms/iPhoneOS.platform/DeviceSupport/.
  3. Copy the folder corresponding to your iOS version from the older Xcode to the same path in your current Xcode installation.
  4. If you don’t have an older version of Xcode, download one, extract it, and then copy the necessary files.

Alternative Solutions

Here are some additional methods you can try:

  • Update your Xcode to the latest version available, which might include the required support files.
  • Copy an existing support folder and rename it to match the version you need, though this may not always work.

Preventing Future Issues

To avoid similar issues in the future, ensure that your Xcode is regularly updated alongside your iOS devices. Be cautious when updating your device’s iOS, as it might not be compatible with your current Xcode version.

Enhancing Your Development Workflow with Repeato

While managing device support files can be a hassle, using tools like Repeato can significantly streamline your development and testing processes. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that supports iOS, Android, and web applications. It utilizes computer vision and AI to create, run, and maintain automated tests efficiently.

With Repeato, you can automate complex tasks using command line scripts or JavaScript code, and benefit from data-driven and keyword-driven testing. All test data is saved in easily version-controlled text and JSON formats, making it a practical alternative to other automation tools. Explore how Repeato can enhance your testing strategy by visiting our documentation page.

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