Resolving the “Too Many Symbol Files” Issue in Xcode

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

When developing iOS apps using Xcode, you might encounter an email from Apple after submitting your app, warning about “Too Many Symbol Files.” This usually indicates that debug information for libraries is included in your project archive without corresponding binaries. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to resolve this issue.

Understanding the Issue

The warning email from Apple suggests that your app submission included unnecessary symbol files. These files can arise when the build configuration of your libraries generates a dSYM file that isn’t required.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Verify the Symbol Files

• Open the Organizer window in Xcode.
• Right-click on the archive that encountered this issue and select “Show in Finder”.
• Right-click on the archive file and select “Show Package Contents”.
• In the “dSYMs” folder, use the dwarfdump -u MyFile.dSYM command in the terminal to list UUID strings.
• Match these UUIDs with those mentioned in Apple’s email to identify unnecessary files.

2. Adjust Build Configuration

To avoid this warning, adjust your build settings to include only the dSYM files of your application.

• Search for “Debug Information Format” in your build configuration.
• Change it from “DWARF with dSYM File” to “DWARF only” for the libraries.

3. If Using CocoaPods

If your project uses CocoaPods, modify your Podfile as follows:

post_install do |installer|
    installer.pods_project.targets.each do |target|
        target.build_configurations.each do |config|
            config.build_settings['DEBUG_INFORMATION_FORMAT'] = 'dwarf'
        end
    end
end

Additional Considerations

Ensure that all targets in your project have consistent build settings, particularly regarding architectures and bitcode settings, to prevent discrepancies that might cause this issue.

Leveraging Repeato for Efficient Testing

While resolving technical issues is crucial, ensuring your app functions correctly post-resolution is equally important. This is where Repeato can be invaluable. As a no-code test automation tool, Repeato allows for quick recording and execution of tests, ensuring your app is thoroughly vetted. Its support for command line scripts and JavaScript code empowers you to automate complex tasks seamlessly. With data-driven and keyword-driven testing capabilities, Repeato provides a robust alternative to traditional tools like Katalon, streamlining your testing process and enhancing productivity.

For more information on using virtual test devices and advanced testing techniques, visit our documentation page.

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