Resolving Xcode Error: “Failed to Prepare Device for Development”

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

When working with Xcode, it’s not uncommon to encounter the error message “Failed to prepare device for development”. This issue often arises when there are compatibility problems between your Xcode version and the iOS version on your device. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving this issue effectively.

Common Solutions

• Restart Your Device: A simple restart of your iPhone can often resolve the problem. This method is straightforward and should be your first step.
• Check iOS and Xcode Compatibility: Ensure that the iOS version on your device is supported by your current version of Xcode. If there’s a mismatch, consider updating Xcode or acquiring the necessary device support files.
• Device Support Files: If your iOS version is newer than what your Xcode supports, you may need to manually download and add the appropriate device support files to Xcode. Navigate to Applications > Xcode > Show Package Contents > Contents > Developer > Platforms > iPhoneOS.platform > DeviceSupport to add the files.
• Check Device Trust Settings: Go to your device settings under Settings > Developer and clear trusted computers. Then reconnect and re-trust your computer while Xcode is open.
• Unpair and Re-pair Devices: Unpair your device from Xcode, restart both your Mac and iPhone, and then reconnect and pair again.

Advanced Troubleshooting

• Clean Build Folder: Use the shortcut ⌘ + Shift + K to clean the build folder in Xcode.
• Delete Derived Data: Removing derived data can sometimes clear up any residual issues. Access this via Window > Projects in Xcode and delete derived data for your project.
• Update Xcode: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, updating Xcode to the latest version may be necessary. Newer versions often contain fixes for compatibility issues with new iOS updates.

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Repeato is especially useful for ensuring your app’s functionality across different iOS versions, mitigating issues like the Xcode device preparation error. Its support for data-driven and keyword-driven testing, along with easy version control through JSON format, makes it a practical alternative to other tools, allowing you to focus more on development and less on troubleshooting.

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