Resolving Xcode Installation Issues on macOS Big Sur

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

Updating to the latest version of Xcode on macOS Big Sur can sometimes be a time-consuming and frustrating process. Users often report being stuck at a certain percentage during the installation phase. Here, we provide a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve these issues effectively.

Understanding the Problem

Many users experience a stall in the Xcode installation process, typically around 75-80% completion. This issue can be attributed to various factors, including system performance, network connectivity, and App Store behavior. Below are practical steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Monitor Installation Progress

1. Open the Console app on your Mac (not the Terminal).
2. In the search bar, type “App Store” and hit the “Start” button.
3. Observe the log lines to monitor the installation progress. Look for entries like “Completed: 825 of 1000” to gauge how the process is advancing.

This method allows you to see real-time updates on the installation progress, ensuring that the process is ongoing, albeit slowly.

Alternative Installation Method

If the App Store method is not suitable, consider downloading the required Xcode version directly from the Apple Developer portal and installing it using a .dmg file. This approach bypasses the App Store’s installation process, potentially reducing installation time.

Force Quit and Restart

1. Open Activity Monitor and locate the “installd” process.
2. Force quit the “installd” process to reset the installation.
3. Reopen the App Store and initiate the Xcode update again.

Ensure Sufficient Disk Space

If disk space is an issue, consider creating a dummy file to trick the system into recognizing available space. Use the Terminal to create and then delete a temporary file, freeing up space for the installation.

Prevent Mac from Sleeping

To avoid interruptions, prevent your Mac from sleeping during the installation:

1. Open the Terminal app.
2. Type caffeinate and press Enter. This command prevents your Mac from sleeping until you manually stop it by pressing Control+C.

Enhancing Testing Efficiency with Repeato

While resolving installation issues is crucial, ensuring that your Xcode setup is efficient for testing is equally important. This is where Repeato can significantly enhance your development workflow. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool for iOS, Android, and web apps, making it remarkably easy to create, run, and maintain automated tests.

Repeato’s test recording and execution capabilities are powered by computer vision and AI, ensuring fast and effective testing processes. The tool supports data-driven and keyword-driven testing, allowing for complex task automation through command-line scripts or JavaScript. With all tests and workspace data stored in text and JSON formats, version control becomes seamless.

For more insights on leveraging Repeato for your testing needs, visit our Getting Started Guide and explore the possibilities of integrating Repeato into your testing strategy.

Check it out!

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