Xcode 5 - "iOS Simulator failed to install application" every time I switch simulators

Question

Using Xcode 5 GM, anytime I switch to the 5.1, 6.0 or 6.1 simulators to test, I get the error "iOS Simulator failed to install application." When I reset the simulator it works, but this is getting very tiring.

Anybody have a permanent fix or workaround?

Answer 1

Looks like this is a known issue. From the Xcode 5 release notes:

After switching the minimum deployment target of an application from iOS 7.0 to a release prior to iOS 7.0, building and running the application may fail with the message “iOS Simulator failed to install the application.”

• Go to the iOS home screen, click and hold the application icon, then tap the hovering “X” button to delete the application. 13917023

Another release note:

iOS Simulator

• If an iOS app is detached, relaunching the same app from Xcode will result in a black screen in the Simulator even though the new app is launched. Terminate the app in the Simulator or relaunch it for the second time. 14648784

Answer 2

Delete the old version app in your simulator (usually iOS 6.x).

Answer 3

Alternatively, header over to iOS Simulator - Reset Content and Settings.

This can be easier when you have a lot of apps on the simulator and can't remember which one you're currently working on.

You need to do this for every iOS Simulator version that causes the problem.