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Xcode Doesn't Show My iPhone (Device Not Detected)

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Ongoing macOS, iOS Updated November 13, 2026Based on 5 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

Xcode usually fails to see an iPhone because Developer Mode is off, the device is not trusted or paired, or the Xcode version is older than the iOS on the phone. Re-pair in Device Hub and check Developer Mode.

Most likely fix: Turn on Developer Mode

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Turn on Developer Mode

    1. On iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode > On
    2. Restart the phone and confirm
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Re-pair the device

    1. Xcode > Open Developer Tool > Device Hub (on older Xcode: Window > Devices and Simulators)
    2. Select the device, choose Unpair, then pair again
    3. Tap Trust on the phone and enter its passcode
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Check the connection

    1. Use a data-capable cable and a direct USB port
    2. Check that the device is listed with: xcrun devicectl list devices
    3. Turn Wi-Fi debugging off and use the cable
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. Match Xcode to iOS

    1. Check Xcode supports the iOS version on the phone
    2. Update Xcode from the Mac App Store or developer.apple.com
    Did this fix it?

  5. 5. Restart services

    1. Restart the iPhone and the Mac
    2. Quit Xcode and reopen it
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

The iPhone is missing from the run destination list, shows 'Preparing' or 'Waiting to reconnect' forever, or appears with a pairing error.

Why it happens

  • Developer Mode off on the iPhone
  • Trust prompt dismissed or device not paired
  • iOS version newer than the installed Xcode supports
  • Bad cable or USB port, or stuck wireless connection
  • Stuck CoreDevice service

This guide also covers

  • xcode not detecting iphone
  • xcode device not showing
  • xcode preparing device for development
  • xcode waiting to reconnect

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