Xcode 'Unable to Install' App Error

How to fix it

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

1. 1. Delete the old app and clean

   Copy steps
   1. Delete the app from the device or simulator
   2. In Xcode choose Product > Clean Build Folder (Shift-Cmd-K)
   3. Run again
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Check signing

   Copy steps
   1. Open the target > Signing & Capabilities
   2. Enable Automatically manage signing and pick your Team
   3. Make sure the Bundle Identifier is unique
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Trust the developer on the device

   Copy steps
   1. On iPhone open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
   2. Tap your developer certificate and choose Trust
   3. Make sure Developer Mode is on in Settings > Privacy & Security
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Match deployment target and storage

   Copy steps
   1. In the target's General tab confirm Minimum Deployments is not above the device's iOS
   2. Free some space on the device
   3. Restart both the device and Xcode
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. 5. Delete DerivedData

   Copy steps
   1. Xcode > Settings > Locations, click the arrow next to Derived Data
   2. Quit Xcode and move your project's folder to the Trash
   3. Reopen and rebuild
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Xcode builds successfully but shows 'Unable to install <app>', 'The request was denied by service delegate', or 'Could not inspect the application package' when you press Run.

Why it happens

• Old copy of the app signed with a different team or profile
• Untrusted developer certificate on the device
• Provisioning profile does not include this device
• Device storage full or iOS older than the app's deployment target
• Stale build products

This guide also covers

• xcode unable to install
• xcode could not install app on device
• the request was denied by service delegate

The same problem in other apps

All not loading, error messages & connection guides →

• Cursor High Load Error (ERROR_RESOURCE_EXHAUSTED) (Cursor)

Other Xcode errors

• Xcode Simulator Not Launching or Won't Boot
• Xcode 'No Profiles Found' Code Signing Error
• Xcode 'Failed to Register Bundle Identifier' Error
• Xcode Indexing Stuck or Taking Forever
• Xcode Doesn't Show My iPhone (Device Not Detected)
• Xcode Taking Too Much Storage (How to Free 50GB+)
• Xcode 'Build Failed' With No Clear Error
• Xcode SwiftUI Preview Not Working or Crashing