How to fix Xcode “DTAssetProviderService could not start..” error?

Question

I have upgraded macOS Sierra Developer Preview, but my Xcode 7.3.1 gives below error while try to run my project on simulator. In addition Generic to archie

Answer 1

This is a regression in macOS Sierra that multiple developers have reported in the forums and in the lab sessions at WWDC. Xcode 7.3 is not supported on Sierra. If you want to use macOS Sierra, please use Xcode 8.0 beta or later.

If you must use Xcode 7.3 on Sierra, you can partially workaround this bug by using Xcode.app to install the app through Build & Run, launch the app suspended from the command line (xcrun simctl launch -w booted <app identifier>) and then attach with the debugger and resume the suspended process.

Note that this issue only impact Xcode 7.3.1 downloaded from the Mac App Store. You will not hit this issue if you use Xcode downloaded from http://developer.apple.com (ie, the "drag & drop installer"). Note that you might hit another issue with the same symptoms when using the drag & drop installer. That is discussed in DTAssetProviderService could not start DTXConnection with Simulator

Answer 2

This seems to be a major bug. Until Apple fixes it, you can work around it:

• Build app
• The app will still install on the simulator, even with the error
• Launch the app manually on the simulator
• Go to Xcode
• Click Debug > Attach to Process > Your App Name

That will enable Xcode debugging features and allow your app to run in simulator. Definitely not ideal, but hopefully you can use this until a real solution comes out.

Answer 3

You can still run the debugger, but you have to attach it manually.

You can run your app tapping the icon in the simulator, than switch back to Xcode and select Debug, Attach to Process and pick your app process.

Answer 4

If you want the slow solution, you can reinstall Xcode 7.3.1 by downloading it from https://developer.apple.com/download/more/.

It worked for me and now my Simulator is able to start again without getting the error.

The issue is discussed in depth here: How to fix Xcode "DTAssetProviderService could not start.." error?

Answer 5

The following steps fixed the issue for me:

1. Remove both Xcode 7.3.1 and 8 Beta
2. Remove /Library/Developer and ~/Library/Developer (before removing check the contents and back up whatever you need)
3. Download the Xcode 7.3.1 DMG file and the Xcode 8 Beta xip file (unless you already have them)
4. Install 7.3.1 and test the Simulator (should work fine now)
5. Install 8 Beta and test the Simulator in 7.3.1 again (should work as before)
6. Restore what you backed up on step 2