A build only device cannot be used to run this target

Question

I get this error when I trying to test an app.

A build only device cannot be used to run this target.

No supported iOS devices are available

Answer 1

With XCode 8.3.2 I had this error message after I tried to run the app on a locked device. I unlocked and reattached as requested but the "A build only device cannot be used to run this target." message appeared.

I simply changed the target to a simulator and changed it back - it resolved my issue.

Answer 2

Maybe the Scheme has switched to a Generic device. Try to choose again the connected device from the Scheme menu:

Answer 3

I encountered the same error message. Here's what I have experienced and did so far;

Step 1: Check your target.

My current target is IOS 13.2. From here, you will not see what versions you currently have on your machine.

Step 2: Check available versions on your local

• Click the Generic IOS Device

• This will display a dropdown menu that contains a Download Simulators... selection
• In case the Download Simulators... selection is not visible, you need to lower down your target. In my case, from 13.2 I made it 13.0 (This depends on your current XCode) then repeat the Step 2 again
• From here, I can now see the Download Simulators... selection
• Select it

• You will now see what are the available versions you have
• From here, you may choose to download or just use the version you have (The one that is selected)

Step 3: Change your IOS target accordingly

• Now that you already know what are the available versions of the simulator you have locally, you can now change the IOS target.
• In my case I choose to use IOS 11 (Just for this sample)
• Then I change the target

• Again click the Generic IOS Device

• From here, you can now select any simulator under that IOS

I am not an expert, I just wanted to share my experience and I hope this can help someone.

Answer 4

In my case this happened, when I selected a Generic iOS device and tried to "build" in order to publish it to the AppStore.
But I should have selected Product -> Archive instead

Answer 5

Well if you want to get the list of available destinations then call xcodebuild and pass in the command line option -showdestinations, and it will print valid options for you to pick from:

xcodebuild -showdestinations -workspace Register.xcworkspace -scheme ThatTestTarget

Answer 6

1. I applied for a new AppleID and added it to the "Xcode->Preferences->Account" to solve this problem. (Xcode 7.3)
2. At the same time I deleted original AppleID in the "Xcode->Preferences->Account",because it was no longer a paid account and couldn't add new devices.