How to Fix "Xcode Debugger Not Working"

If the Xcode debugger is not working, it can make it difficult to troubleshoot your app.

This issue may be due to misconfigured settings, outdated software, or a corrupted Xcode installation.

Here’s how to fix it: Start by ensuring that your debugging settings are configured correctly.

In Xcode, go to Product > Scheme > Edit Scheme, select the Run tab, and check that Debugger is set to LLDB.

If LLDB is not selected or has been disabled, this could prevent the debugger from working properly.

Another common reason for the debugger not functioning is an issue with the breakpoints.

Make sure that breakpoints are properly set in your code.

If breakpoints are missing or disabled, the debugger will not stop at the correct lines.

Check the breakpoint navigator in Xcode (shortcut: Cmd + 8) and ensure that all breakpoints are enabled.

If breakpoints are causing issues, you can try removing all breakpoints and then adding them back one by one to identify the problematic ones.

If the debugger is not attaching to the app, try restarting both Xcode and your device.

This can help reset any temporary issues with the connection between Xcode and the device.

If you’re debugging a simulator, try quitting the simulator and restarting it as well.

Another solution is to clean the build folder by selecting Product > Clean Build Folder (or Cmd + Shift + K).

This can help clear out any old build artifacts that might be interfering with the debugger.

If the issue is related to a third-party library or custom frameworks, check if they are properly linked and configured in your project.

Outdated or incompatible libraries can sometimes cause conflicts with the debugger.

Finally, if you’ve tried all the above steps and the debugger is still not working, try resetting your Xcode preferences by deleting the ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.dt.Xcode.plist file.

This will restore default settings and may fix any issues caused by corrupt configurations.

After following these troubleshooting steps, the Xcode debugger should be functional again.