RealIosDeviceIdError with simulator on iOS
Author: Klaartje-dpgCreated Sep 9, 2025Updated Jun 12, 2026
Labelsblocked-on-user
Description of the bug/issue
I'm testing with Nightwatch and Appium. On Android it's going great but on iOS I'm having issues. My capabilities work perfectly on Appium Inspector, but when I try to build my tests using the nightwatch.config.js, I get an error.
- I tried using the mobile helper but it just says that everything is configured correctly.
- I also tried adding the UDID to my capabilities but that didn't help either. I still get the same error.
- I also checked the device list a few times, the UDID is correct and the device is booted.
Steps to reproduce
- Use my capabilities
- run nightwatch
- See error
Sample test
Command to run
npx nightwatch --env ios --verboseVerbose Output
RealIosDeviceIdError
Real Device ID is neither configured nor passed
Try fixing by :
1. Pass deviceId in the command (for e.g : --deviceId 00008030-00024C2C3453402E)
2. Or pass safari:deviceUDID capability in config
3. To verify the deviceId run, system_profiler SPUSBDataType | sed -n '/iPhone/,/Serial/p' | grep 'Serial Number:' | awk -F ': ' '{print $2}
4. For more help, run: npx @nightwatch/mobile-helper iosNightwatch Configuration
module.exports = {
src_folders: ['tests'],
test_settings: {
android: {
webdriver: {
start_process: false,
host: 'localhost',
port: 4723
},
desiredCapabilities: {
platformName: 'Android',
'appium:deviceName': 'Pixel 4',
'appium:app': 'someplace/app-debug.apk',
'appium:automationName': 'UiAutomator2',
'fullReset': true,
'noReset': false
}
},
ios: {
webdriver: {
start_process: true,
host: 'localhost',
port: 4723
},
desiredCapabilities: {
platformName: "iOS",
'appium:deviceName': "iPhone 16 Pro",
'appium:platformVersion': "18.6",
'appium:app': "someplace/app.app",
'appium:automationName': "XCUITest"
},
}
}
};Nightwatch.js Version
3.12.2
Node Version
Node.js v24.7.0
Browser
No response
Operating System
MacOS 15.6.1 (24G90)
Additional Information
No response
Source: nightwatchjs/nightwatch