After updating the Xcode 26, defined universal links are not working in the iOS simulator. In the configuration, we have verified all the things including AASA file hosting and domain configuration. It is working properly in the real devices. Issue occurring only for Simulators.
How can I debug it in the simulators to validate this ?
Xcode Version: 26.1 Simulator iOS: 26.1
Thank you for sharing this post. It is extremely interesting because I have been seeking to verify the functionality of AASA files under the simulator. However, I have encountered difficulties in consistently ensuring their proper operation, as the simulator frequently malfunctions and requires a complete reload, necessitating the re-initialization of the cache. I primarily rely on an external device to verify the simulator’s functionality.
Additionally, I believe the most recent release is Xcode 26.2, not 26.1, which you are currently using. Please update your Xcode and obtain the new simulators as well.
Since you have already verified that universal links are working properly on real devices, you know is going to work for your customers, the important part on the simulator is find out if the AASA file was registered and if had the time to install and download the file. For that you can use the Tech Note to go over troubleshooting. But as always my recommendation is to verify with a physician device and making sure you are using the latest version of Xcode and that all available simulators are up to date. Sometimes simulator cache can cause unexpected behavior, so clear the simulator data.
Open the Debugging Console while running your app in the simulator and look for logs related to universal links.
You can manually trigger universal link opening from the Notes app I always recommend to see if the applink has been registered. If your app opens correctly, this confirms that universal link handling is set up properly but there might be an issue with how links are being triggered in code. To verify the AASA file in the simulator, make sure the file is accessible without any redirects and is served over HTTPS with a valid TLS certificate. You can try accessing the file directly from the simulator’s Safari browser
xcrun simctl openurl booted https://yourdomain.com/apple-app-site-association
If it returns the expected JSON content, the file is reachable. If not, it could be an issue with domain configuration or caching. Sometimes simulator’s network configuration could cause problems. Disable and re-enable the Wi-Fi in simulator settings or restart the simulator to refresh network settings. Go to in the simulator, toggle Wi-Fi off/on, or reset network settings by going to (This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure you know them beforehand). Since the issue occurs only in simulators, test on different simulator versions (if available) to check if it's a version-specific bug. In the case, please let me know.
Universal Links Tech Note to go over troubleshooting TN3155: Debugging universal links | Apple Developer Documentation
Looking forward to your findings in the simulator.
Albert Pascual Worldwide Developer Relations.
We have validated the below cases,
Couldn't obtain any info from the Console logs as well.
Note: In the same Xcode version, universal links for working fine in different application. Issue occurring only for our application.
We need info about where can we verify the universal link setup of my simulator.
@ranjith_keerthi I need way more information about the issue and the link to the AASA file and the app. Can you provide me that publicly or do you want to send me that privately?
swcd logs might show if it successfully fetched your apple-app-site-association file, or if there were parsing errors, network issues, or certificate problems.
Messages like "Domain not associated with app" or "No app for URL" are strong indicators of a setup problem.
Double-check that your domain is listed correctly, prefixed with applinks: (e.g., applinks:yourdomain.com).
Can you provide me the app and the AASA link and a description of the issue and we will take it from that?
Is everything working on a physical device?
Albert Pascual Worldwide Developer Relations.
Is everything working on a physical device?
Yes.. it is working fine in the production itself.
In the console, I could see logs like,
`1.Beginning data task AASA-4566C78B-005A-404E-B20C-2C09A8AA0062 { domain: example.com, bytes: 0, route: cdn }
2.Task <847A193E-5A40-4AC5-85D8-6CA8ED662BE4>.<29> resuming, timeouts(60.0, 604800.0) qos(0x15) voucher((null)) activity(00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000)
3. Already downloading data for domain example.com, so skipping a second download (non-discretionary)
`
Is this skipping the download of AASA of my domain ? Is this the issue ?
I have tried to clear the cache of swcd as well. Couldn't find the correct path of it in Xcode 26. Is this updated in the Xcode 26 ?
Instead of the console, I would check the device sysdiagnose swcutil.txt file for the AASA registration. All explained in the troubleshooting guide Tech Note at TN3155: Debugging universal links | Apple Developer Documentation
Hope this is helpful.
Albert Pascual Worldwide Developer Relations.