How to check [NSUserDefaults standardUserDefaults] in iOS development device with Xcode 9.3 [duplicate]

Question

In Xcode 9.3 and iOS simulators, [NSUserDefaults standardUserDefaults] store the values at:

/Users/{User Name}/Library/Developer/CoreSimulator/Devices/{Device GUID}/data/Containers/Data/Application/{application GUID}/Library/Preferences/{bundle identifier}.plist

where I could open the .plist file easily and look into the values.

But, how could I check these values when the app is running in a development device? Is it possible to check these values in a developed device like as simulators?

Hanschen

Is there any particular reason to open the PList directly instead of just using NSUserDefaults? If you just need to see what's stored, using dictionaryRepresentation() would give you everything: for (key, value) in UserDefaults.standard.dictionaryRepresentation() { print("\(key) = \(value)") } – Conformation

@Krunal Yes, this solved my problem. Thanks – Hanschen

Answer 1

You cannot access it directly. Apple does not allow, an access to such kind of data (and/or files) of iOS application (for any external sources) from device.

Only application developer can access it programatically. (There are some software available in market, which can open/access files from IPA using Jail-broken devices.)

Refer this Apple document: iOS Security - File Data Protection. (There is no direct answer to your question but complete details about file and data security, in this doc.)

But if you are a developer of this app then you can find it from AppData Preferences.

Follow these steps to find it:

1. Open Device and Simulator window (Xcode (Menu) >> Window >> Devices and Simulators).
2. Select your iOS device from a list of connected devices.
3. Select an apps from a list of Installed Apps.
4. Click on application Settings icon
5. Select Download Container, that will prompt you to save you file.
6. Save your file (file extension - .xcappdata)

7. Right click on file and select Show Package Contents

8. A finder window will show a path to AppData of file.
9. Go to: AppData >> Library >> Preferences >> <file>.plist
10. Bingo: This is what you are looking for. UserDefault storage file. Open it and check your data.

Macklin

Sorry but this answer is incorrect - at least when it comes to an app your are developing. – Labio

Thanks! This worked for me for my real development device. I was able to read the UserDefaults file using Xcode 11.4.1. – Genuflection

confirmed, this worked for viewing UserDefaults file downloaded from actual device. Crazy how many steps it requires just to view a snapshot. – Deandreadeane