How to permanently fix Xcode 5 SpringBoard failed to launch application with error: -3

Question

Launching apps from Xcode 5 to the iOS simulator (multiple OS versions) fails with SpringBoard failed to launch application with error: -3. I can get around the problem by 'turning it off and back on again' (quitting the simulator and relaunching, uninstalling and redeploying the app, etc.), but it seems to come back again later and in other projects.

Can someone help me understand what the real problem here is and if there is a permanent fix?

I also get this error quite frequently even after resetting the content and settings of the simulator — darcyy, Sep 19 '13 at 08:17
Most of the answerers below seem to have neglected to read your question, since you said you have tried quitting/resetting but it keeps happening later. This is a recurring problem for me too, seems to happen more with XCode 5. — shim, Oct 22 '13 at 22:23
@shim - yes, that's why I haven't chosen an answer yet. I know how to workaround it, but I would really like to understand what's causing it and how to resolve it altogether. — Kyle Clegg, Oct 23 '13 at 00:07
Interesting that Bill the Lizard points to an old link dealing with an unrelated error code and says there is already an answer. As Kyle says, he knows the workaround! He (and I and probably loads of others) would like to know the cause and/or the fix for this issue. — amergin, Nov 13 '13 at 01:04
Agreed, I think this question needs to be re-opened. The duplicate message even says "If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question". The new question is: How to fix the issue **permanently**. — Joseph Humfrey, Nov 26 '13 at 11:47
@KyleClegg I don't have privileges to vote for reopen, but I've flagged it for moderator attention. — Joseph Humfrey, Dec 04 '13 at 10:45
Check out this link : http://stackoverflow.com/questions/19855222/springboard-failed-to-launch-application-with-error-3/20236097#20236097 — Jayprakash Dubey, Dec 24 '13 at 14:42

score 12 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 19 '13 at 11:00

12

I don't know why, but on my end deleting the app from simulator solved this.

answered Sep 19 '13 at 11:00

Idan

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I had to change the simulated device once also. – Git.Coach Oct 24 '13 at 09:29
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many different answers to the same issue .. but none is giving the 'reason' why it happens... all answers are just one way to bypass the issue tip next time... – Oct 29 '13 at 14:13
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@erwin I think that's just a bug Apple should fix. – Idan Oct 31 '13 at 08:02
Again, a temporary solution only. I get this problem even when starting a fresh new project. – Joseph Humfrey Nov 26 '13 at 11:48
@JosephHumfrey Do you use latest Xcode? – Idan Nov 26 '13 at 11:50
@Idan Yep, using version 5.0.2 (5A3005). – Joseph Humfrey Nov 26 '13 at 11:51

score 11 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 22 '13 at 05:03

11

Quitting simulator seems to help.

answered Sep 22 '13 at 05:03

adbie

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score 4 · Answer 3 · answered Oct 05 '13 at 18:18

4

Run Activity Monitor and force Kill the simulator process. Then Run you app again and simulator will launch automatically and problem goes away.

answered Oct 05 '13 at 18:18

Bms270

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active simulator window, then press Command + Q is more convenient. – joker Feb 11 '14 at 05:43

score 3 · Answer 4 · answered Sep 19 '13 at 11:19

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I think this may be because you have installed (run) it on 64bit iOS7 simulator and now you are trying to use same install/files on 32bit simulation.

answered Sep 19 '13 at 11:19

Recycled Steel

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I believe this is the answer. I've switched between 64 bit and regular iOS Simulator and when I try to run 32 bit, it throws the Spring Board -3 error. If I run in 64 bit, it loads without a problem. – proudgeekdad Nov 03 '13 at 20:12
Perhaps some truth in there something (related to new 64 bit simulator), but this isn't the entire answer. I've started a fresh new project without switching, and I still get the error. – Joseph Humfrey Nov 26 '13 at 11:50

score 3 · Answer 5 · answered Oct 02 '13 at 23:34

3

1) Press stop button from Xcode

2) Exit Simulator

3) Press run button again from Xcode

This is the quickest workaround that I have tried, did not have to delete the app or do anything like that.

answered Oct 02 '13 at 23:34

Sarp Kaya

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score 3 · Answer 6 · answered Oct 04 '13 at 14:01

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Restart simulator, if it wont solve your problem and then delete all content. It worked for me.

answered Oct 04 '13 at 14:01

Yucel Bayram

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score 0 · Answer 7 · answered Oct 23 '13 at 12:52

I noticed I started getting this error when manually editing files that are in the Emulator's disk space.

With "the Emulator's disk space" I mean a path similar to this one: ~/Library/Application Support/iPhone Simulator/7.0/Applications//.app/

Having the build process re-run solved my problems too so I feel like it has something to do with file permissions or some sort of checksum failure.

How to permanently fix Xcode 5 SpringBoard failed to launch application with error: -3

7 Answers7

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