Group Folder Redirect for iOS Apps

LambdaTest now supports Group Folder Redirect for iOS apps during automation testing with Appium.
This feature ensures your app uses its private container directory instead of the shared app group container, which becomes inaccessible after app resigning on Real Devices.

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Use Cases

• Ensure your app maintains file system access after being re-signed on Real Devices.
• Prevent issues when your app relies on the shared App Group container, which becomes inaccessible after resigning.
• Guarantee consistent storage and retrieval of files by using the app’s private container.

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Steps to Enable Group Folder Redirect

1. Upload Your Application

• Upload your iOS app to LambdaTest following standard procedures.
• Refer to the Upload your Application documentation for detailed instructions.
• Note the App ID returned after uploading — you will use this in your automation scripts.

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2. Configure Desired Capabilities

Include the groupFolderRedirectEnabled capability in your Appium desired capabilities and set it to True.

iOS

desired_caps = {
  "deviceName":"iPhone 16",
  "platformName":"iOS",
  "platformVersion":"18",
  "isRealMobile": True,
  "app":"YOUR_APP_URL",
  "build":"Sample Build",
  "name":"Sample Test",
  "groupFolderRedirectEnabled": True
}

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3. Run Your Automation Test

Launch your Appium test, the app will automatically use its private container for all file operations without any code changes.

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info

• LambdaTest launches an instrumented version of your app with Group Folder Redirect support.
• All file system operations that previously relied on the App Group container now use the private container.
• Your tests remain compatible and functional, even after app resigning.