Support
Need help with LinkLab? Check the frequently asked questions below, or contact us directly.
General
How does LinkLab work?
LinkLab is a macOS menu bar toolkit for iOS developers. It uses Apple's xcrun simctl to interact with the iOS Simulator—testing deeplinks, sending push notifications, simulating GPS locations, and more. All from a lightweight menu bar app.
What are the system requirements?
LinkLab requires macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later and Xcode installed with at least one iOS Simulator runtime. The app runs from your menu bar and uses minimal system resources.
Does LinkLab send my data anywhere?
No. All your deeplinks, push payloads, recordings, screenshots, and settings stay on your Mac. Optional iCloud sync keeps data within your Apple ecosystem. We collect anonymous crash reports and basic usage analytics (via Firebase) to improve the app, but never collect personal data or your content.
What's included in the free tier?
The free tier includes core deeplink testing, basic simulator control, and essential tools. Pro unlocks unlimited app bundles, all developer tools (push notifications, location simulation, screenshot compare, design overlay, app size monitor, UserDefaults editor), and iCloud sync.
Deeplink Testing
What are the different test modes?
LinkLab offers three test modes: Normal (opens app if needed and triggers deeplink), Cold Start (kills app first then triggers deeplink to test fresh launch), and Warm Start (backgrounds app first then triggers deeplink to test resume behavior).
Can I test deeplinks on multiple simulators?
Yes. Use the Switch dropdown to select which booted simulator to target. LinkLab sends deeplinks to the specific simulator you select, even when multiple simulators are running.
Where are recordings and screenshots saved?
By default, recordings and screenshots are saved to your Desktop in a LinkLab folder organized by app name and date. You can change the output folder in Settings.
Developer Tools
How does push notification testing work?
LinkLab sends APNs-format push notifications directly to the simulator. You can configure the title, body, badge, sound, custom payload, silent, and mutable-content flags. Save notifications as reusable templates.
How does location simulation work?
Select from preset city locations or enter custom latitude/longitude coordinates. LinkLab sets the simulated GPS location on the target simulator, letting you test geo-fencing, location-based features, and map displays.
What can the UserDefaults editor do?
Read, modify, add, and delete UserDefaults entries for any app installed on the simulator. Useful for debugging feature flags, resetting onboarding states, and inspecting cached values without rebuilding your app.
How does the design overlay work?
The design overlay floats a transparent window on top of the simulator with pixel grids, rulers, and safe area guides. Use it to verify your layouts match design specs without switching between tools.
Subscription
How does the subscription work?
LinkLab is available on the Mac App Store with flexible plans: monthly ($4.99), 6 months ($17.99), or yearly ($19.99). All Pro plans unlock every feature with no limitations. You can cancel anytime through your Apple ID settings.
How do I restore my subscription?
Go to Settings in LinkLab and tap "Restore Purchases." Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID you used for the original purchase.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Open System Settings on your Mac, click your Apple ID, then Subscriptions, and find LinkLab to manage or cancel. You'll retain access until the end of your current billing period.
Troubleshooting
The simulator won't boot from LinkLab.
On first launch, LinkLab will ask you to grant Xcode access. Make sure you've completed the setup wizard and that Xcode is installed with the command-line tools configured.
Deeplinks aren't opening in my app.
Make sure the bundle ID in LinkLab matches your app's bundle identifier exactly. Verify that the simulator has your app installed and that your app's URL scheme or universal link configuration is correct.
Video recording isn't working.
Video recording requires a booted simulator. Make sure the target simulator is fully booted (not still loading) before starting a test. Also check that the output folder in Settings is writable.
Still need help?
If your question isn't covered above, we're happy to help. We typically respond within 48 hours.
Email support@linklabapp.com