simctl-mcp

@ambar

About simctl-mcp

No overview available yet

Config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "simctl-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "simctl-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Tools

No tools detected

Fetch the live tool list by running this server in a temporary sandbox using the button above.

Overview

What is simctl-mcp?

simctl-mcp is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server implementation that provides programmatic control over iOS Simulators. It enables AI assistants and automation tools to manage devices, apps, permissions, media, and system settings within the iOS Simulator environment.

How to use simctl-mcp?

Run npx -y simctl-mcp (STDIO mode) or npx simctl-mcp --http (HTTP mode, default port 8081). Add the JSON configuration to .cursor/mcp.json or .vscode/mcp.json to register the server with compatible clients.

Key features of simctl-mcp

Device management: create, delete, boot, shutdown, and list devices, types, and runtimes
App management: install, uninstall, launch, terminate, and inspect apps
App permissions: grant, revoke, and reset permissions for installed apps
System features: open URLs, add media, manage environment variables and appearance
Certificate & security: add root/regular certificates, reset keychain
Media & content: take screenshots, get/set pasteboard content, send simulated push notifications

Use cases of simctl-mcp

Automate simulator provisioning and testing in CI/CD pipelines
Quickly open URLs or deep links in a specific simulator from an AI assistant
Install, launch, and manage app permissions for UI automation flows
Inject push notifications or set clipboard content for end‑to‑end testing
Capture screenshots and manage certificates for security‑related tests

FAQ from simctl-mcp

How do I start simctl-mcp in HTTP mode?

Add the --http flag: npx simctl-mcp --http. Optionally set a custom port with --port <number> or the PORT environment variable.

How do I configure simctl-mcp for Cursor or VS Code?

Add the following JSON to .cursor/mcp.json or .vscode/mcp.json: {"mcpServers":{"simctl-mcp":{"command":"npx","args":["-y","simctl-mcp"]}}}.

What operations does simctl-mcp support?

It provides tools for device management, app management, app permissions, system features (e.g., open URLs, push notifications), certificate management, and media/content actions.

Does simctl-mcp require any dependencies?

No explicit dependencies beyond Node.js (via npx). The server is run directly with npx -y simctl-mcp.

What transport modes does simctl-mcp support?

Two modes: STDIO (default) and HTTP (with --http flag). No authentication or other transports are mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start simctl-mcp in HTTP mode?

Add the `--http` flag: `npx simctl-mcp --http`. Optionally set a custom port with `--port <number>` or the `PORT` environment variable.

How do I configure simctl-mcp for Cursor or VS Code?

Add the following JSON to `.cursor/mcp.json` or `.vscode/mcp.json`: `{"mcpServers":{"simctl-mcp":{"command":"npx","args":["-y","simctl-mcp"]}}}`.

What operations does simctl-mcp support?

It provides tools for device management, app management, app permissions, system features (e.g., open URLs, push notifications), certificate management, and media/content actions.