Open URL on Simulator
simctl-openurlOpen any URL in an iOS Simulator to test deep links, universal links, and custom URL schemes. Route web, mailto, tel, or app-specific URLs to the appropriate handler.
Instructions
simctl-openurl
Open URLs in a simulator, including web URLs, deep links, and special URL schemes.
What it does
Opens a URL in the simulator, which can be a web URL (http/https), custom app deep link (myapp://), or special URL scheme (mailto:, tel:, sms:). The system will route the URL to the appropriate app handler.
Parameters
udid (string, required): Simulator UDID (from simctl-list)
url (string, required): URL to open (e.g., https://example.com or myapp://deeplink?id=123)
Supported URL Schemes
HTTP/HTTPS: Web URLs (opens in Safari)
Custom schemes: Deep links to your app (myapp://, yourapp://)
mailto: Email composition (opens Mail app)
tel: Phone dialer (opens Phone app on iPhone)
sms: SMS composition (opens Messages app)
facetime: FaceTime calls
maps: Apple Maps URLs
Returns
JSON response with:
URL open status
Detected URL scheme
Guidance for testing URL handling and deep links
Examples
Open web URL
await simctlOpenUrlTool({
udid: 'device-123',
url: 'https://example.com'
})Open deep link with parameters
await simctlOpenUrlTool({
udid: 'device-123',
url: 'myapp://open?id=123&action=view'
})Open mailto link
await simctlOpenUrlTool({
udid: 'device-123',
url: 'mailto:test@example.com?subject=Hello'
})Open tel link
await simctlOpenUrlTool({
udid: 'device-123',
url: 'tel:+1234567890'
})Common Use Cases
Deep link testing: Verify app handles custom URL schemes correctly
Universal links: Test https:// URLs that open your app
Navigation testing: Confirm deep links navigate to correct screens
Parameter parsing: Verify URL parameters are parsed correctly
Fallback handling: Test behavior when no handler is registered
Important Notes
Simulator must be booted: URLs can only be opened on running simulators
Handler registration: Custom schemes require an app that handles them
URL encoding: Ensure URL parameters are properly encoded
Timing: Consider launching app first if testing immediate URL handling
Error Handling
No handler registered: Error if no app handles the URL scheme
Simulator not booted: Indicates simulator must be booted first
Invalid URL format: Validates URL has proper scheme and format
Simulator not found: Validates simulator exists in cache
Deep Link Testing Workflow
Install app:
simctl-install <udid> /path/to/App.appLaunch app:
simctl-launch <udid> <bundleId>Open deep link:
simctl-openurl <udid> myapp://route?param=valueTake screenshot:
simctl-io <udid> screenshotto verify navigationCheck logs: Monitor console for URL handling logs
Testing Strategies
Parameter variations: Test different query parameters
Invalid URLs: Verify error handling for malformed URLs
Background handling: Test URLs when app is backgrounded
Fresh launch: Test URLs when app is not running
State preservation: Verify app state is maintained after URL handling
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| url | Yes | ||
| udid | Yes |