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Setup guide

Your first controlled location test.

Plan for a Mac, a data-capable USB cable, and an unlocked iPhone you own or are authorized to test. The whole setup is explicit; PinShift does not bypass an iOS requirement.

Before you begin

  • Confirm the iPhone belongs to you or that the owner has explicitly authorized the test.
  • Charge both devices and use a USB cable that supports data, not only power.
  • Be prepared to unlock the iPhone, accept Trust, and enter its passcode on-device.
  • Save any important app state. Location-sensitive apps can react to the simulated coordinate.
  • Keep the restore action visible and finish with a confirmed clear.

1. Install PinShift on your Mac

  1. Open Download and select the single universal Mac release.
  2. Confirm the release panel says Developer ID + notarized and qualified for both Apple Silicon and Intel.
  3. Download the DMG and compare its SHA-256 checksum.
  4. Open the DMG, drag PinShift to Applications, eject the DMG, and launch PinShift from Applications.

Do not disable Gatekeeper or remove quarantine metadata. A normal public release should pass macOS verification.

PinShift starts on Free: Fixed location, map search, coordinates, up to three favorites, and Restore Real Location need no purchase. If you choose a Pro movement control, PinShift explains the Monthly, Annual, and Lifetime plans before opening Stripe Checkout for this Mac.

2. Connect and trust the iPhone

  1. Unlock the iPhone and connect it directly by USB.
  2. If iOS asks whether to trust the computer, tap Trust and enter the iPhone passcode.
  3. Open the Devices page in PinShift and select Check again.
  4. Confirm PinShift shows the expected device model without exposing a full device identifier.

3. Enable Developer Mode when required

If the readiness panel reports that Developer Mode is off:

  1. On the iPhone, open Settings → Privacy & Security.
  2. Choose Developer Mode and follow Apple's on-device restart flow.
  3. Confirm Developer Mode after restart, unlock the phone, reconnect USB, and choose Check again.

PinShift does not promise to work without Developer Mode and will not bypass it.

4. Let PinShift prepare developer services

Modern iOS versions can require a compatible developer image, tunnel, and DVT service before simulation is ready. PinShift presents each readiness state separately and gives an actionable next step. Preparation can use the internet when a missing developer-support file must be obtained.

5. Run a Fixed test

  1. Open Map.
  2. Choose Fixed.
  3. Select a place on the map, use search, or enter latitude and longitude manually.
  4. Review the selected coordinate and readiness state.
  5. Select Start fixed.
  6. Open the location-sensitive app you are testing and verify its behavior yourself.

6. Stop and restore the real location

  1. Return to PinShift while the iPhone is still connected and unlocked.
  2. Select Stop and restore real location.
  3. Wait for PinShift to confirm that the clear command completed.
  4. Verify the expected real-location behavior in an app you control, then disconnect.

7. Keep PinShift updated

An updater-enabled installation checks once when PinShift opens without blocking launch. When a newer signed version is available, choose Update now or Later. You can also open Settings → App updates and choose Check for updates.

Update installation stays unavailable while device work is running or the real location may still need to be restored. Finish the operation, confirm Stop and restore real location, then return to the prompt. See App updates for verification and troubleshooting.

A signed Pro entitlement is stored separately from the application bundle, so replacing PinShift with a qualified update does not intentionally remove the current license. If Pro status needs to be reconciled afterward, use Refresh license or Activate existing license in Settings.

Next steps