How to use the command 'idevice_id' (with examples)
The idevice_id command is part of the libimobiledevice suite, a set of cross-platform tools for interacting with iOS devices. This particular command is used for listing the unique device identifiers (UDIDs) of attached iOS devices. UDIDs are essential when identifying devices for development, testing, or managing devices on a larger scale. In addition to displaying UDIDs for physically connected devices, idevice_id can also list devices accessible over the network.
Use case 1: List the UDIDs of all attached devices
Code:
idevice_id --list
Motivation:
This command is frequently used by developers or IT professionals who need to identify all iOS devices currently connected to their computer via USB. This information is crucial, especially during development when deploying or debugging applications, or when managing multiple devices.
Explanation:
idevice_id: This is the base command used to interface with iOS devices connected to the computer.--list: This option tells the command to list all unique device identifiers (UDIDs) of the iOS devices physically connected through USB. A UDID is a specific 40-character string unique to each iOS device, enabling precise identification and management.
Example output:
1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef12345678
abcdef1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef12
In this example, the output shows two devices currently connected. Each line represents the UDID of a different device.
Use case 2: List the UDIDs of all devices available via the network
Code:
idevice_id --network
Motivation:
This use case is particularly useful in environments where devices are distributed over a network rather than physically connected. It allows for the management and identification of iOS devices that are on the same local network, which is beneficial in scenarios like a school or enterprise setting where multiple devices need to be monitored or managed without direct access.
Explanation:
idevice_id: This is the base command that engages with iOS devices.--network: This argument modifies the command to search for iOS devices accessible over the local network rather than those directly connected via USB. This is useful for environments where devices are not tethered to a single machine but are instead connected to a shared network.
Example output:
abcdef1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef12
0987654321abcdef0987654321abcdef09876543
Here, the output lists the UDIDs for devices found on the network. Each UDID corresponds to a unique device, allowing for easy tracking and management across a broader network environment.
Conclusion:
The idevice_id command is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in managing iOS devices, whether through physical connections or network configurations. By providing a straightforward approach to listing UDIDs, it aids developers and IT professionals in identifying and managing the growing landscape of iOS devices efficiently, whether for application development, testing, or enterprise device management.
