How to use the command 'iproxy' (with examples)

The iproxy command is a powerful tool designed to assist developers and network administrators by binding local TCP ports to be forwarded to specified ports on a usbmux device. This capability is particularly useful when working with iOS devices connected via USB, allowing seamless data communication and port forwarding without requiring network connectivity. The command is invaluable for debugging, testing, and managing iOS applications and services directly from a local machine.

Use case 1: Bind a local TCP port and forward it to a port on the connected USB device

Code:

iproxy 8080:80

Motivation:

In a scenario where a developer needs to test a web application hosted on an iOS device, running a local server on the device’s port 80, using iproxy facilitates access directly from the developer’s local machine. This eliminates the need for setting up a network connection, providing a direct, secure communication channel.

Explanation:

• 8080: This is the local machine’s port that is being bound. It allows any traffic sent to the local machine on port 8080 to be forwarded.
• 80: This is the port on the connected iOS device which hosts the destination web service or application.

Example Output:

On executing the command, the local TCP port 8080 is listening for incoming connections and forwards them to the iOS device’s port 80. A web browser can be pointed to http://localhost:8080 to access the application on the device.

Use case 2: Bind multiple local TCP ports and forward them to the respective ports on the connected USB device

Code:

iproxy 8080:80 8443:443

Motivation:

When working on multiple services on an iOS device, such as a web server (HTTP) and a secure server (HTTPS), having the ability to bind multiple local ports to their respective device ports simplifies simultaneous access and testing from a development machine.

Explanation:

• 8080:80: As previously explained, this forwards local port 8080 to device port 80, typically used for HTTP traffic.
• 8443:443: This forwards local port 8443 to device port 443, which is traditionally used for HTTPS, allowing encrypted traffic.

Example Output:

Once executed, access to the web service on the iOS device can be achieved via http://localhost:8080 for HTTP or https://localhost:8443 for HTTPS, allowing the developer to interact with and test both services concurrently.

Use case 3: Bind a local port and forward it to a specific device by UDID

Code:

iproxy --udid abc123def456 9090:90

Motivation:

In environments with multiple iOS devices connected, such as a testing lab, distinguishing between devices becomes crucial. Using the device’s Unique Device Identifier (UDID) ensures that the iproxy command targets and communicates with the precise device intended, avoiding potential data misrouting.

Explanation:

• --udid abc123def456: This specifies the exact device to connect to using its unique identifier, ensuring accurate device targeting.
• 9090:90: This binds local port 9090 to the specified device’s port 90, forwarding all local traffic appropriately.

Example Output:

After executing the command, traffic directed to localhost:9090 is forwarded specifically to port 90 on the device with UDID abc123def456, enabling precise testing or interaction with that particular device’s service.

Use case 4: Bind a local port and forward it to a network-connected device with WiFi sync enabled

Code:

iproxy --network 7070:70

Motivation:

In cases where an iOS device supports WiFi syncing and is part of the same local network as the development machine, iproxy can facilitate connectivity without requiring physical USB connections. This is particularly beneficial for development and testing in environments where physical access to the device is limited.

Explanation:

• --network: This flag indicates that iproxy should establish the connection over a network rather than USB, utilizing WiFi sync capabilities.
• 7070:70: Local port 7070 is bound and forwarded to port 70 on the network-connected device.

Example Output:

With the command executed, data sent to localhost:7070 on the development machine is seamlessly directed to port 70 on the iOS device over the network, enabling WiFi-based testing or service interaction.

Conclusion:

The iproxy command is an efficient and versatile tool for developers interacting with iOS devices. By understanding its various use cases, developers can streamline testing and development workflows without cumbersome network setups or device management complexities. Whether it’s targeting specific devices, forwarding multiple ports, or taking advantage of network connectivity, iproxy offers robust solutions to modern development challenges.