> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mobster.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Timed out while enabling automation mode

> iOS asked for your passcode before it let Mobster's helper start, and nobody answered for 60 seconds. Turn on Enable UI Automation in Settings.

You see this: The helper's log on the iPhone ends with `Failed to initialize for UI testing: ... Timed out while enabling automation mode.` Mobster shows `On your iPhone, turn on Settings › Developer › Enable UI Automation` instead.

## Why it happens

Before it starts UI automation, iOS waits for the passcode unless **Enable UI Automation** is on. The wait ends after 60 seconds, and the helper doesn't start. In the run recorded for this page (14 Oct 2026), the failure came 60 seconds after `Running tests...`.

## Fix

1. On the iPhone, open **Settings › Developer** and turn on **Enable UI Automation**. If iOS asks for the passcode, enter it.
2. Keep the phone unlocked while the helper starts.
3. Start the helper again from Mobster for Mac, or run `mobster serve --manage-device`. It starts by itself about 2 seconds after iOS turns automation mode on.

## Check it worked

The helper answers at `http://127.0.0.1:8100`, and `mobster doctor` prints `✓ WebDriverAgent`. Once the switch is on, iOS stops asking.

Checked 26 Oct 2026 against Mobster 0.4.0. Back to [Troubleshooting](https://docs.mobster.dev/troubleshooting.md#iphone).


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