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inspect_cli.png Inspect CLI is the spiritual successor to ios-webkit-debug-proxy, handling device communication, simulator discovery, and protocol mappings between WebKit and CDP. It’s the command-line counterpart to Inspect, providing lower-level CDP endpoints for iOS debugging.
Note: Inspect CLI is a commercial product that requires an Inspect Pro or Inspect Teams subscription.

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Installation

npm install -g @inspectdotdev/cli
Start Inspect CLI by running 
inspect

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📱 What is Inspect CLI?

Key Features:
  • 🔍 Debug iOS websites and WebView with Chrome DevTools
  • 🔐 Discovery of iOS Simulators
  • 📱 Automatic device discovery and connection
  • ⚡ Fast setup - works in seconds

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📋 System Requirements

  • Node.js: 16 or higher
  • OS: Works on MacOS, Windows and Linux.
  • iOS Devices: iOS 12+ with Web Inspector enabled

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🔐 Authentication

Before using Inspect CLI, you need to authenticate with your inspect.dev account: 
# Login to your inspect.dev account
inspect login

# Logout when done
inspect logout

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📖 Usage

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Basic Usage

# Start Inspect with default settings
inspect

# Start with debug output
inspect --debug

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Advanced Configuration

# Use custom ports
inspect --ports 9221,9222

# Filter to specific device
inspect --device-id 4ea8dd11e8c4fbc1a2deadbeefa0fd3bbbb268c7

# Use custom DevTools frontend
inspect --frontend http://chrome-devtools-frontend.appspot.com/static/latest/devtools.html

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📋 Command Reference

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Commands

CommandDescription
inspect loginLogin to inspect.dev using OAuth
inspect logoutLogout from inspect.dev
inspectStart the debug server

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Options

OptionShortDescriptionDefault
--ports-pPort assignment configuration9221,9222
--frontend-fFrontend source URL or pathdevtools://devtools/bundled/inspector.html
--device-id-dFilter to specific device ID
--debugEnable verbose outputfalse
--helpShow help
--versionShow version

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🔌 Getting Started

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1. Connect Your Device

For iOS:
  1. Connect iPhone/iPad via USB
  2. Enable Web Inspector: Settings → Safari → Advanced → Web Inspector
  3. Trust your computer when prompted

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2. Start Inspect

inspect

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3. Open DevTools

  1. Visit http://localhost:9221 to see connected devices
  2. Click on your device to see available apps
  3. Click on an app to open Chrome DevTools

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🔧 Configuration

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Port Configuration

By default, Inspect CLI uses ports 9221 and 9222:
  • 9221: Device list server
  • 9222: Debug target server
Change ports if needed: 
inspect --ports 8221,8222

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Custom DevTools Frontend

Use a different DevTools frontend: 
inspect --frontend http://chrome-devtools-frontend.appspot.com/static/latest/devtools.html

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🐛 Troubleshooting

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Common Issues

“Not authenticated” error: 
inspect login
“Port already in use” error: 
inspect --ports 8221,8222
iOS device not showing:
  • Ensure Web Inspector is enabled in Safari settings
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable
  • Check that you’ve trusted the computer