Question 1

How do I install Trace?

Accepted Answer

Trace is currently available via TestFlight. Join the beta at testflight.apple.com/join/fmYFd8ud. You'll need iOS 16.0 or later and a physical device (Network Extension doesn't work in the simulator).

Question 2

Do I need to install a certificate?

Accepted Answer

Only if you want to inspect HTTPS traffic. For HTTP-only debugging, no certificate is needed. To inspect HTTPS, generate the root CA in Trace, install the profile, and enable full trust in Settings.

Question 3

Can Trace capture WebSocket traffic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trace has first-class WebSocket support. It captures the initial HTTP upgrade handshake and all subsequent WebSocket frames (text, binary, ping, pong, close).

Question 4

How does Trace capture traffic?

Accepted Answer

Trace uses a Network Extension packet tunnel provider to configure system-level proxy settings. When capture is active, iOS routes HTTP/HTTPS traffic through Trace's local proxy server.

Question 5

What is TLS MITM and is it safe?

Accepted Answer

TLS Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) is a technique for inspecting encrypted HTTPS traffic. Trace generates a root CA on your device that never leaves it, making it safe for debugging purposes.

Question 6

Is my captured data secure?

Accepted Answer

Captured data is stored in your device's App Group container with standard iOS sandbox protections. Trace doesn't send any data off your device.

Question 7

Is Trace really open source?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trace is licensed under MIT, one of the most permissive open source licenses. The complete source code is on GitHub.

Question 8

Can I use Trace on the simulator?

Accepted Answer

No. Network Extension packet tunnels require entitlements that only work on physical devices. Apple doesn't allow Network Extensions in the iOS simulator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

Features

Technical

Privacy & Security

Troubleshooting

Open source

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

How do I install Trace?

Do I need to install a certificate?

Why isn't Trace capturing any traffic?

Can I use Trace on the simulator?

Do I need a desktop app or companion software?

Features

Can Trace capture WebSocket traffic?

How do I modify requests before they're sent?

Can I export captures to analyze on my computer?

Does Trace support HTTP/2 and HTTP/3?

Can I use Trace for native app debugging?

Technical

How does Trace capture traffic?

What is TLS MITM and is it safe?

Why do some HTTPS requests show as encrypted?

Does Trace work with VPNs?

What data does Trace collect?

Privacy & Security

Is my captured data secure?

Should I remove the certificate when done debugging?

Can other people intercept my traffic with Trace?

Does Trace comply with privacy regulations?

Troubleshooting

The app crashes when I start capture

I installed the certificate but HTTPS traffic is still encrypted

Capture works but I see no requests

Performance is slow when capture is active

How do I report a bug?

Open source

Is Trace really open source?

Can I contribute to Trace?

How is Trace funded?

Can I fork Trace for commercial use?

Still have questions?