Pairing file generation

​

What is a pairing file?

• Device-specific certificates and keys
• Trusted credentials for lockdown communication
• WiFi debugging authorization
• UDID and device identification

​

Supported applications

​

How pairing file generation works

// From plume_utils/src/device.rs:171
let mut pairing_file = usbmuxd.get_pair_record(&self.udid).await?;

// From plume_utils/src/device.rs:177
lc.set_value(
    "EnableWifiDebugging",
    true.into(),
    Some("com.apple.mobile.wireless_lockdown"),
).await.ok();

pairing_file.udid = Some(self.udid.clone());

// From plume_utils/src/device.rs:187
let hc = HouseArrestClient::connect(&provider).await?;
let mut ac = hc.vend_documents(identifier.clone()).await?;

​

Automatic installation

1. App detection - Impactor identifies the app by bundle ID or name
2. Path determination - The correct file path is selected based on the app
3. Directory creation - Parent directories are created if needed
4. File installation - The pairing file is written to the app’s container

// From plume_utils/src/options.rs:276
pub fn pairing_file_path(&self) -> Option<&'static str> {
    match self {
        SideStore => Some("/Documents/ALTPairingFile.mobiledevicepairing"),
        Antrag | Feather | Protokolle => Some("/Documents/pairingFile.plist"),
        LiveContainer => Some("/Documents/SideStore/Documents/ALTPairingFile.mobiledevicepairing"),
        // ...
    }
}

​

Manual pairing file installation

​

Re-trusting your device

// From plume_utils/src/device.rs:132
pub async fn pair(&self) -> Result<(), Error> {
    let mut lc = LockdownClient::connect(&provider).await?;
    let id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4().to_string().to_uppercase();
    let buid = usbmuxd.get_buid().await?;
    let mut pairing_file = lc.pair(id, buid).await?;
    pairing_file.udid = Some(self.udid.clone());
    let pairing_file = pairing_file.serialize()?;
    usbmuxd.save_pair_record(&self.udid, pairing_file).await?;
}

​

Technical implementation

​

House Arrest protocol

// Connect to House Arrest
let hc = HouseArrestClient::connect(&provider).await?;
// Access app's Documents directory
let mut ac = hc.vend_documents(identifier.clone()).await?;

​

Directory creation

// From plume_utils/src/device.rs:193
if let Some(parent) = Path::new(path).parent() {
    for component in parent.components() {
        if let Component::Normal(dir) = component {
            current.push_str(&dir.to_string_lossy());
            ac.mk_dir(&current).await?;
        }
    }
}

​

File writing

let mut f = ac.open(path, AfcFopenMode::Wr).await?;
f.write_entire(&pairing_file.serialize().unwrap()).await?;

​

Verifying installation

1. Open the app on your device
2. Check for WiFi connectivity features
3. For SideStore: Navigate to Settings → Check “WiFi Sync”
4. For Feather: Verify the pairing file appears in Settings

​

Troubleshooting

​

Pairing file not working

• Ensure WiFi debugging is enabled
• Verify the device is on the same network
• Check that the pairing file hasn’t expired
• Re-trust your device and regenerate the file

​

”Device not paired” error

• Connect via USB and unlock your device
• Trust your computer when prompted
• Use Impactor’s “Re-trust Device” utility

​

App can’t find pairing file

• Verify the file path matches the app’s expectations
• Check file permissions in the app container
• Reinstall the app and pairing file together

​

Security considerations

• Pairing files grant full access to your device
• They can be used to install apps, read files, and access system information
• Store them securely and regenerate them if compromised
• Each device has unique pairing files

​

Next steps