# Podfile.lock is not in sync with the sandbox

> Getting the error “Podfile.lock is not in sync with the sandbox”? Here is how to fix it. A plugin changed and the iOS project was not synced.

**Podfile.lock is not in sync with the sandbox.** The installed pods no longer match Podfile.lock — usually a Capacitor plugin was added or updated without syncing the iOS project.

- iOS build. CocoaPods is out of sync.
- Interactive page: https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/podfile-lock-out-of-sync
- Build error explainer: https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer
- Last updated: 2026-10-03

## What this error means

The installed pods no longer match Podfile.lock — usually a Capacitor plugin was added or updated without syncing the iOS project.

## Why it happens

Podfile.lock records the pods that were installed. A plugin change updated one side and not the other, so the Xcode build refuses to continue.

## The message tools print

```
error: The sandbox is not in sync with the Podfile.lock. Run 'pod install' or update your CocoaPods installation.
```

## How to fix it

1. Run npx cap sync ios — it runs pod install for you.
2. Commit the updated Podfile.lock.
3. On CI, run npx cap sync ios before building.

## Check a log that shows this

Paste the failing step into the [build error explainer](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer). It matches this message, and any others in the same log, in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

## Other iOS build errors

- [No signing certificate "iOS Distribution" found](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/no-signing-certificate)
- [No profiles for your bundle ID were found](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/no-provisioning-profile)
- [Xcode: signing requires a development team](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/requires-a-development-team)
- [Provisioning profile doesn't support the capability](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/provisioning-profile-missing-capability)
- [CocoaPods could not find compatible versions](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/cocoapods-could-not-find-compatible-versions)
- [PhaseScriptExecution failed with a nonzero exit code](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/phasescriptexecution-failed)
- [Undefined symbols for architecture arm64](https://capwr.app/free-tools/build-error-explainer/undefined-symbols-for-architecture)

## Stop signing this on a Mac

CapWrapp creates the Apple Distribution certificate from your App Store Connect API key and installs it, with the provisioning profile, on every GitHub Actions build.

[Get started free](https://capwr.app/login).

## About CapWrapp

CapWrapp turns a web app on GitHub — built with Lovable, Bolt, Base44, Cursor or by hand — into iPhone and Android apps. It adds Capacitor if the repo needs it, signs the builds, and ships them to TestFlight and Google Play from GitHub Actions, with no Mac or Xcode on your side. [Get started free](https://capwr.app/login) · [Lovable to App Store guide](https://capwr.app/guides/lovable-to-app-store)