# Flutter iOS: Error running pod install — CocoaPods not installed or out of date / [!] CocoaPods could not find compatible versions for pod

**Code:** `CocoaPods: pod install failed / not installed` · **Category:** Flutter / Dart · **Seen on:** Flutter, iOS

The iOS build cannot install its native dependencies because CocoaPods is missing, outdated or a pod's version constraints conflict.

## Meaning

Install CocoaPods (`sudo gem install cocoapods` or `brew install cocoapods`), then in `ios/` run `pod repo update` and `pod install`. Conflicts mean a plugin requires a newer iOS target or incompatible Firebase SDKs; run `pod install --repo-update` and align versions.

## Common causes

- CocoaPods not installed or old
- Podfile.lock out of sync with plugins
- Outdated spec repo
- iOS deployment target too low
- Ruby/arch problems on Apple Silicon

## Quick fix

1. `brew install cocoapods` then `cd ios && pod repo update && pod install`
2. Delete `Podfile.lock` and `Pods/` and reinstall
3. Raise `platform :ios, '13.0'` in Podfile

## Detailed fix by platform

### Flutter

1. `cd ios && rm -rf Pods Podfile.lock && pod install --repo-update`

## How to diagnose

1. **Pods** — Installed version?
2. **Lock** — Stale?
3. **Target** — iOS platform line?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/flutter/cocoapods-pod-install-failed)