The App Store has over two million apps. But not everything you want is there.
Learning how to sideload apps on iPhone opens the door to emulators, tweaked apps, and software Apple never approved.
Until recently, this meant jailbreaking. Not anymore.
Tools like AltStore, Sideloadly, and SideStore let you install IPA files without jailbreak on iOS 17, iOS 18, and later versions. EU users now have official alternative app marketplaces thanks to the Digital Markets Act.
This guide covers four methods to install apps outside the App Store, complete with step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting fixes, and a comparison table to help you pick the right approach for your situation.
How to Sideload Apps on iPhone: Quick Workflow
The fastest and most reliable way to sideload apps on an iPhone (without jailbreaking) is through AltStore. Here’s the short version.
Before You Start
- A Mac or Windows PC
- A USB cable (Lightning or USB-C)
- An Apple ID (free works, but limits you to 3 apps)
- iTunes and iCloud installed on Windows (Mac users just need Finder)
- The .ipa file of the app you want to install
Setup Steps
- Download and install AltServer on your computer from altstore.io
- Connect your iPhone via USB and tap Trust when prompted
- Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac), select your device, and enable “Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi”, then hit Apply
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode and turn it on. Your phone will restart
- Launch AltServer on your computer and keep it running in the background
- Click the AltServer icon in the system tray or menu bar, select Install AltStore, and pick your iPhone
- Enter your Apple ID credentials when asked
Trust the Developer Profile
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
- Find the profile linked to your Apple ID and tap Trust
Install Your App
- Open AltStore on your iPhone
- Tap the My Apps tab
- Hit the + button in the top corner
- Browse to your .ipa file in the Files app and select it
- Wait for it to install. Done.
Keep It Alive
- Free Apple ID apps expire every 7 days
- To refresh, make sure your iPhone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network with AltServer running
- Open AltStore > My Apps > tap Refresh All
That’s basically it. If you want something even simpler, Sideloadly is another solid option. You just drag and drop the .ipa file into the app window, sign in with your Apple ID, and hit start. Same 7-day limit applies with a free account, though.
What Is Sideloading on iPhone?
Sideloading is the process of installing IPA files on your iPhone without using the Apple App Store.
Users need this when accessing emulators like Delta, tweaked apps, or software Apple rejected from its official store.
This guide covers multiple iPhone app installation methods for iOS 17, iOS 18, and later versions. Expect 10-30 minutes depending on your chosen method and whether you have a free or paid Apple Developer account.
Prerequisites
Before you start, check these requirements:
- iOS version: iOS 14 or later (iOS 17.4+ required for EU marketplace method)
- Computer: macOS 10.14.4+ or Windows 10/11 with iTunes installed
- Apple ID: Free account allows 3 active apps with 7-day certificate expiration; paid developer account ($99/year) removes these limits
- USB cable: Lightning or USB-C depending on your iPhone model
- IPA file: The app file you want to install
- Internet connection: Required for app signing and verification
Got everything? Pick your method below.
Method One: Sideloading with AltStore (Worldwide)
AltStore, created by Riley Testut, is the most popular tool to install apps on iPhone without the App Store.
It works worldwide on any iOS device running iOS 14 or later.
How Do You Install AltServer on Your Computer?
Download AltServer from altstore.io for macOS or Windows. Run the installer and the app appears in your menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows).
Action:
- macOS: Drag AltServer to Applications folder
- Windows: Install iTunes and iCloud from Apple’s website first (not Microsoft Store versions)
- Launch AltServer after installation completes
How Do You Connect Your iPhone to AltServer?
Plug your iPhone into your computer via USB cable. Tap “Trust” on your iPhone when the prompt appears and enter your passcode.
Action:
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
- Select your device and enable “Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi”
- Keep the device unlocked during setup
How Do You Install AltStore on Your iPhone?
Click the AltServer icon, select “Install AltStore,” then choose your connected iPhone. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted.
Action:
- AltServer menu > Install AltStore > [Your iPhone]
- Sign in with Apple ID (used only for code signing)
- Wait 30-60 seconds for installation
The AltStore app now appears on your home screen. You still need to trust the app on your iPhone before opening it.
How Do You Sideload an IPA File Using AltStore?
Open AltStore on your iPhone, tap the “My Apps” tab, then tap the + icon to browse for your downloaded IPA file.
Action:
- Download your IPA file using Safari
- AltStore > My Apps > + icon > Browse
- Select the IPA from your Files app
- Enter Apple ID if prompted
The app signing process takes 10-30 seconds. Your sideloaded app appears in the App Library once complete.
How Do You Trust the Sideloaded App?
iOS blocks unsigned apps until you manually approve the developer certificate in Settings. This step is required for every new signing certificate.
Action:
- Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
- Tap your Apple ID email under “Developer App”
- Tap “Trust [your email]” > Trust
Learn more about how to verify an app on iPhone if you encounter issues.
Method Two: Sideloading with Sideloadly (Worldwide)
Sideloadly offers a simpler desktop-based approach to USB sideloading. No need to install anything on your iPhone first.
How Do You Download and Set Up Sideloadly?
Get Sideloadly from sideloadly.io for your operating system. Windows users must install the web version of iTunes (not Microsoft Store) beforehand.
Action:
- Download from sideloadly.io
- macOS: Move to Applications, allow in Security & Privacy settings
- Windows: Install, then install Apple web iTunes if missing
How Do You Sideload an IPA File with Sideloadly?
Drag your IPA file into the Sideloadly window, enter your Apple ID, and click Start. The tool handles all code signing automatically.
Action:
- Connect iPhone via USB
- Drag IPA into Sideloadly or click the IPA icon to browse
- Enter Apple ID email and password
- Click “Start” and wait for completion
After installation, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to trust the developer certificate. The process is identical to AltStore.
How Do You Configure Advanced Sideloadly Settings?
Click “Advanced Options” in Sideloadly to customize your installation. These settings help fix compatibility issues or modify app behavior.
Useful options:
- Remove app limitation: Fixes “DeviceNotSupportedByThinning” errors
- Change bundle ID: Allows installing multiple copies of the same app (useful if you want to duplicate apps on iPhone)
- Change app name: Rename the app on your home screen
- Inject dylibs: Add tweaks to non-jailbroken devices
Method Three: Alternative App Marketplaces (EU Only)
The Digital Markets Act forced Apple to allow alternative app stores in the European Union starting with iOS 17.4.
This is the only official method to download third-party apps on iPhone without computer tools or certificate expiration.
What Are the Requirements for EU Sideloading?
You must physically be in an EU country with your Apple Account region
What Is Sideloading on iPhone?
Sideloading is the process of installing IPA files on your iPhone without using the Apple App Store.
Users need this when accessing emulators like Delta, tweaked apps, or software Apple rejected from its official store.
This guide covers multiple iPhone app installation methods for iOS 17, iOS 18, and later versions. Expect 10-30 minutes depending on your chosen method and whether you have a free or paid Apple Developer account.
Prerequisites
Before you start, check these requirements:
- iOS version: iOS 14 or later (iOS 17.4+ required for EU marketplace method)
- Computer: macOS 10.14.4+ or Windows 10/11 with iTunes installed
- Apple ID: Free account allows 3 active apps with 7-day certificate expiration; paid developer account ($99/year) removes these limits
- USB cable: Lightning or USB-C depending on your iPhone model
- IPA file: The app file you want to install
- Internet connection: Required for app signing and verification
Got everything? Pick your method below.
Method One: Sideloading with AltStore (Worldwide)
AltStore, created by Riley Testut, is the most popular tool to install apps on iPhone without the App Store.
It works worldwide on any iOS device running iOS 14 or later.
How Do You Install AltServer on Your Computer?
Download AltServer from altstore.io for macOS or Windows. Run the installer and the app appears in your menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows).
Action:
- macOS: Drag AltServer to Applications folder
- Windows: Install iTunes and iCloud from Apple’s website first (not Microsoft Store versions)
- Launch AltServer after installation completes
How Do You Connect Your iPhone to AltServer?
Plug your iPhone into your computer via USB cable. Tap “Trust” on your iPhone when the prompt appears and enter your passcode.
Action:
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
- Select your device and enable “Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi”
- Keep the device unlocked during setup
How Do You Install AltStore on Your iPhone?
Click the AltServer icon, select “Install AltStore,” then choose your connected iPhone. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted.
Action:
- AltServer menu > Install AltStore > [Your iPhone]
- Sign in with Apple ID (used only for code signing)
- Wait 30-60 seconds for installation
The AltStore app now appears on your home screen. You still need to trust the app on your iPhone before opening it.
How Do You Sideload an IPA File Using AltStore?
Open AltStore on your iPhone, tap the “My Apps” tab, then tap the + icon to browse for your downloaded IPA file.
Action:
- Download your IPA file using Safari
- AltStore > My Apps > + icon > Browse
- Select the IPA from your Files app
- Enter Apple ID if prompted
The app signing process takes 10-30 seconds. Your sideloaded app appears in the App Library once complete.
How Do You Trust the Sideloaded App?
iOS blocks unsigned apps until you manually approve the developer certificate in Settings. This step is required for every new signing certificate.
Action:
- Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
- Tap your Apple ID email under “Developer App”
- Tap “Trust [your email]” > Trust
Learn more about how to verify an app on iPhone if you encounter issues.
Method Two: Sideloading with Sideloadly (Worldwide)
Sideloadly offers a simpler desktop-based approach to USB sideloading. No need to install anything on your iPhone first.
How Do You Download and Set Up Sideloadly?
Get Sideloadly from sideloadly.io for your operating system. Windows users must install the web version of iTunes (not Microsoft Store) beforehand.
Action:
- Download from sideloadly.io
- macOS: Move to Applications, allow in Security & Privacy settings
- Windows: Install, then install Apple web iTunes if missing
How Do You Sideload an IPA File with Sideloadly?
Drag your IPA file into the Sideloadly window, enter your Apple ID, and click Start. The tool handles all code signing automatically.
Action:
- Connect iPhone via USB
- Drag IPA into Sideloadly or click the IPA icon to browse
- Enter Apple ID email and password
- Click “Start” and wait for completion
After installation, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to trust the developer certificate. The process is identical to AltStore.
How Do You Configure Advanced Sideloadly Settings?
Click “Advanced Options” in Sideloadly to customize your installation. These settings help fix compatibility issues or modify app behavior.
Useful options:
- Remove app limitation: Fixes “DeviceNotSupportedByThinning” errors
- Change bundle ID: Allows installing multiple copies of the same app (useful if you want to duplicate apps on iPhone)
- Change app name: Rename the app on your home screen
- Inject dylibs: Add tweaks to non-jailbroken devices
Method Three: Alternative App Marketplaces (EU Only)
The Digital Markets Act forced Apple to allow alternative app stores in the European Union starting with iOS 17.4.
This is the only official method to download third-party apps on iPhone without computer tools or certificate expiration.
What Are the Requirements for EU Sideloading?
You must physically be in an EU country with your Apple Account region set to an EU nation. VPNs do not work.
Requirements:
- iOS 17.4 or later
- Apple Account region: EU country
- Physical location: Inside European Union
- No VPN active during installation
How Do You Install an Alternative App Marketplace?
Visit a marketplace website like Aptoide, Setapp Mobile, or AltStore PAL using Safari. Tap “Install” and iOS guides you through authorization.
Action:
- Open Safari > visit marketplace website
- Tap Install > Allow in the popup
- Settings > Privacy & Security > App Installation
- Enable the marketplace
Apple’s app notarization process checks all apps from these marketplaces for malware before distribution.
How Do You Download Apps from Alternative Marketplaces?
Open your installed marketplace app, browse or search for apps, and tap Install. No certificate trust or computer connection required.
Action:
- Launch the marketplace app
- Browse categories or search
- Tap Install on your chosen app
- App appears on home screen automatically
Apps installed through EU marketplaces do not expire. They update automatically through their source marketplace, similar to the official App Store.
FAQ on How To Sideload Apps On iPhone
Is sideloading apps on iPhone legal?
Yes. Sideloading IPA files on your own device is legal worldwide.
Apple discourages it but cannot prohibit it. The EU’s Digital Markets Act now requires Apple to allow alternative app marketplaces in European countries.
Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone to sideload apps?
No jailbreak required. Tools like AltStore, Sideloadly, and SideStore install apps using your Apple ID for code signing.
These methods work on stock iOS 14 through iOS 18 without modifying system files.
Why do sideloaded apps expire after 7 days?
Free Apple ID certificates expire in 7 days. This is Apple’s limitation on free developer accounts.
A paid Apple Developer account ($99/year) extends certificates to one year. Apps like SideStore can auto-refresh before expiration.
How many apps can I sideload with a free Apple ID?
Three active apps maximum. Apple restricts free accounts to 3 app IDs per week.
Paid developer accounts remove this limit entirely. Some users create multiple Apple IDs to work around this restriction.
Can I sideload apps without a computer?
Yes, with limitations. SideStore refreshes apps wirelessly after initial computer setup using WireGuard VPN.
EU users can install apps directly from alternative marketplaces like AltStore PAL or Aptoide without any computer.
What is an IPA file?
IPA stands for iOS App Store Package. It is the file format for iPhone and iPad applications.
You need IPA files to sideload apps. Download them from trusted sources or extract them from apps you own.
Will sideloading void my iPhone warranty?
No. Sideloading does not modify iOS system files or void your Apple warranty.
Unlike jailbreaking, these methods use Apple’s official provisioning system. Your device remains on stock iOS with all security features intact.
Why does my sideloaded app say “Unable to Verify App”?
Your certificate expired or was revoked. Connect to the same Wi-Fi as your computer running AltServer and refresh the app.
Alternatively, reinstall using Sideloadly. Learn how to install IPA on iPhone properly.
Can I update sideloaded apps?
Not automatically through the App Store. You must download the new IPA version and sideload it again.
Some third-party app stores like AltStore notify you when updates are available for apps in their repository.
Is sideloading safe for my iPhone?
Safe if you download IPA files from trusted sources. Avoid random websites offering cracked apps.
Consider learning how to check iPhone for viruses in settings if you install apps from unknown sources.
Conclusion
You now know how to sideload apps on iPhone using four different methods.
AltServer and Sideloadly handle USB sideloading for users worldwide. SideStore adds wireless app refresh through WireGuard VPN. EU residents get the easiest path with official alternative app stores.
Each method has tradeoffs. Free Apple ID accounts mean a seven-day certificate expiration and a three-app limit. Paid developer accounts remove these restrictions but cost $99 yearly.
Start with AltStore if you want the most flexible option. Use Sideloadly for quick one-time installations without iPhone software.
Whichever method you choose, always download IPA files from trusted sources. Keep your device management profiles organized and refresh apps before certificates expire.
After setting up your sideloaded apps, you might want to organize apps on your iPhone for easier access.
Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces and for free on Codepen.
Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Design Your Way, Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Speckyboy, and Slider Revolution among others.
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