How to Install IPA Files on iPhone (2026 Guide)

An IPA file is an iOS app package. Unlike an Android APK, you cannot just tap it to install. iOS only runs code that has been signed for your device. Every method below does the same job in a different way: it signs the IPA so that your iPhone accepts it.

Before you start

• An Apple ID. A free one works. We recommend a separate Apple ID just for sideloading, so your main account's password never goes into a third-party tool.
• The IPA file, from a source you trust. If you're not sure, verify the file first.
• Free storage. Allow about twice the IPA's size while it installs.
• Your iOS version (Settings › General › About). It decides whether TrollStore is an option.

Every IPA install method compared

Method 1: AltStore (best for most people)

AltStore puts a small app store on your iPhone. A companion app, AltServer, runs on your Windows PC or Mac and re-signs your apps in the background whenever both devices are on the same Wi-Fi.

1. Install AltServer from the official AltStore website on your PC or Mac.
2. Connect your iPhone with a cable, unlock it and tap Trust This Computer.
3. From the AltServer menu, choose Install AltStore, pick your iPhone and sign in with your Apple ID.
4. On the iPhone, open AltStore › My Apps › + and select the IPA from Files.

The full AltStore guide covers the Windows requirements and Wi-Fi refresh.

Method 2: SideStore (refresh without a computer)

SideStore is a community fork of AltStore. It refreshes apps on the iPhone itself using a local VPN connection, so after a one-time setup you never need the computer again. The trade-off is a slightly more technical setup. You create a pairing file once on a computer. Follow the SideStore guide →

Bonus: LiveContainer + SideStore (more than 3 apps)

LiveContainer runs apps inside itself, so they do not count toward the free 3-app limit. The LiveContainer + SideStore build refreshes on the device and needs a computer only once. Follow the LiveContainer + SideStore guide →

Method 3: Sideloadly (simple one-off installs)

Sideloadly is a desktop app for Windows and Mac. You drag in the IPA, type your Apple ID and click Start. It is the fastest way to install a single IPA, but it has no automatic refresh. After 7 days you connect the phone again and repeat.

Method 4: Paid Apple Developer account

An Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year) lifts the free-account limits. Apps stay signed for a year, and you can register up to 100 devices of each type. It is the most reliable option if you sideload a lot, or if you test your own games.

Method 5: TrollStore (permanent, only on some iOS versions)

TrollStore uses an iOS signing bug to install IPAs permanently, with no refresh and no app limit. It only works on specific iOS versions (roughly iOS 14.0 through 16.6.1, plus 16.7 RC and 17.0). Apple fixed the bug in later updates, so if you are on a newer version this option is not available. Do not downgrade or stay on old iOS versions just for it, because they miss security fixes.

After installing: trust and Developer Mode

1. Trust the certificate: Settings › General › VPN & Device Management › tap your Apple ID › Trust.
2. Turn on Developer Mode (iOS 16 and later): Settings › Privacy & Security › Developer Mode › On. The iPhone restarts and asks you to confirm.
3. Open the app while you are online. The first launch checks the certificate with Apple.

Which method should you choose?

• Have a computer at home: AltStore.
• Want to be free of the computer: SideStore.
• Only need one app, once: Sideloadly.
• On iOS 14.0–16.6.1 or 17.0: TrollStore.
• Heavy sideloader or developer: a paid developer account.

Most free games do not need any of this, because they install straight from the App Store. Browse IPA games, and use sideloading only for apps that are not in the store.