How to Install IPA with AltStore (Step by Step)

AltStore is the best-known way to sideload IPA files without jailbreaking. It uses your Apple ID to sign apps, the same way Apple's own Xcode signs apps for developers testing on their phones. A helper app on your computer, AltServer, installs AltStore and later refreshes your apps over Wi-Fi.

What you need

• A Windows 10/11 PC or a Mac.
• An iPhone or iPad. AltStore supports a wide range of iOS versions; check the AltStore website for the current minimum.
• A cable for the first setup.
• An Apple ID. We strongly suggest a secondary Apple ID used only for sideloading.
• Windows only: iTunes and iCloud. Follow AltStore's instructions on which versions to install, because the wrong ones are the most common cause of "device not found" errors.

Step 1: Install AltServer

1. Go to the official AltStore website and download AltServer for your system.
2. Windows: run the installer. AltServer appears as a diamond icon in the system tray, and you may need to click the ^ arrow to see it.
   Mac: move AltServer to Applications and open it. The icon appears in the menu bar.
3. Windows: open iTunes, select your iPhone and tick Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi. This lets AltServer refresh apps without a cable later.

Step 2: Install AltStore on your iPhone

1. Connect the iPhone with a cable, unlock it and tap Trust.
2. Click the AltServer icon › Install AltStore › choose your iPhone.
3. Enter your Apple ID and password. AltServer sends these only to Apple to create a signing certificate.
4. After a minute, AltStore appears on your Home Screen.

Step 3: Trust AltStore and turn on Developer Mode

1. Settings › General › VPN & Device Management › tap your Apple ID › Trust.
2. iOS 16 and later: Settings › Privacy & Security › Developer Mode › On › Restart › Turn On.
3. Open AltStore and sign in with the same Apple ID (Settings tab).

Step 4: Sideload an IPA

1. Save the .ipa to the Files app, either with a download in Safari or by AirDrop from your computer.
2. Open AltStore › My Apps › tap + in the top corner.
3. Pick the IPA. AltStore signs and installs it, and a progress ring shows on the app.
4. Open the app from your Home Screen.

Refreshing: the 7-day rule

Apps signed with a free Apple ID stop opening after 7 days. AltStore refreshes them for you when:

• AltServer is running on your computer,
• the iPhone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi, and
• you open AltStore now and then (or tap Refresh All).

The My Apps tab shows how many days each app has left. If an app has already expired, refresh it and it opens again. Your game saves are not lost.

Free Apple ID limits

With the 3-app limit, you can deactivate an app in AltStore to free a slot without losing its data, and reactivate it later.

Common AltStore problems

• "Could not find AltServer": the phone and computer are on different networks, or Wi-Fi sync is off (Windows), or a firewall is blocking AltServer.
• "Device not found" on Windows: reinstall iTunes and iCloud using AltStore's recommended versions, then restart.
• "Maximum number of apps": you hit the 3-app limit. Deactivate one app.
• App closes immediately: it has expired or Developer Mode is off. See all fixes.

Want to drop the computer entirely? SideStore is built on AltStore and refreshes on the phone itself.