Sideload Any IPA: How to Install iPhone Apps Without the App Store

Sideloading any IPA allows iOS users to install iPhone apps without the App Store by using specific tools to sign application packages with an Apple ID or enterprise certificate. This process bypasses Apple’s strict ecosystem restrictions, giving users the freedom to install modified apps, emulators, and discontinued software that are otherwise unavailable officially. By utilizing .ipa files—the standard format for iOS archives—users can manually deploy software onto their devices while maintaining the integrity of the core operating system.

The most reliable methods to achieve this involve using a computer with tools like Sideloadly or AltStore, which offer stability and automatic refreshing of app signatures. These PC-based solutions utilize a free Apple Developer account to sign the apps for seven days, ensuring they run natively on the iPhone without crashing. For users who prefer convenience, “No PC” methods such as Scarlet or Esign allow for direct installation through the Safari browser, though these are more susceptible to certificate revokes by Apple.

Regarding safety and system integrity, sideloading is generally safe as long as the IPA files are sourced from reputable communities, but it does come with specific maintenance requirements like the 7-day refresh rule. While this method does not require a jailbreak, users must be vigilant about managing “Untrusted Developer” errors and understanding the difference between signing an app and modifying the root file system. Furthermore, mastering the art of sideloading opens up a vast library of software possibilities, transforming the iPhone into a truly open platform.

What Are Sideloading and IPA Files on iOS?

Sideloading is the process of installing iOS applications from sources other than the official App Store, typically achieved by signing an IPA file, which is the iOS application archive package containing the app’s binary and resources.

To understand better, we must break down the technical relationship between the user’s device, the application file, and Apple’s security protocols. Unlike Android, where “Unknown Sources” is a simple toggle, iOS requires every app to be cryptographically signed by a valid certificate before the operating system allows it to launch. Sideloading essentially acts as a self-signing mechanism where the user becomes their own “developer.” By using an Apple ID, the user creates a temporary certificate that validates the .ipa file (iOS App Store Package), tricking the iPhone into believing the app is being tested by a developer. This grants access to a world of modded games (IPAs with infinite currency), utility apps (like clipboard managers), and emulators (like Delta or PPSSPP) that violate Apple’s strict App Store Review Guidelines.

Is Sideloading IPA Files Safe for My iPhone?

Yes, sideloading IPA files is generally safe for your iPhone provided that you download the files from trusted sources and understand that these apps run within Apple’s secure sandbox environment.

Specifically, the safety of sideloading hinges almost entirely on the provenance of the IPA file itself rather than the method of installation.

• Sandboxing Security: Even when an app is sideloaded, iOS forces it to run inside a “sandbox.” This means the app cannot access other apps’ data or critical system files without explicit permission from the user (such as Photos or Microphone access). This architectural security feature prevents a malicious sideloaded app from taking over the entire device, which is a key advantage over jailbreaking.
• Source Verification: The primary risk lies in the IPA file code. A modified IPA from a shady website could contain injected malware or spyware. Therefore, users must strictly adhere to reputable communities such as iOSGods, GitHub repositories of open-source projects, or the official websites of developers (e.g., the official AltStore website).
• Apple ID Protection: When using tools like Sideloadly, you are required to enter your Apple ID. Expert consensus suggests using a secondary “burner” Apple ID for sideloading purposes. While top-tier tools transmit this data securely to Apple’s servers for authentication only, using a separate account adds an extra layer of privacy and protects your main iCloud account from potential bans, however rare they may be.

Do I Need to Jailbreak to Sideload IPAs?

No, you do not need to jailbreak your device to sideload IPAs because sideloading leverages Apple’s official “Free Developer” feature to sign apps, whereas jailbreaking involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain root access.

To illustrate the difference, think of jailbreaking as removing the doors and locks from your house to renovate it, while sideloading is simply getting a temporary key to open the front door.

• Preserving Warranty and Security: Jailbreaking modifies the kernel of the iOS file system, which voids the device warranty and disables key security features, making banking apps stop working. Sideloading, conversely, operates entirely within the stock iOS parameters. It does not trip Samsung Knox-like counters or disable FaceID. Your phone remains in a “jailed” (stock) state, meaning it is secure against boot-looping or bricking, which are risks associated with jailbreaking.
• Mechanism of Action: Sideloading uses the `codesign` utility. Apple allows any user with an Apple ID to sign and install up to 3 apps on their device for testing purposes. Tools like Sideloadly automate this testing protocol. Jailbreaking tools (like unc0ver or Dopamine) inject code to bypass signature checks entirely. Since sideloading respects the signature check (by providing a valid one), it requires no system exploits, making it compatible with almost every iOS version, including the latest iOS 17 and iOS 18 betas, where jailbreaks are non-existent.

What Are the Best Methods to Sideload IPAs with a Computer?

The best methods to sideload IPAs with a computer are Sideloadly and AltStore, as these tools utilize the computer’s connection to strictly adhere to Apple’s signing protocols, offering the highest reliability and automatic refreshing capabilities.

Below, we analyze why computer-based installation is the “Gold Standard” for sideloading. Unlike web-based installations that rely on unstable Enterprise Certificates which Apple frequently revokes, computer methods use your personal Apple ID. This creates a direct link between your device and Apple’s developer servers. While this requires a tethered connection (via USB or Wi-Fi) initially, it guarantees that the app will function for at least 7 days. For power users who want consistency and do not want to wake up to find their apps crashing, using a Windows or macOS machine is the superior route.

Sideloadly vs. AltStore: Which Tool is Better?

Sideloadly wins on flexibility and ease of use for single installations, while AltStore is optimal for long-term use and automatic background refreshing.

More specifically, the choice between these two market leaders depends on the user’s specific workflow and technical needs.

• Sideloadly’s Competitive Advantage: Sideloadly is designed for speed and compatibility. It supports older iOS versions and offers advanced features like “JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation” enablement directly from the PC. Crucially, Sideloadly allows you to modify the IPA before installing it—you can change the app name, version number, or inject .dylib (tweaks) directly into the IPA interface. It acts as a “fire and forget” tool: you drag, drop, and install.
• AltStore’s Ecosystem Strength: AltStore takes a different approach by installing a secondary App Store on your device. Once AltStore is running, you can find and install IPAs directly on the phone without reconnecting to the PC, as long as the computer is on the same Wi-Fi network. Its “killer feature” is the background refresh. It automatically attempts to re-sign your apps before the 7-day expiry window closes. If you want a “set it and forget it” experience where your emulators don’t suddenly stop working, AltStore is the superior infrastructure.

How to Install IPA Files Using Sideloadly?

To install IPA files using Sideloadly, users must download the software, connect their device, drag the IPA into the interface, enter their Apple ID, and click “Start” to initiate the signing process.

Specifically, following this detailed procedure ensures a successful installation without “Guru Meditation” errors:

1. Preparation: Download and install Sideloadly and iTunes (non-Microsoft Store version) on your Windows PC or Mac. Ensure your iPhone is connected via USB and “Trust” the computer on your device screen.

2. Configuration: Open Sideloadly. Your device should appear in the “iDevice” field. Drag your desired .ipa file into the “IPA” box on the left side of the interface.

3. Authentication: Enter your Apple ID email in the designated field. When you click “Start,” you will be prompted for your password. This is sent directly to Apple servers to generate a signing certificate. If you have 2-Factor Authentication enabled, you will need to enter the 6-digit code sent to your device.

4. Injection and Installation: Click “Start” again. Sideloadly will extract the IPA, sign it with your credentials, and upload it to your phone. The process typically takes 1-2 minutes depending on the file size.

5. Finalization: Once the progress bar hits 100% and says “Done,” the app icon will appear on your home screen. You cannot open it yet; you must proceed to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and trust your own email address to launch the app.

How to Install IPA Files Using AltStore?

Installing IPA files using AltStore involves installing the AltServer utility on your computer, using it to deploy the AltStore app to your iPhone, and then using the “Open in AltStore” function to install other IPAs.

To illustrate, this process requires a slightly more complex initial setup but pays off with wireless management later:

1. Server Installation: Download AltServer for Windows or macOS. For Windows users, ensure iTunes and iCloud (desktop versions) are installed. Launch AltServer; it will run in the system tray (bottom right) or menu bar.

2. Mail Plugin (Mac Only): macOS users must open the Mail app, go to Preferences > Manage Plug-ins, and enable “AltPlugin.mailbundle”. This is required for the software to communicate with Apple’s authentication servers.

3. Deploying to Device: Connect your iPhone to the computer. Click the AltServer icon, select “Install AltStore,” and choose your phone. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted. AltStore will now install on your device.

4. Trusting the Certificate: On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and trust your Apple ID. Open the AltStore app on your phone.

5. Installing IPAs: To install a custom app, download an .ipa file in Safari. Tap the “Share” icon (square with an arrow), and select the AltStore icon from the list. AltStore will launch and begin signing the app. Note: Keep the phone connected to the same Wi-Fi as the computer running AltServer during this process.

How to Sideload IPA Files Without a Computer (No PC)?

Sideloading IPA files without a computer involves using third-party signing services like Scarlet, Esign, or GBox that utilize Enterprise Certificates to install apps directly through the iPhone’s web browser.

Next, we explore why these methods are incredibly popular despite their inherent instability. The “No PC” method appeals to users who do not own a computer or simply want to install an app while on the go. These services work by pooling thousands of users under a single “Enterprise” certificate—a powerful license intended for large corporations to distribute internal apps to employees. Services like Scarlet hijack this functionality to distribute public IPAs. While convenient, this method is a constant game of cat-and-mouse with Apple. When Apple detects a certificate is being abused, they “revoke” it, causing the apps to crash instantly for all users until a new certificate is sourced.

Is It Possible to Install IPAs Directly on iPhone?

Yes, it is possible to install IPAs directly on an iPhone by using web-based signing services that apply a pre-signed enterprise certificate to the installation package.

Specifically, this capability relies on the iOS “Over-the-Air” (OTA) distribution manifest. When you click an “Install” link on a site like Scarlet or AppValley, the website triggers a script that tells iOS, “Hey, this is an internal company app, please download it.”

• The Enterprise Loophole: Apple allows companies (like Toyota or IBM) to distribute apps to employees without the App Store. Signing services buy or acquire these certificates illicitly. This allows the IPA to bypass the requirement for your personal Apple ID.
• The Trade-off: The primary benefit is speed; you click a link, and the icon loads. The downside is the lack of permanence. Since these certificates are often flagged by Apple for policy violations, a “No PC” app might last for 3 months, or it might last for 3 hours. Once revoked, the app will not open, and you will lose the data inside it unless you backed it up. This method is strictly recommended for casual apps where data loss is not critical.

How to Use Scarlet to Install IPAs Without a PC?

To use Scarlet to install IPAs without a PC, users must navigate to the official Scarlet website in Safari, perform the “Direct Install,” and then import their custom IPA files into the Scarlet app interface.

More specifically, Scarlet has become the leading interface for No-PC sideloading due to its modern UI and ability to import external files:

1. Access and Download: Open Safari and go to the official Scarlet website (usescarlet.com). Scroll down to the “Install” button. You will likely face several popup ads; close them and return until you see the installation options. Select “Direct Install.”

2. System Trust: Once the download completes, a Scarlet icon will appear on your home screen. If you try to open it, you will see an “Untrusted Enterprise Developer” error. Navigate to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Tap the name of the enterprise certificate listed there and select “Trust.”

3. Importing IPAs: Open the Scarlet app. Tap the middle icon on the bottom navigation bar (the download arrow). Then, tap the upload icon in the top right corner.

4. Installation: This opens your iOS Files app. Browse to where you saved your desired .ipa file and select it. Scarlet will begin signing and installing the file. Once it reaches 100%, a system prompt will ask “Open in iTunes?” or “Install?”. Tap Install, and the app will appear on your home screen ready to use.

How to Use Esign or GBox for IPA Installation?

Using Esign or GBox for IPA installation involves downloading the signing tool via a direct web link and then configuring it with a custom DNS or certificate to manage and sign IPAs locally on the device.

For example, Esign and GBox are considered “advanced” No-PC tools compared to Scarlet because they offer file management features similar to a desktop computer.

• Certificate Management: Unlike Scarlet which handles everything automatically, Esign often requires you to find and import your own P12 certificate and mobileprovision file. These can be found in Telegram communities or purchased. Once imported into Esign, you have permanent control over signing until that specific certificate is revoked.
• Repo Support: GBox and Esign support “Repos” (Repositories). You can add source URLs to the app, which populates a list of downloadable IPAs directly within the interface, similar to Cydia or the App Store.
• The Process: You install Esign via a web link (similar to Scarlet). Once trusted in Settings, you open Esign, go to the “File” tab, import your IPA, click on the file, select “Signature,” choose your imported certificate, and then click “Install.” This method is preferred by power users who want to modify app entitlements or remove app library restrictions directly on the phone.

How to Fix Common Sideloading Errors and Revokes?

To fix common sideloading errors and revokes, users generally need to trust the developer certificate in settings, refresh the app signature every 7 days, or switch to a new enterprise certificate if a revoke occurs.

Afterwards, troubleshooting becomes an essential skill for anyone maintaining sideloaded apps. The ecosystem is designed by Apple to be difficult to navigate, resulting in frequent friction points. The most common issues stem from Apple’s security checks (Untrusted Developer), the time limits imposed on free accounts (7-Day Limit), and the aggressive policing of enterprise certificates (Revokes). Understanding the root cause of the error—whether it’s a client-side expiration or a server-side ban—is the first step to resolving it.

How to Fix “Untrusted Enterprise Developer” Error?

To fix the “Untrusted Enterprise Developer” error, you must manually approve the signing certificate by navigating to the VPN & Device Management section within the iOS Settings app.

Specifically, this is not actually an error but a security prompt designed to prevent accidental installation of corporate software.

1. Locate the Menu: Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app.

2. Navigate: Scroll down and tap on General. Look near the bottom of the list for an option labeled VPN & Device Management (on older iOS versions, this may be labeled “Profiles & Device Management” or just “Profiles”).

3. Identify the Profile: Under the “Enterprise App” header, you will see a text string (often the name of a random company, e.g., “China Pacific Insurance” or an email address if using Sideloadly). Tap this text.

4. Execute Trust: You will see a blue button that says “Trust [Developer Name].” Tap it. A confirmation dialog will appear; tap Trust again.

5. Result: You can now return to the home screen and open the sideloaded application successfully. You only need to do this once per certificate.

Why Do Sideloaded Apps Stop Working After 7 Days?

Sideloaded apps stop working after 7 days because Apple restricts free Apple ID developer accounts to a seven-day provisioning profile validity, requiring the app to be re-signed to continue functioning.

To illustrate, Apple views anyone sideloading with a personal ID as a “student developer.” They provide a free testing environment, but they do not want this to be used for permanent app distribution.

• The Mechanism: When you sign an app with Sideloadly or AltStore, a digital certificate is created with an expiration date timestamped exactly 7 days from the moment of signing.
• The Consequence: Once the clock runs out, iOS checks the certificate upon app launch. Seeing it is expired, the OS refuses to open the app, and it will crash immediately to the home screen.
• The Paid Solution: Users who purchase a full Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year) get certificates that last for 365 days. However, for most users, the solution is simply to “refresh” the app (re-sign it) before the 7 days are up using their computer or AltStore.

How to Prevent Apps from Being Revoked?

To prevent apps from being revoked, users can utilize the automatic refresh feature in AltStore/SideStore or implement an Anti-Revoke DNS configuration that blocks Apple’s verification servers from communicating with the device.

More specifically, preventing a revoke depends on the installation method used.

• For Computer Methods (AltStore): The best prevention is proactive refreshing. AltStore attempts to refresh apps in the background when connected to the same Wi-Fi as the AltServer. Users should get in the habit of opening AltStore once every few days to ensure the “Days Remaining” counter resets to 7.
• For No-PC Methods (DNS Method): Since Enterprise certificates are revoked remotely by Apple, users can set up a custom DNS (Domain Name System) that blacklists Apple’s revocation server (specifically `ocsp.apple.com`). By installing a configured DNS profile (like NextDNS or AdGuard with specific blocklists), the iPhone cannot “phone home” to check if the certificate is still valid. This allows the app to continue running even after Apple has officially killed the certificate, effectively “freezing” the app’s working state on your device.

Advanced Sideloading Techniques and Niche Information

Advanced sideloading utilizes specific iOS exploits like CoreTrust or paid developer certifications to bypass the standard 7-day app expiration limit and unlock system-level capabilities.

Furthermore, understanding these methods allows power users to achieve permanent app installation and enable high-performance modes required for demanding software, moving beyond the basic constraints of standard tools.

What is TrollStore and Does It Offer Permanent Signing?

TrollStore is a specialized utility that leverages a specific security flaw in iOS known as the CoreTrust bug. Unlike standard sideloading tools such as AltStore or Sideloadly, which sign apps using a developer certificate that eventually expires, TrollStore exploits a vulnerability to trick the operating system into believing an app has a permanent Apple root certificate. This means that once an IPA file is installed via TrollStore, it is permanently signed and will never expire, revoke, or require a computer for refreshing.

However, because this relies on a specific exploit, it is not available for all devices. It is strictly limited to iOS versions that contain the unpatched CoreTrust bug, generally ranging from iOS 14.0 up to iOS 16.6.1 (and strictly iOS 17.0). If a user updates beyond these versions, the exploit is patched, and TrollStore can no longer be installed or function.

To understand the significance of TrollStore, consider these key advantages:

• Permanent Validity: Apps installed via TrollStore do not face the 7-day expiration limit common with free developer accounts.
• System Privileges: Apps can be granted extended entitlements, allowing them to modify system settings or function in ways standard App Store apps cannot.
• No App Limits: Users are not restricted to the standard limit of three active sideloaded apps; they can install as many as the device storage permits.

Free Developer Account vs. Paid Apple Developer Account: What is the Difference?

The distinction between a Free Developer Account and a Paid Apple Developer Account is the most critical factor regarding the convenience of sideloading. When you use your standard Apple ID to sideload an IPA, Apple classifies you as a “Free” developer. This comes with significant restrictions designed for testing code briefly, specifically a 7-day provisioning profile life. After seven days, the app will crash upon opening, requiring the user to reconnect to a computer and “re-sign” the app. Additionally, free accounts are limited to only three active sideloaded apps on a device at one time.

In contrast, the Paid Apple Developer Account costs $99 per year and is intended for professional distribution. For sideloading purposes, this account provides a 365-day certificate validity, meaning apps will function for a full year without needing a refresh. Furthermore, it removes the three-app limit, allowing for a much larger library of active applications.

Key differences between the two account types include:

• Expiration Time: Free accounts require refreshing every 7 days, whereas paid accounts last for 1 year.
• App Capacity: Free accounts are capped at 3 active sideloaded apps; paid accounts allow for a significantly higher number of active provisioning profiles.
• Revocation Risk: While paid accounts are more stable, Apple can still revoke certificates if they detect they are being used for widespread piracy distribution services.

How to Enable JIT for Emulators via Sideloading?

Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation is a technique used by software to compile code during execution rather than prior to execution, which significantly boosts performance. For iOS users, enabling JIT is crucial when sideloading console emulators like DolphiniOS (GameCube/Wii) or Play! (PS2). Without JIT, these emulators run in “Interpreter Mode,” which is often too slow to render games at playable frame rates. Apple restricts JIT access on iOS strictly to debugger processes to prevent security vulnerabilities, meaning standard apps cannot access this power by default.

To enable JIT on a sideloaded app, the device usually needs to be “tethered” or connected to a debugging signal. Tools like AltJIT (built into AltStore) or SideJITServer allow users to activate JIT on a specific app. When requested, the computer sends a developer disk image signal to the iPhone, tricking iOS into thinking the app is being debugged by a developer, thus unlocking JIT capabilities for that session.

Important considerations for enabling JIT include:

• Session Dependency: JIT is not permanent; if the app is completely closed or the device reboots, JIT must be re-enabled via a computer or a secondary device.
• Performance Impact: Enabling JIT can increase emulation speed by 2x to 5x compared to the interpreter, making 3D games playable.
• WiFi Requirement: Modern solutions allow enabling JIT over the same WiFi network, though a VPN configuration is often required to create a local loopback connection.