Sideloadly and AltStore represent the two dominant standards for installing `.ipa` files on iOS devices without a jailbreak, but Sideloadly is generally the superior choice for users seeking advanced customization, one-time installations, and mod injection, whereas AltStore is the optimal solution for users who prioritize automated background refreshing and an “App Store-like” experience. Specifically, Sideloadly functions as a direct Cydia Impactor successor focused on speed and flexibility, while AltStore creates a sandboxed ecosystem on your device to manage app signing wirelessly.
Choosing the right tool depends entirely on your specific workflow: if you are a gamer looking to inject `.dylib` hacks or install specific modded IPAs, Sideloadly allows for direct modification of the file before installation, a feature AltStore lacks. Conversely, if your goal is to keep emulators like Delta or DolphiniOS running permanently without connecting to a computer every seven days, AltStore’s background refresh mechanism is indispensable. Furthermore, compatibility plays a massive role, as Sideloadly supports legacy iOS versions dating back to iOS 7, while AltStore is strictly for modern devices running iOS 12.2 or later.
Understanding the technical nuances between these two tools requires looking beyond simple installation; it involves examining how they handle Apple ID authentication, Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation for emulators, and dylib injection. Consequently, this guide breaks down every feature, security protocol, and limitation to ensure you select the IPA installer that aligns perfectly with your technical needs and device architecture.
Sideloadly vs AltStore: Which Tool is Best for Sideloading IPAs?
Sideloadly is best for power users and gamers requiring deep customization, legacy support, and mod injection, while AltStore wins on convenience through its wireless background refreshing and on-device app management.
To understand better which tool fits your specific use case, we must analyze the fundamental architectural differences between a desktop-dependent injector and a localized signing server.
What is the Main Difference Between Sideloadly and AltStore?
The main difference between Sideloadly and AltStore is that Sideloadly is a desktop-based “injector” designed to push specific IPA files from your computer to your device one at a time, whereas AltStore is an on-device “App Store” that installs a management app on your phone to handle signing and refreshing locally.
Specifically, Sideloadly operates on a “plug-and-play” philosophy similar to the now-defunct Cydia Impactor. When you want to install an app, you open Sideloadly on your PC or Mac, drag the IPA file in, and it installs directly to the device. Once installed, the app exists independently on your iPhone or iPad. Sideloadly does not install a “manager” app on your device; it simply signs and pushes the target application. This makes it incredibly lightweight and less intrusive for users who only want to install a specific game or utility occasionally.
In contrast, AltStore takes a more complex, ecosystem-based approach. To use it, you first install “AltServer” on your computer, which then installs the “AltStore” app onto your iPhone. From that point forward, you use the AltStore app on your phone to browse, install, and manage other IPAs. AltStore acts as a middleman, using your computer (via WiFi or USB) to re-sign apps periodically. This distinction is crucial: Sideloadly is a tool for installation, while AltStore is a platform for management.
Sideloadly vs AltStore: A Comprehensive Feature Comparison Table
There are four main criteria distinguishing these tools: background refreshing, advanced injection capabilities, setup complexity, and OS compatibility.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how each tool performs across these critical vectors to help you visualize the trade-offs:
1. Wireless/Background Refreshing:
* AltStore: Supported. This is AltStore’s flagship feature. As long as your computer is on and connected to the same WiFi network, AltStore automatically refreshes your apps before the 7-day certificate expires.
* Sideloadly: Supported (Automatic via Daemon). Sideloadly recently added a daemon that attempts to refresh apps wirelessly. However, it is generally considered less reliable than AltStore’s native implementation, often requiring the user to manually launch the tool on the desktop.
2. Dylib/Framework Injection:
* Sideloadly: Native Support. This is a critical feature for gamers. Sideloadly allows you to inject `.dylib`, `.deb`, or `.framework` files directly into the IPA during the installation process. This creates a modded IPA on the fly.
AltStore: Not Supported Natively. AltStore installs the IPA “as-is.” To use mods with AltStore, you must find an IPA that has already* been modified by someone else before loading it into AltStore.
3. Setup Difficulty:
* Sideloadly: Low. Download the software, plug in the phone, enter Apple ID, start. No plugin installation is required on the device.
* AltStore: Medium/High. Requires installing AltServer, a Mail Plugin (on Mac), trusting the developer certificate, and keeping the server running in the system tray.
4. Device Compatibility:
* Sideloadly: Extensive (iOS 7 – iOS 17+). Sideloadly is the only modern tool that still supports legacy devices (iPhone 4s, 5, etc.).
* AltStore: Limited (iOS 12.2+). AltStore relies on newer Apple developer features that do not exist on older firmware versions.
Feature Deep Dive: Capabilities and Customization
Sideloadly dominates in customization and modification capabilities, offering granular control over bundle IDs and dylib injection, while AltStore excels in automation and background persistence.
Specifically, for users in the iOSGods community or those looking to modify app behavior, the ability to manipulate the IPA binary before it touches the device is the deciding factor.
Which Tool Is Better for Installing Modded Games (IPA Injection)?
Sideloadly is significantly better for installing modded games because it features a built-in dylib injection engine that allows users to merge game hacks (cheat menus, tweaked dylibs) directly into a clean IPA file during the signing process.
To illustrate, imagine you have a clean IPA file of a popular game and a separate `.dylib` file containing a cheat menu (such as an iOSGods Mod Menu). With AltStore, you cannot combine these; you would need to find a pre-patched IPA where someone else has already done the work. Sideloadly removes this barrier. In the “Advanced Options” tab of Sideloadly, there is a dedicated section specifically for “Injection.”
More specifically, you can drag your cheat files directly into this slot. Sideloadly then decompiles the IPA, inserts the hack, modifies the load commands to ensure the hack launches with the game, re-signs the binaries, and installs the modified package to your device. This capability makes Sideloadly the gold standard for game hackers and developers who need to test tweaks without relying on third-party app libraries that may have outdated versions.
Can Sideloadly Change App Names and Bundle IDs?
Yes, Sideloadly includes advanced options that allow users to change the App Name and randomize the Bundle ID, effectively enabling the installation of duplicate applications on a single device.
Specifically, the Bundle ID (e.g., `com.whatsapp.whatsapp`) is the unique identifier iOS uses to recognize an app. If you try to install an IPA with the same Bundle ID as an app already on your phone, iOS will overwrite the existing one. Sideloadly’s “Change Bundle ID” feature allows you to modify this identifier to something like `com.whatsapp.whatsapp2`.
For example, this is incredibly useful for social media management or gaming. A user can install the official Instagram app from the App Store and use Sideloadly to install a tweaked version of Instagram (like Rocket or Plus) alongside it. By changing the Bundle ID, the iPhone treats them as two completely separate apps, allowing you to log into different accounts on each. AltStore generally lacks this granular control during the installation process, usually overwriting existing apps unless the IPA itself was modified beforehand.
How Does AltStore Handle Background App Refreshing?
AltStore handles background app refreshing by utilizing a companion desktop application called AltServer which communicates with the AltStore app on your device via WiFi to re-sign certificates before the 7-day Apple limit expires.
To understand better, Apple’s free developer account policy mandates that any app sideloaded by a user expires after seven days. Once expired, the app crashes upon opening. AltStore solves this by running a background check. When your iPhone connects to the same WiFi network as your computer running AltServer, AltStore wakes up in the background (utilizing iOS’s background fetch capabilities) and requests a new signature.
More importantly, this process is designed to be invisible to the user. You do not need to plug your phone in via USB. As long as you turn your computer on a few times a week, AltStore will silently update the provisioning profiles for your sideloaded apps, resetting the 7-day timer. This “set it and forget it” mechanism is AltStore’s primary competitive advantage over Sideloadly, which requires more manual intervention or a less reliable background daemon to achieve similar results.
Which Tool Supports JIT (Just-In-Time) Compilation for Emulators?
Both tools support JIT, but AltStore offers a more user-friendly, on-the-fly method via the “Enable JIT” menu, whereas Sideloadly generally focuses on enabling JIT capabilities during the initial launch or tethered debugging.
Specifically, JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation is essential for high-performance emulation (like DolphiniOS for Wii/GameCube or PojavLauncher for Java Minecraft). Without JIT, these emulators run at unplayable framerates. Apple restricts JIT access for security reasons, meaning it must be activated by a debugger.
To illustrate, AltStore integrates this activation into its UI. If you have AltServer running on your PC, you can long-press an app in AltStore on your phone and select “Enable JIT.” AltServer will immediately send the debugger command to unlock JIT for that specific session. Sideloadly facilitates JIT, but often through a more rigid process involving its daemon or by keeping the device connected. For emulator enthusiasts who travel often, AltStore’s implementation—provided you have a laptop nearby—is generally considered more integrated into the app management workflow.
Installation and User Experience: Ease of Use
Sideloadly offers a superior setup experience due to its single-application architecture, whereas AltStore requires a complex interplay between desktop server software, mail plugins, and on-device management apps.
Specifically, for a user who simply wants to install an app immediately, Sideloadly presents the lowest barrier to entry. However, for long-term maintenance, AltStore’s initial setup pain pays off with easier management.
Does AltStore Require More Setup Than Sideloadly?
Yes, AltStore requires a significantly more complex setup process involving the installation of AltServer, a Mail Plug-in (on macOS), and reliance on iCloud (non-Microsoft Store version) on Windows.
Specifically, the installation of AltStore is a multi-step hurdle. On Windows, users must ensure they have installed iTunes and iCloud directly from Apple’s website, not the Microsoft Store, as the Microsoft Store versions lack the specific drivers AltServer needs to communicate with the device. On macOS, the process involves installing a plugin into the native Mail app to allow AltServer to authenticate with Apple’s servers.
For example, a user setting up AltStore on a Mac must open Mail preferences, manage plugins, enable `AltPlugin.mailbundle`, and restart the Mail app before AltServer will work. In contrast, Sideloadly is a standalone executable. You download it, open it, plug in your phone, and it is ready to sign IPAs immediately. There are no plugins to configure and fewer dependencies on external Apple drivers, making Sideloadly the preferred choice for troubleshooting or quick installs on public computers.
Is Sideloadly Compatible with Older iOS Versions?
Yes, Sideloadly is highly compatible with older iOS versions, officially supporting devices running from iOS 7 up to the latest iOS 17 and beyond, making it the only viable option for legacy device enthusiasts.
Specifically, the jailbreak and sideloading community often repurposes older devices like the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, or older iPads. AltStore requires iOS 12.2 or later because it relies on specific Apple frameworks (such as the background tasks framework) that were not present in earlier versions of the OS.
To illustrate, if you have an iPad 4 running iOS 10 and want to sideload a legacy game or an emulator, AltStore will simply not install. Sideloadly, however, maintains backward compatibility with the old signing protocols used by Cydia Impactor. This makes Sideloadly an essential tool in the preservationist toolkit, allowing users to keep older hardware functional and useful long after Apple has stopped signing official apps for them.
Can You Install IPAs Without a Computer Using These Tools?
No, both Sideloadly and AltStore require a computer for the initial installation because the Apple ID signing handshake must be performed by a machine with developer-level access privileges.
Specifically, the “computer-free” sideloading methods often advertised rely on enterprise certificates, which are frequently revoked by Apple, causing apps to stop working within days. Sideloadly and AltStore use your personal Apple ID to sign apps, which requires a connection to Apple’s developer servers via a computer to generate the necessary certificate.
However, there is a nuance: Once AltStore is successfully installed via a computer, it allows you to install other IPAs directly on the device without plugging it back in, provided AltServer is running on a computer on the same WiFi network. You can download an IPA in Safari on your iPhone and “Open in AltStore.” Sideloadly does not offer this; every single IPA installation through Sideloadly requires the device to be physically connected (or connected via WiFi sync) to the computer running the Sideloadly application.
Safety, Security, and Limitations
Safety and security for both tools are defined by their reliance on official Apple Developer APIs and adherence to Apple’s 3-app limit and 7-day provisioning rules.
Specifically, users are often concerned about the safety of entering their Apple ID credentials into third-party software. Both tools have established strong reputations, but understanding how they handle your data is vital for peace of mind.
Is It Safe to Use Your Main Apple ID with Sideloadly and AltStore?
Yes, it is generally considered safe to use your main Apple ID with both tools, as they transmit your credentials directly to Apple’s official servers for authentication without storing them on third-party servers; however, using a “burner” Apple ID is always recommended for maximum privacy.
Specifically, both Sideloadly and AltStore function by mimicking the login process of Xcode, Apple’s official development software. When you enter your password, the tool sends it to Apple to request a “signing certificate.” The developers of these tools (Riley Testut for AltStore and the iOSGods team for Sideloadly) have stated that they do not save or harvest user credentials.
To illustrate, in the years these tools have been available, there have been no widespread reports of account theft directly linked to their proper use. However, Apple’s security algorithms occasionally flag the repetitive signing activity as suspicious, which might prompt a password reset request. For this reason, creating a secondary, free Apple ID dedicated solely to sideloading is a best practice. It isolates your personal data (iCloud photos, messages, payment info) from your sideloading activities.
What is the 3-App Limit and Do Both Tools Have It?
The 3-app limit is a restriction imposed by Apple on free developer accounts, allowing only three sideloaded apps to be active on a device simultaneously, and both tools must strictly adhere to this rule.
Specifically, this is not a limitation of the software but a hard-coded restriction on the provisioning profiles generated by Apple for non-paid accounts. If you have a free Apple ID, you can technically sign many apps, but only three can be installed on the iPhone at one time. Note that the AltStore app itself counts as one app. Therefore, if you use AltStore, you only have two “slots” left for other games or apps.
More specifically, Sideloadly users also face this limit. If you try to install a fourth app using Sideloadly, it will likely fail or overwrite an existing one. The only way to bypass this is to purchase a paid Apple Developer Account (approx. $99/year), which removes the 3-app limit and extends the certificate validity from 7 days to 365 days. Both AltStore and Sideloadly support paid developer accounts to unlock these expanded capabilities.
Why Does AltStore Require the Mail Plug-in on Mac?
AltStore requires the Mail Plug-in on macOS to bypass Apple’s security restrictions by injecting code into the Mail app, allowing AltServer to authenticate as a localized anisette server and generate necessary data for signing apps.
Specifically, signing an app requires more than just a username and password; it requires “anisette data,” which is essentially complex tracking data that verifies the request is coming from a trusted device (like a Mac). Usually, only Xcode or official Apple apps can generate this. AltStore is a third-party tool and doesn’t have native permission to generate this data.
To explain further, the Mail app on macOS has the built-in capability to communicate securely with Apple for authentication. By installing the plug-in, AltServer “piggybacks” on the Mail app’s existing secure connection and privileges. This allows AltServer to trick Apple’s servers into believing the signing request is coming from a legitimate, system-trusted source. This creative workaround is why the Mail app must be running in the background for AltServer to function on a Mac, a requirement that Sideloadly avoids by using different (often Windows-centric) authentication libraries or asking for different 2FA verification methods.
Troubleshooting Common Sideloading Errors
Most sideloading failures originate from network synchronization disruptions, firewall blockages, or corrupted authentication tokens, often requiring users to reset Anisette data, adjust firewall permissions, or ensure devices are on the exact same Wi-Fi frequency.
Furthermore, mastering the resolution of these technical hurdles ensures a seamless experience, preventing the frustration of failed installations or inability to refresh apps before they expire.
How to Fix “Guru Meditation” Error in Sideloadly?
The “Guru Meditation” error in Sideloadly is a catch-all critical failure message, often referencing an underlying issue with internet connectivity or the authentication protocol communicating with Apple’s servers. This error is a legacy reference but indicates that Sideloadly cannot complete the handshake required to sign the IPA file. To resolve this, users must look beyond the error code itself and troubleshoot the connection between the software and the authentication servers.
To effectively troubleshoot this error, consider the following technical adjustments:
- Switch Anisette Data Method: In Sideloadly’s “Advanced Options,” toggle between Local Anisette and Remote Anisette. If one fails due to server congestion or local library corruption, the other often succeeds.
- Verify Internet Stability: A micro-drop in internet connection during the signing process can trigger this. Ensure a stable connection and temporarily disable VPNs that might flag Apple’s security systems.
- Reset Two-Factor Authentication: Sometimes, the session token is invalid. Clear your Apple ID from Sideloadly and re-enter your credentials to generate a fresh 2FA prompt.
How to Resolve “Could Not Find AltServer” Issues?
The inability to find AltServer is the most prevalent issue for AltStore users, fundamentally stemming from a breakdown in local network discovery (mDNS) between the iOS device and the computer. Since AltServer does not use a cloud relay, both devices must be visible to each other on the Local Area Network (LAN). The primary culprit is usually security software on the computer treating the connection attempt as a threat, or the Apple Mobile Device Service failing to advertise the device’s presence over Wi-Fi.
To restore connectivity and allow AltStore to refresh apps, follow these steps:
- Configure Firewall Exceptions: Ensure that AltServer.exe is allowed through Windows Defender Firewall or your third-party antivirus. Specifically, allow access on “Private” networks.
- Enable Wi-Fi Sync: Connect your device via USB, open iTunes (or Finder on macOS), and strictly ensure the box labeled “Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi” is checked.
- Network Uniformity: Ensure both the computer and the iPhone are on the exact same SSID. Mixing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands on some routers can occasionally prevent device discovery.
What Are Sideloadly and AltStore Alternatives in 2025?
While Sideloadly and AltStore dominate the computer-assisted sideloading market, the landscape includes other powerful tools that cater to different user needs, specifically those seeking computer-free solutions or permanent signing capabilities. Understanding these alternatives provides a complete picture of the iOS modification ecosystem, offering options when traditional methods fail or become too cumbersome to maintain.
Two significant competitors in the current landscape include:
- Scarlet (Direct Install/No PC):
* Scarlet utilizes leaked enterprise certificates to install IPA files directly on the device via Safari, eliminating the need for a computer or 7-day refreshes initially.
Trade-off:* It suffers from a high risk of “revocations” by Apple, meaning apps can suddenly stop working, requiring a reinstall and data backup restoration.
- TrollStore (Permanent Install):
* TrollStore exploits the CoreTrust bypass bug to sign apps permanently with system-level privileges. Apps installed here never expire and act like stock iOS apps.
Limitation:* It is highly restrictive, working only on specific iOS versions (typically older firmware) that contain the unpatched exploit, making it unavailable for users on the latest iOS updates.
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