Troubleshooting and fixing common AltStore background refresh errors primarily requires ensuring your iOS device and the computer running AltServer are on the same Wi-Fi network, verifying that iTunes Wi-Fi Sync is enabled, and configuring firewall settings to allow the connection. Basically, the refresh process relies on a local network handshake to renew the 7-day signing certificate; if this connection is blocked or interrupted, the refresh fails. Consequently, the most effective immediate fix is often restarting both the router and devices, then forcing a manual refresh while connected via USB to re-establish the trust relationship.
Background refresh failures often stem from iOS’s aggressive battery management, which restricts background activity for sideloaded apps, or dynamic IP addresses changing on the network, breaking the link with AltServer. In addition, Windows users frequently encounter issues if they installed iTunes or iCloud from the Microsoft Store rather than the direct download versions, which lack the necessary components for background communication. Meanwhile, macOS users must ensure the specific Mail plug-in is active and the Mail app is running to facilitate the signing process.
Specific error messages like “Could not find AltServer” or “An unknown error occurred” indicate that while the software is running, the network discovery protocol (Bonjour) is being blocked by a firewall or privacy setting. Furthermore, if your device is in Low Power Mode, iOS will almost certainly disable the background fetch capability required for AltStore to check for updates automatically. Therefore, resolving these errors involves a systematic check of software versions, network configurations, and power settings.
Beyond basic connectivity fixes, users can implement advanced automation using iOS Shortcuts or, for jailbroken devices, use AltDaemon to bypass the computer requirement entirely. To help you navigate these solutions, the following comprehensive guide details every method to diagnose and permanently resolve AltStore background refresh issues, ensuring your apps never expire unexpectedly.
Understanding the Mechanics of AltStore Background Refresh
AltStore background refresh is a specialized process that attempts to re-sign apps using your Apple ID credentials by communicating with AltServer over a local Wi-Fi network before the 7-day certificate expires.
To understand better why this mechanism is prone to failure, it is essential to look at the strict limitations Apple places on sideloaded applications and how AltStore ingeniously circumvents them.
How the Signing Handshake Works
The core of the issue lies in the fact that free developer accounts (which AltStore uses) only sign apps for 7 days. Specifically, to prevent these apps from crashing after a week, AltStore must “refresh” them. This is not a simple data update; it is a cryptographic process. Your iPhone sends the app data to AltServer on your computer. AltServer then communicates with Apple’s servers to sign the code and sends it back to the phone.
For example, when AltStore wakes up in the background (triggered by iOS), it immediately scans the local network for the IP address of your computer running AltServer. If the computer is asleep, the firewall is up, or the IP has changed, the handshake fails immediately. Unlike official App Store apps which communicate directly with the cloud, AltStore is tethered to your local hardware, introducing multiple points of failure.
The Role of iOS Background Execution
Apple’s iOS operating system is designed to preserve battery life by aggressively killing background processes. More specifically, iOS does not allow apps to run permanently in the background. It uses “Background App Refresh,” which uses machine learning to predict when you might use an app and wakes it up briefly.
Consequently, AltStore cannot simply decide when to refresh. It must wait for iOS to “grant” it a few seconds of background running time. If you rarely open AltStore, iOS may decide it is low priority and stop waking it up, leading to expired apps even if your server is set up perfectly. This creates a situation where the error is not technical, but behavioral.
Essential Prerequisites for Successful Refreshing
Successful background refreshing requires that the iPhone and computer are on the exact same Wi-Fi network (SSID), AltServer is running with administrator privileges, and iTunes Wi-Fi Sync is explicitly enabled.
Specifically, ensuring these fundamental settings are correct solves the majority of connectivity issues before attempting advanced troubleshooting or firewall adjustments.
Configuring iTunes Wi-Fi Sync
The absolute most common reason for refresh failure is that iTunes Wi-Fi Sync is disabled or malfunctioning. To illustrate, AltServer utilizes the iTunes synchronization protocol to talk to your device. If iTunes cannot “see” your phone over Wi-Fi, neither can AltServer.
To verify this, connect your iPhone to your computer via USB. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Click on your device icon and scroll down to the “Options” section. You must check the box that says “Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi.” Click “Apply” and “Done.” Crucially, after disconnecting the USB cable, the device should still appear in iTunes/Finder. If it disappears immediately upon unplugging, the Wi-Fi sync handshake failed, and you must troubleshoot your router or re-pair the device.
Network Consistency and Stability
Your computer and your iPhone must be on the same subnet. More specifically, modern routers often broadcast two frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. While usually bridged, some routers treat these as separate networks. If your PC is on Ethernet and your phone is on Wi-Fi, they might be isolated from each other depending on your router’s AP Isolation settings.
Evidence suggests that connecting both devices to the 2.4GHz band is often more stable for discovery protocols like Bonjour. Additionally, ensure your network profile on Windows is set to “Private” rather than “Public,” as Public networks block device-to-device discovery by default to protect you in coffee shops or airports.
Troubleshooting the “Could Not Find AltServer” Error
The “Could Not Find AltServer” error is fixed by restarting the Bonjour service, verifying Local Network privacy permissions on the iOS device, and resetting the trusted connection between the phone and computer.
Next, we will dive into the step-by-step procedures to resolve this specific connection failure, which is the most reported issue among AltStore users.
Verifying Local Network Permissions
Since iOS 14, Apple introduced a privacy feature that requires apps to explicitly ask for permission to scan your local network. Specifically, if you accidentally denied this permission when you first opened AltStore, it will never be able to find your computer, even if everything else is perfect.
To fix this, go to your iPhone’s Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network. Look for AltStore in this list and ensure the toggle switch is turned ON. If AltStore is not in the list, you may need to reinstall the app (without deleting it, to keep data) to force the prompt to appear again. This permission is non-negotiable for the wireless refresh process.
Resetting the Trust Relationship
Sometimes the cryptographic keys that establish trust between your PC and iPhone become corrupted. To illustrate, if you have changed your computer’s name or updated your iOS version recently, the old trust certificate might be invalid.
To reset this, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy. This will not delete your data, but the next time you connect your phone to the computer (via USB first), it will ask you to “Trust This Computer.” Select “Trust” and enter your passcode. This refreshes the encryption keys used by iTunes Wi-Fi sync and AltServer, often clearing the “Could not find server” blockage.
Reinstalling AltServer Support Components (Windows Specific)
For Windows users, the version of iTunes and iCloud matters immensely. More specifically, the versions available on the Microsoft Store are sandboxed and lack the specific drivers AltServer needs to communicate with devices.
If you are seeing “Could Not Find AltServer,” ensure you have uninstalled the Microsoft Store versions of iTunes and iCloud. You must download the “Desktop” versions directly from Apple’s website (links are usually found in the “Looking for other versions?” section on Apple’s site or provided in the AltStore installation guide). After installing the correct versions, restart your computer to ensure the Bonjour service (Apple’s networking protocol) initiates correctly.
Fixing Windows Defender and Firewall Blocking Issues
You can fix Windows firewall blocks by creating inbound and outbound rules allowing `AltServer.exe` to communicate freely and opening TCP/UDP ports associated with Apple’s Bonjour service.
To understand better, Windows Defender often misidentifies the network scanning traffic from AltServer as a potential intrusion attempt, silently blocking the connection in the background.
Creating Firewall Exclusions for AltServer
Windows Firewall is a strict gatekeeper. Specifically, allowing an app through the “public” firewall list is often not enough. You need to verify the specific executable is allowed.
1. Press the Windows Key and type “Allow an app through Windows Firewall.”
2. Click “Change settings” (requires Admin rights).
3. Scroll down to find “AltServer.”
4. Ensure both the “Private” and “Public” checkboxes are ticked.
5. If AltServer is not listed, click “Allow another app,” browse to the installation folder (usually in Program Files x86), and select `AltServer.exe`.
More importantly, you should also check for “Bonjour Service” in this list and ensure it is also allowed on both network types. Without Bonjour, the computer cannot broadcast its existence to the iPhone.
Configuring Network Profiles
As mentioned earlier, Windows assigns a “Profile” to every Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. For example, if your home Wi-Fi is set to “Public,” Windows assumes you are in a hostile environment and blocks all incoming connection requests, regardless of your app settings.
To check this, click the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar, click “Properties” under your connected network. Ensure the “Network profile type” is set to Private. This setting is designed for trusted networks like your home or work, and it makes your PC discoverable to other devices (like your iPhone running AltStore). Changing this single setting is often the “magic bullet” for background refresh issues.
Resolving macOS Mail Plugin and System Issues
Fixing macOS issues involves enabling the specific AltPlugin within the Mail app’s preferences and ensuring the Mail app remains open or minimized during the refresh attempts.
Specifically, unlike Windows, macOS handles the signing authentication through a plug-in injected into the native Mail application, creating a unique point of failure for Mac users.
Enabling and Updating the Mail Plugin
On macOS, AltServer cannot sign apps on its own; it piggybacks on the Mail app’s ability to communicate with Apple’s servers. To illustrate, if the plugin is disabled or incompatible after a macOS update, the refresh will fail with a generic error.
1. Open the Mail app on your Mac.
2. Go to Mail > Settings (or Preferences) in the menu bar.
3. Click on the General tab, then click the Manage Plug-ins… button at the bottom.
4. Check the box specifically for AltPlugin.mailbundle.
5. Click “Apply and Restart Mail.”
Crucially, whenever you update AltServer or macOS, this plugin may be disabled automatically by the system for security. You must re-check this setting if refreshing suddenly stops working after a system update.
Preventing Sleep Interruption
For the refresh to happen, your Mac must be awake. More specifically, if your MacBook is in “clamshell” mode (lid closed) but not connected to power, it will sever the Wi-Fi connection to save battery.
Mac users should go to System Settings > Energy Saver (or Battery) and enable “Wake for network access” if available. For optimal reliability, use a utility like Amphetamine to keep the Mac awake during scheduled refresh times, or ensure the Mac is connected to power. AltStore cannot wake a sleeping Mac to perform the signature; the computer must be receptive when the phone initiates the call.
Implementing iOS Shortcuts for Automated Refreshing
Implementing iOS Shortcuts allows you to force a refresh attempt at specific times or conditions, effectively bypassing the unreliable iOS background fetch intervals that often lead to expired apps.
To start, we can utilize the built-in Shortcuts app to trigger AltStore actions when specific criteria are met, removing the reliance on iOS’s unpredictable AI predictions.
Creating a Time-Based Automation
The most reliable way to ensure apps don’t expire is to force a refresh daily. Specifically, you can create a “Personal Automation” that runs without asking you.
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Automation tab and select “Create Personal Automation.”
3. Choose Time of Day (e.g., 2:00 AM, assuming your PC and phone are charging).
4. For the action, search for “AltStore” and select Refresh All Apps.
5. Crucially, turn off the toggle “Ask Before Running” so it happens silently.
This method ensures that at least once every 24 hours, your phone actively tries to find the server. Even if it fails a few times, the frequency ensures it will likely catch the server online eventually within the 7-day window.
Triggering Refresh Upon Charging
Another excellent trigger is connecting to a charger. For example, whenever you plug your phone in, it is likely you are near your computer or at home.
Create a new automation: “When [Charger] Is Connected.” Add the “Refresh All Apps” action. This is highly effective because background networking is throttled less when the device is receiving power. More importantly, this creates multiple opportunities throughout the day for the refresh to occur naturally without you having to remember to open the app.
Grouping: Common Error Codes and Quick Fixes
There are 3 main groups of error codes you might encounter: Network-related errors, Authentication errors, and System resource errors.
Below, we categorize these errors to help you quickly identify the root cause based on the specific popup you see on your screen.
1. Network Discovery Errors
These include errors like `Could not find AltServer`, `The request timed out`, or `OSStatus error -9807`.
- Characteristics: The phone physically cannot “see” the computer.
- Quick Fix: Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi SSID (verify 2.4GHz vs 5GHz). Restart the router. Toggle Wi-Fi off and on for the iPhone. Ensure Windows Network Profile is Private.
2. Authentication and Account Errors
These include `Invalid Anisette Data`, `Incorrect Apple ID or Password`, or `This action cannot be completed at this time`.
- Characteristics: The devices are talking, but the login handshake is failing.
- Quick Fix: This often happens when 2-Factor Authentication tokens expire. Connect via USB and refresh manually once to re-authenticate. For Windows users, run AltServer as Administrator. For Mac users, re-enable the Mail plugin.
3. System and Resource Errors
These include `AltServer not running`, `Background App Refresh Disabled`, or generic installation failures.
- Characteristics: The software environment is preventing execution.
- Quick Fix: Ensure Low Power Mode is OFF. Check that AltServer is actually open in the system tray/menu bar. If AltServer crashes frequently, reinstall the latest version from the official website.
Advanced Method: Using AltDaemon (Jailbreak Only)
AltDaemon is a jailbreak-only utility that allows AltStore to sign apps directly on the device using a local loopback server, eliminating the need for a computer or AltServer entirely.
Afterwards, for users who have jailbroken devices, this method completely bypasses the network errors associated with the traditional AltServer method, making it the “Holy Grail” of reliability.
Installation and Setup of AltDaemon
If your device is already jailbroken (using tools like Palera1n, checkra1n, or unc0ver), you can install AltDaemon from the Chariz repository. Specifically, you do not need to configure it. Once installed via Sileo, Cydia, or Zebra, it runs automatically in the background.
When you press “Refresh” in AltStore, instead of looking for a computer on Wi-Fi, AltStore detects the on-device daemon. It sends the signing request to itself. Evidence shows this reduces refresh failure rates to near zero, as it removes the variables of Wi-Fi stability, firewall blocks, and computer sleep states.
Advantages Over Standard Wi-Fi Refresh
The primary benefit is mobility. More specifically, you can refresh your apps while on the bus, on 4G/5G data, or in the middle of a forest, as long as you have an internet connection to reach Apple’s servers. You are no longer tethered to your home network.
However, this requires maintaining a jailbreak. If you reboot your phone and lose the jailbreak state, AltDaemon stops working, and you will revert to needing the computer until you re-jailbreak. Therefore, it is a powerful enhancement but requires technical knowledge to maintain.
Why Does AltStore Background Refresh Fail?
Background refresh failures typically occur due to iOS battery restrictions, the absence of an active AltServer connection on the same local network, or interrupted background processes.
Furthermore, understanding the technical constraints imposed by Apple’s operating system is essential for troubleshooting these errors effectively. iOS is designed to aggressively manage battery life, which often leads to the system suspending or terminating background tasks that are not strictly necessary. AltStore relies on the Background App Refresh feature to wake up periodically and check for the local AltServer to re-sign apps before the 7-day certificate expires.
If your device is in Low Power Mode, iOS automatically disables background activities, preventing AltStore from refreshing regardless of your settings. Additionally, network isolation on routers (AP Isolation) can block the communication between your iPhone and the computer running AltServer, causing the refresh to hang or fail completely. Ensuring both devices are on the exact same frequency band (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz) and that the computer is not in sleep mode is critical for the automated signing process to function correctly.
AltStore vs. ReProvision Reborn: Signing Methods Compared
While AltStore is the standard solution for non-jailbroken devices requiring a computer connection, ReProvision Reborn offers on-device signing exclusively for jailbroken users without needing an external server.
Moreover, distinguishing between these tools helps users decide which method best suits their device’s current state and their willingness to rely on a PC.
- Dependency: AltStore requires AltServer running on a Windows or Mac computer on the same Wi-Fi network to refresh apps. ReProvision Reborn runs entirely on the iPhone, utilizing local signing, but strictly requires a Jailbreak.
- Stability: AltStore is generally more stable for the average user and works on stock iOS versions. ReProvision relies on jailbreak stability; if the device reboots into a non-jailbroken state, the app cannot function.
- Automation: Both apps offer automated background refreshing. However, ReProvision is often seen as more convenient because it does not require the user to be near a specific computer, whereas AltStore fails if the host computer is offline or asleep.
- Security: AltStore utilizes a direct connection to Apple’s servers via the computer, which mimics standard developer activity. ReProvision handles authentication tokens directly on the device, which carries slightly different security implications regarding Apple ID management.
Optimizing AltServer for Consistent Background Activity
To ensure consistent refreshing, AltServer must run continuously with specific firewall exceptions enabled and iTunes Wi-Fi Sync active to maintain a bridge with the iOS device.
In addition to basic connectivity, configuring your host environment is the most critical step in preventing “Could Not Find AltServer” errors. The Background App Refresh mechanism in AltStore is only a request sent to the system; the actual heavy lifting is done by AltServer. Therefore, if the computer enters Sleep Mode or Hibernate, the connection is severed immediately.
Users must ensure that Windows Defender Firewall or third-party antivirus software is not blocking incoming connections to the AltServer application. It is highly recommended to set the network profile to “Private” rather than “Public” on Windows to allow local device discovery. Furthermore, the version of iTunes and iCloud installed must be the classic “Win32” versions downloaded directly from Apple’s website, as the Microsoft Store versions often lack the necessary background processes to facilitate wireless syncing. Without these specific backend configurations, the mobile app will attempt to refresh but will ultimately time out.
Frequently Asked Questions About AltStore Refreshing
These common inquiries address specific error codes, expiration consequences, and network configurations to help users navigate complex sideloading scenarios.
Below are detailed answers to the most pressing questions users encounter regarding the refreshing process.
What happens if my AltStore apps expire?
If your apps expire because the Background Refresh failed, they will no longer open and will crash immediately upon launch. However, you do not lose your app data. To fix this, you must reconnect your device to the computer via a USB cable and manually reinstall AltStore using AltServer. Once AltStore is re-signed, you can refresh the other apps, and they will function again with all previous data intact.
Can AltStore refresh apps over mobile data?
By default, AltStore cannot refresh apps over cellular data because the protocol relies on Wi-Fi Sync to communicate with the local computer running AltServer. However, there is a workaround for advanced users. If you are a Patreon supporter of the AltStore developers, you can access the beta version which supports JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation and potentially tethering methods, but for the standard free user, a local Wi-Fi connection is strictly required.
Why do I get “Could not find AltServer” even when connected?
This specific error usually indicates that while both devices are on Wi-Fi, they cannot “see” each other. This is often caused by the computer identifying the network as “Public,” which restricts device discovery. It can also happen if you are using a mesh Wi-Fi system where the phone is on one node and the PC is on another, or if iTunes Wi-Fi Sync has been disabled. Restarting the Apple Mobile Device Service on your computer often resolves this handshake issue.
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