The Easiest Method to Download AltStore on iPhone & Sideload Apps

The easiest method to download AltStore on your iPhone and sideload apps involves installing the AltServer companion application on a computer and using your personal Apple ID to sign non-App Store applications. This process, known as sideloading, allows you to install IPA files directly onto your device without needing a jailbreak or unreliable enterprise certificates that frequently get revoked. By connecting your device to a Windows or Mac computer via a USB cable, you can establish a localized signing server that refreshes your apps wirelessly every seven days.

AltStore stands out as the premier solution for iOS modification because it mimics a legitimate developer workflow, tricking the iPhone into believing you developed the apps yourself. This method ensures that your data remains private since authentication happens directly with Apple’s servers, and it provides a stable environment where apps do not crash unexpectedly due to certificate bans. Additionally, once the initial setup is complete, the maintenance is minimal, requiring only that your phone and computer be on the same Wi-Fi network to keep apps active.

Below, we will detail every step required to get AltStore running, from the initial computer requirements to the final installation of your favorite custom apps.

What Is AltStore and Why Is It the Best Tool for Sideloading?

AltStore is a non-enterprise signing tool designed by Riley Testut that uses your personal Apple ID to sign and install apps, allowing users to “sideload” applications that are not available on the official App Store.

To understand better, AltStore fundamentally changes how users interact with the closed iOS ecosystem by leveraging Apple’s own “Free Developer” feature. Unlike other third-party app stores that rely on “Enterprise Certificates”—which are corporate licenses often sold on the black market and frequently revoked by Apple—AltStore puts the control in your hands. When you use AltStore, your computer acts as a local signing server (AltServer). It takes the application file (IPA), signs it with your specific digital signature linked to your Apple ID, and pushes it to your phone. This makes the app look like a test project you created yourself. Because the certificate belongs to you, Apple cannot arbitrarily revoke it in a ban wave, making AltStore the most stable and reliable method for sideloading emulators, tweaked social media apps, and utilities today.

Is AltStore Safe to Use on My Main Device?

Yes, AltStore is widely considered the safest method for sideloading apps on a primary device because it is open-source software that does not send your credentials to any third-party server.

Specifically, security is a primary concern when stepping outside the “walled garden” of the App Store. Many web-based signing services require you to install a configuration profile that grants unknown developers deep access to your device, or they manage your certificates on a remote server. In contrast, AltStore operates entirely locally. When you input your Apple ID and password, AltServer sends this data directly to Apple’s authentication servers to request a signing certificate. The developer of AltStore never sees or stores your password. Furthermore, because the project is open-source, the code is available for security researchers to audit, ensuring there is no malicious code hidden within the software. This transparency makes it suitable for use on a daily driver iPhone containing sensitive personal data.

Does AltStore Require a Jailbreak?

No, AltStore functions entirely on stock iOS and does not require a jailbreak, meaning you do not need to compromise your device’s security sandbox or void your warranty to use it.

To illustrate, jailbreaking involves exploiting security vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system to gain “root” access, allowing for deep system modifications. While powerful, jailbreaking can make a device unstable, prevent banking apps from working, and expose the user to security threats. AltStore bypasses this necessity completely. It operates within the standard rules set by Apple for app development. It simply automates the process a developer would manually go through to test an app on their own phone using Xcode. Because it doesn’t modify the iOS kernel or system files, your device remains secure, updated, and fully compliant with Apple’s warranty terms. If you ever want to stop using AltStore, you simply delete the app, and no trace is left behind.

What Are the Requirements to Install AltStore?

There are two main categories of requirements for installing AltStore: hardware components, which include an iPhone/iPad and a computer (Windows or Mac), and software components, specifically iTunes and iCloud configured correctly for data transfer.

Specifically, preparation is key to a successful installation, as most errors occur due to incompatible software versions or faulty connections. You cannot install AltStore directly from the iPhone’s browser; the heavy lifting of signing the application must be done by a computer initially. Once the “AltStore” app is on your phone, you can do most things independently, but the initial bridge requires specific tools. Below is a breakdown of exactly what is needed to ensure the connection between your PC and iOS device works flawlessly.

Which iOS Versions Are Compatible with AltStore?

AltStore supports a wide range of firmware, specifically compatible with iOS 12.2 and all newer versions, up to the latest iOS 17 and iOS 18 iterations.

More specifically, this broad compatibility is one of AltStore’s greatest strengths. Because it utilizes the standard Apple ID signing protocol, it doesn’t rely on specific kernel exploits that are patched in newer updates. Whether you are running an older iPhone 6s on iOS 14 or the newest iPhone 15 Pro Max on the latest beta of iOS 18, the core functionality of AltStore remains the same. However, users on very old firmware (older than iOS 12.2) cannot use AltStore because the server-side changes Apple made to authentication protocols are not supported on those legacy systems. For the vast majority of users, ensuring your device is updated to at least iOS 13 or later provides the smoothest experience.

Do I Need a Computer to Install AltStore Initially?

Yes, a computer (Windows or macOS) is strictly required for the initial installation of the AltStore application onto your iOS device because the mobile device cannot sign the certificate itself.

To explain further, the architecture of iOS prevents apps from signing themselves or other apps directly on the device without specific entitlements that standard Apple IDs do not possess (unless using an exploit like TrollStore, which is rare). Therefore, the computer runs a piece of software called AltServer. This program acts as the middleman. It talks to Apple’s servers to get the permission, cryptographically signs the AltStore app file, and then installs it onto your iPhone over the USB connection. Once AltStore is successfully installed on your phone, you technically do not need to plug it in again, provided you set up Wi-Fi syncing. However, that first “injection” of the app absolutely demands a PC or Mac to bypass the App Store’s restrictions.

How to Download and Install AltStore on Windows PC?

The main method to install AltStore on Windows involves downloading the AltServer installer, ensuring you have the “non-Microsoft Store” versions of iTunes and iCloud, and running the application from the system tray to inject AltStore into your device.

Following this process, Windows users face a unique hurdle compared to Mac users: the source of their Apple drivers. If you installed iTunes or iCloud from the Microsoft Store, AltServer will not work because those versions lack the specific background communication tools needed to talk to your iPhone. You must uninstall those versions and download the direct “classic” installers from Apple’s website. Once the environment is set up correctly, the process is straightforward.

How to Connect Your iPhone and “Trust” the Computer?

Connecting your iPhone involves plugging the device into the PC via USB, unlocking the screen, and selecting “Trust” on the “Trust This Computer?” pop-up dialog to allow data exchange.

Specifically, this security step is mandatory. When you first plug your iPhone into a Windows PC, it will default to charging mode only. To allow AltServer to send data (the AltStore app) to the phone, the computer needs permission to access the device’s media and file system. Unlock your iPhone and look for a white notification box asking if you trust the computer. Tap Trust and enter your iPhone’s passcode if prompted. If you do not see this prompt, check your USB cable or open iTunes to trigger the connection attempt. Without this “handshake,” AltServer will not be able to find your device in the installation menu.

How to Install AltStore to the Connected Device?

There are three main steps to install AltStore: launch AltServer as Administrator, click the diamond-shaped icon in the system tray, and select “Install AltStore” followed by your target device.

To illustrate, once AltServer is running, it does not open a large window; it runs quietly in the background. You must look at the bottom right corner of your screen (the taskbar/system tray) near the clock. You might need to click the small arrow [^] to see hidden icons. Look for the diamond-shaped logo. Left-click it, hover over Install AltStore, and you should see your iPhone’s name listed (e.g., “John’s iPhone”). Click your device name. A prompt will appear asking for your Apple ID and Password. Enter them safely—this is required for AltServer to communicate with Apple to create your signing certificate. After a few seconds, you will see a Windows notification saying “Installation Succeeded,” and the AltStore icon will appear on your iPhone’s home screen.

How to Download and Install AltStore on macOS?

The main method to install AltStore on macOS requires downloading the specific Mac version of AltServer, moving it to the Applications folder, and configuring a specific Mail Plug-in to allow the software to sign apps locally.

For Mac users, the process is slightly more integrated than Windows because macOS has native drivers for iPhone. However, Apple has introduced security layers in macOS (specifically in the Mail app) that AltServer must navigate through. Unlike Windows, where you install libraries, on Mac, you must enable a plugin that allows AltServer to hijack the Mail application’s ability to communicate with Apple’s servers. This sounds complex, but it is a standard procedure for this software.

Why Is the Mail Plug-in Required and How to Install It?

The Mail Plug-in is a software component that allows AltServer to piggyback off the Mail app’s existing secure connection protocols to authenticate your Apple ID and sign applications without triggering security blocks.

Specifically, macOS has strict requirements for how apps handle Apple ID authentication. AltServer cannot just “log in” on its own without being flagged. By installing a plugin into the native Mail app, AltServer effectively borrows the trusted status of the Mail app to perform the necessary “handshakes” with Apple’s servers to sign your apps.

To install it:

1. Launch AltServer, which will appear in your top Menu Bar.

2. Click the AltServer icon > Install Mail Plug-in.

3. Open the Mail app on your Mac.

4. Go to Mail in the top left corner > Settings (or Preferences).

5. Click the General tab, then click Manage Plug-ins… at the bottom.

6. Check the box next to AltPlugin.mailbundle.

7. Click Apply and Restart Mail.

Once this is done, keep the Mail app running in the background whenever you are installing or refreshing AltStore.

How to Sideload IPA Apps Using AltStore on iPhone?

How to sideload apps involves downloading your desired IPA files from a reputable source like iOSGodsipa.pro, opening AltStore, and using the built-in signing tool to install the game or utility directly onto your device.

Once installed, the primary purpose of AltStore is to act as a vehicle for other apps. You aren’t limited to the few apps listed in the AltStore “Browse” tab. You can find virtually any IPA file (the iOS equivalent of an EXE or APK file) on the internet and install it. However, before you can launch AltStore for the first time or run any apps you install, modern iOS versions require you to perform a few security verifications on the device itself.

How to Enable “Developer Mode” on iOS 16 and Later?

Developer Mode is a security setting introduced in iOS 16 that forces users to explicitly allow the running of locally installed software, found under Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode.

Crucially, if you launch AltStore immediately after installation on iOS 16, 17, or 18, you will likely see an error message saying “Developer Mode Required.” Apple added this step to prevent users from accidentally installing harmful software. To fix this, open your iPhone Settings, scroll down to Privacy & Security, and scroll to the very bottom to find Developer Mode. Tap it and switch the toggle to ON. Your phone will require a restart. After the restart, a prompt will appear on the screen asking you to confirm you want to enable Developer Mode. Tap Turn On and enter your passcode. Now your device is ready to run sideloaded apps.

How to Trust Your Own Apple ID Certificate?

Trusting your certificate is a verification step located in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, where you must tap your Apple ID email and select “Trust” to authorize the apps you signed.

More specifically, even with Developer Mode on, the iPhone needs you to manually verify the specific “developer” (which is you). When you try to open AltStore, you might see an “Untrusted Developer” error. Navigate to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management (on older iOS versions, this might just be called “Profiles” or “Device Management”). Under the “Developer App” section, you will see your Apple ID email address. Tap it, and then tap the blue text that says Trust [Your Email]. Confirm the choice in the pop-up. You only need to do this once for your Apple ID; any future apps you sideload with AltStore will be trusted automatically.

How to Add IPA Files to AltStore from Files App?

Adding IPA files involves tapping the “+” icon in the “My Apps” tab of AltStore, browsing to your downloaded IPA file in the Files app, and allowing AltStore to process and install it.

To execute this, first, download the IPA file you want (for example, a game or a modified app) from a trusted source like iOSGodsipa.pro using the Safari browser on your iPhone. Once downloaded, the file will sit in your “Downloads” folder in the Files app. Open AltStore and navigate to the My Apps tab at the bottom. Tap the + button in the top left corner. This will open the file picker. Select the IPA file you just downloaded. AltStore will display a progress bar as it signs the app. Note: You must keep your phone connected to the same Wi-Fi as your computer (running AltServer) or connected via USB for this to work, as the phone sends the data to the computer to be signed and gets it back to install.

How to Keep Sideloaded Apps from Expiring?

Keeping apps from expiring requires refreshing them every 7 days using the “Refresh All” button in AltStore, which re-signs the application certificate through AltServer over Wi-Fi or USB.

To prevent interruptions, it is vital to understand the “7-Day Rule.” Apple’s free developer accounts only generate certificates that are valid for one week. This is a security measure to prevent the long-term distribution of unverified apps. If you do not refresh the app within this window, the certificate becomes invalid. AltStore is designed to manage this automatically, but it requires your active participation to ensure the environment (Wi-Fi/Computer) is ready for the refresh to happen.

What Happens When an App Expires in AltStore?

When an app expires, the operating system’s security check will fail upon launch, causing the app to crash immediately or display a message that it is no longer available.

Specifically, the app data is not deleted, but the “key” to open the door is gone. You will see the app icon on your home screen, but tapping it will result in it opening and instantly closing. To fix this, you do not need to delete the app and lose your game save or data. You simply need to reconnect to AltServer (via cable or Wi-Fi) and click “Refresh” in AltStore. Once the certificate is renewed, the app will open again exactly as you left it. However, if you let it expire for too long and delete the app to reinstall it, you will lose your local data unless you have backed it up.

How to Set Up Wi-Fi Sync for Automatic Refreshing?

Setting up Wi-Fi Sync involves enabling the “Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi” option in iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) so that AltServer can detect and refresh your device without a USB cable.

To illustrate, the convenience of AltStore lies in wireless refreshing. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB one last time.

• On Windows: Open iTunes, click the phone icon, scroll down to the “Options” section, and check Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi. Click Apply.
• On Mac: Open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, go to the “General” tab, and check Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi.

Once this is enabled, as long as your computer is on and AltServer is running, AltStore on your phone will attempt to refresh your apps automatically in the background when you are on the same Wi-Fi network.

How Many Apps Can I Sideload at Once?

You can sideload a maximum of 3 apps simultaneously using a free Apple Developer account, with AltStore itself occupying one of those slots, leaving two slots available for other games or utilities.

More specifically, this is a hard limit imposed by Apple on free accounts, not a limitation of AltStore itself. This means if you have AltStore installed, you can only install two other IPAs (e.g., a Spotify tweak and a game emulator). If you try to install a third one, AltStore will ask you to deactivate one of the existing apps. You can “deactivate” an app in AltStore to free up a slot without deleting the app’s data. This allows you to rotate between different apps, though you can only have three active (executable) at any given moment. Users who need more slots must purchase a paid Apple Developer Account from Apple (costing $99/year), which removes this limit and extends the signing period to 365 days.

Troubleshooting Common AltStore Errors

Resolving AltStore errors typically requires ensuring both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, firewall settings are permissive, and Apple ID credentials are up to date for proper authentication.

Furthermore, users often encounter specific connectivity and verification hurdles that require detailed steps to resolve effectively.

How to Fix “Could Not Find AltServer” Error?

This is the most frequent issue users face, indicating that the AltStore app on the iPhone cannot communicate with the AltServer running on the computer. This breakdown usually stems from network isolation or missing software dependencies. To establish a stable connection and locate the server:

• Network Sync: Ensure both the iPhone and the computer are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network. If you have a dual-band router, make sure both are on the 2.4GHz or both are on the 5GHz band.
• Trust Settings: Connect your iPhone to the computer via USB cable. Unlock the device and ensure you select “Trust This Computer” if the prompt appears.
• Software Source: On Windows, verify that you are using the direct download versions of iTunes and iCloud from Apple’s website, strictly avoiding the Microsoft Store versions which lack necessary components.
• Firewall Permissions: Check your computer’s firewall or antivirus software. You may need to create an exception for AltServer to allow it to communicate through private networks.

How to Fix “This App Cannot Be Installed Because Its Integrity Could Not Be Verified”?

This error message generally appears when iOS prevents the installation because it cannot confirm the validity of the developer certificate used to sign the app. This is a security feature common with free developer accounts. To resolve this verification block:

• Trust the Profile: Navigate to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management (or Profiles & Device Management). Tap on your Apple ID under “Developer App” and select “Trust.”
• Internet Connection: Ensure your device has an active internet connection. iOS needs to contact Apple’s servers to verify the certificate’s status before allowing the app to launch.
• Certificate Expiration: If the app was previously working but now shows this error, the 7-day signing period has likely expired. You must open AltStore and refresh the app immediately while connected to AltServer.

Advanced Features and Alternatives

Beyond basic sideloading, AltStore offers advanced capabilities like JIT compilation for high-performance emulation, though alternatives like Sideloadly offer different workflows that may suit specific user preferences.

Moreover, understanding these advanced features and comparing tools helps users optimize their sideloading experience significantly.

What Is AltJIT and Do Emulators Need It?

AltJIT is a workaround developed to enable Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation on non-jailbroken devices, a feature Apple strictly restricts for security reasons. JIT allows apps to compile code directly into machine language while the app is running, rather than interpreting it line-by-line.

• Performance Necessity: High-end console emulators like DolphiniOS (GameCube/Wii) or Play! (PS2) absolutely require JIT to run games at full speed. Without JIT, these emulators will run at unplayable frame rates.
• Activation Process: AltStore allows you to enable JIT for specific apps. You must connect your device to the computer running AltServer, go to “My Apps” in AltStore, long-press the app, and select “Enable JIT.”
• Session Limit: Unlike standard app signing, JIT activation is not permanent. It is lost as soon as the app is completely closed from the app switcher and must be re-enabled for the next session.

AltStore vs. Sideloadly: Which Sideloading Tool Is Better?

While both tools serve the primary purpose of installing IPA files onto an iOS device, they cater to different user workflows. AltStore is generally preferred for long-term convenience due to its on-device management, whereas Sideloadly is excellent for customization and one-off installations.

• Refresh Mechanism: AltStore utilizes a companion app on the iPhone to refresh apps wirelessly in the background, making it a “set it and forget it” solution as long as you sync with your PC weekly. Sideloadly generally requires connecting the device to the computer to re-sign apps after the 7-day expiration.
• Injection Features: Sideloadly excels in customization. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to easily inject tweaks (dylibs) into IPAs, change app names, and modify bundle IDs before installation.
• Wi-Fi Dependency: AltStore requires the device and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi to refresh. Sideloadly is less dependent on constant local network syncing but relies more on physical USB connections for maintenance.