Both your computer and iOS device must be on the same network. Step 1: Install AltServer on Your Computer
Free Apple developer accounts are strictly limited to having three active sideloaded apps on a device at one time. AltStore itself counts as one of these three apps. Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
: Downloaded from the AltStore website and running on your computer. Step 1: Set Up AltStore on Your Device
Try connecting your phone to the computer via USB for the refresh.
Because AltStore uses your personal developer certificate, apps installed this way expire every . AltStore solves this limitation by automatically refreshing the apps over Wi-Fi when your device is on the same network as your computer running AltServer. System Requirements and Prerequisites how to install ipa file using altstore
AltStore offers a relatively straightforward way to sideload .ipa files by installing AltStore via AltServer, trusting the developer profile, and using AltStore’s install/refresh features to manage apps. Follow the steps above and maintain AltServer access to keep apps signed and functional.
of iTunes and iCloud if you have them. They lack the necessary hooks for AltStore.
Check the box for in the iTunes device summary.
Ensure AltServer is running on your computer and both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the My Apps tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap the "+" (Plus) icon in the top-left corner. Both your computer and iOS device must be
Click the AltServer icon on your computer menu bar/system tray, select Install AltStore , and choose your connected iOS device.
Download the macOS version from the official AltStore website.
To avoid that:
I can provide targeted troubleshooting steps or a visual walkthrough for your exact setup. Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting : Downloaded
AltStore Ultimate Guide : IPA Install & Refresh Guide (No VPN) 25 Oct 2025 —
Now that AltStore is running properly on your phone, you can begin sideloading your custom IPA files. Step 1: Download Your IPA File
The installation process begins by setting up the companion desktop application, AltServer, which signs and pushes the apps to your mobile device. For Windows Users
| Feature | AltStore | SideStore | Sideloadly | Scarlet | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Yes (for initial & refresh) | No (uses WireGuard VPN) | Yes (every 7 days) | No (but requires DNS) | | Wireless Refreshing | Yes (same Wi-Fi) | Yes (Anywhere) | No | Yes | | 3 App Limit | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (uses enterprise certs) | | Ease of Use | Very Easy | Moderate | Easy | Easy (but risky) |
AltStore leverages a developer feature called "Free Developer Provisioning." Normally, Apple allows users with a free Apple ID to sideload up to 3 apps at a time, but these apps expire after 7 days. AltStore automates this process. It uses a companion app on your computer (Windows or Mac) called , which signs the IPA files with your Apple ID credentials.