What Is Sideloading?

Sideloading means installing apps outside the official App Store. Apple has historically restricted this on iOS — unlike Android where it is straightforward. iOS 17.4+ opened alternative app marketplaces in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act. Outside the EU, sideloading still requires a workaround using developer tools.

Method 1: AltStore (Best for Non-EU Users)

  1. 1

    Download AltServer on your Mac or PC

    Go to altstore.io and download AltServer for your computer (Mac or Windows). Install and run it — it appears in your menu bar or system tray.

  2. 2

    Connect your iPhone via USB

    Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. Trust the computer on your iPhone when prompted.

  3. 3

    Install AltStore onto your iPhone via AltServer

    Click the AltServer icon in your menu bar or system tray → Install AltStore → select your iPhone. Enter your Apple ID when prompted (use a spare Apple ID if you prefer not to use your main one). AltStore installs on your iPhone as an app.

  4. 4

    Trust the developer certificate on iPhone

    On your iPhone: Settings → General → VPN and Device Management → tap your Apple ID → Trust. This allows apps signed with your Apple ID to run.

  5. 5

    Install IPA files via AltStore

    Download the IPA file for the app you want to install. Open AltStore on your iPhone → My Apps tab → tap the + icon → select the IPA file. AltStore signs and installs the app. You need to refresh apps every 7 days (or keep AltServer running on your computer, which refreshes automatically via WiFi).

Method 2: EU App Marketplaces (iOS 17.4+, EU only)

In EU countries, iOS 17.4 and later allows alternative app marketplaces. AltStore PAL is available as a direct install at altstore.io without needing a computer at all. Other approved marketplaces are appearing. This is the simplest approach for EU users.

Method 3: Sideloadly (Alternative to AltStore)

Sideloadly (sideloadly.io) is a Windows and Mac tool that installs IPA files directly. Connect iPhone, open Sideloadly, drag the IPA file in, enter your Apple ID and click Start. Same 7-day limitation applies without a paid Apple Developer account.

Important limitations and risksFree Apple ID signing: apps expire after 7 days and must be refreshed. Paid Apple Developer account ($149/year): apps are valid for 1 year. Only install apps from trusted sources — IPA files from unknown sites can contain malware. Sideloaded apps do not receive App Store updates automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — sideloading apps is legal in most countries. It does not violate any law. However, it does void Apple's App Store guidelines for those specific apps, and Apple may limit functionality of sideloaded apps in some circumstances. Always install IPA files only from trusted, reputable sources.
Apple limits free developer certificates to 7 days to discourage bypassing the App Store. Paid Apple Developer accounts ($149/year) extend this to 1 year. AltStore with AltServer running in the background on your computer automatically refreshes apps before they expire, making the 7-day limit mostly invisible in practice.