Sideload is the best way to download the iOS app easily. This is the most popular and trusted way to get your favorite, double-plus, and third-party apps on your iOS devices. Not only that, but you can also get the apps that are not in the Apple App Store. Furthermore, sideloading lets you access apps that are available only in the pro version. So you can get social media hacked or sideload apps by using these methods. Let’s see which safety-tested sideloading methods are available.
What is sideloading?
Sideloading is the process of installing apps on an iPhone from sources outside of the Apple App Store. Instead of downloading an app directly from the App Store, users manually install it using alternative methods.
This process is standard on Android devices, where users can freely install apps from third-party sources. However, Apple has traditionally restricted sideloading updates due to security concerns. In recent years, regulatory changes and increased pressure from developers have made sideloading on iOS more accessible.
How Sideloading Works on iOS
Unlike Android, installing apps outside of the App Store on iOS, where sideloading is simple, requires a few extra steps. There are several ways to sideload apps to an iPhone:
- Using Developer Mode: Apple allows developers to test their own apps in Xcode, which enables sideloading.
- Using AltStore – A third-party app store that allows users to install apps that Apple does not approve.
- Using Sideloadly – A popular tool that helps users install IPA files (iOS app installation files).
- Through Enterprise Certificates – Some organizations use enterprise certificates to install internal apps without the App Store.
- Using Third-Party App Stores – With recent regulatory changes, alternative app marketplaces are available to iOS users.
Mainly, sideloading can be divided into 2 methods. they are,
1. with computer-sideload methods
2. without computer / online sideloading apps
With computer-sideload methods
Let’s see what tools are available with computer-sideload methods.
Sideloading apps on iOS means installing IPA files from non-official app stores using a computer with a tool like AltStore or Sideloadly. This process requires enabling developer mode on your device, connecting it to a laptop, and signing the IPA file with your Apple ID to install it.
For those in the EU, alternative app stores can be installed directly through a web browser by following the on-screen instructions.
AltStore Sideloding
This is a new way to sideload.
AltStore is an app store designed for sideloading. To make sideloading fun and easy, every app in AltStore gets a beautifully presented store page with detailed information. Browse apps from trusted developers, or add additional “sources” to further expand your options.
Plus, AltStore is designed with security in mind. You can view a complete list of an app’s permissions on its store page, and AltStore automatically alerts you if they change so that you can sideload with confidence.
Anyone can distribute their apps with AltStore. All you need to do is create a “source”, which is a text file that hosts basic information about your apps. Users can then enter your source URL in AltStore, and your apps will automatically appear.
Step-by-step installation guide
Download and install AltServer. Download AltServer from the official AltStore website, unzip the file, and move AltServer.app to your Applications folder.
Open the app to see its icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
Connect and enable Wi-Fi sync. Connect your iOS device to your Mac via USB and trust the computer. In Finder or iTunes, select your device and enable “Show this iPhone/iPad when on Wi-Fi” (or similar) in the General tab, then apply the setting.
Install AltStore on an iOS device. Click the AltServer icon in the menu bar, select “Install AltStore”, and select your device. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted to generate a signing certificate. A notification will confirm the successful installation.
Trust the developer app. On your iOS device, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Under “Developer App”, tap your Apple ID and select “Trust [Your Apple ID]”.
Enable Developer Mode (iOS 16+) If you’re using iOS 16 or later, go to Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down to Developer Mode, and turn it on. Your device may need to restart.
Once this step is complete, you can open AltStore on your iOS device to sideload apps using .ipa files via the “My Apps” tab and the + icon. Keep in mind that AltServer must be running on your Mac, and both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for an over-the-air app refresh.
AltStore Sideloding
To download and use Sideloadly on your Mac, visit the official website and download the macOS version. Sideloadly is a desktop application used to install IPA files on an iOS device from a computer, not an application installed directly on the iPhone/iPad.
Download Sideloadly for Mac
Go to the official website: Open your web browser and navigate to Sideloadly.
Select macOS download: On the download page, find the macOS section and click the download link for your operating system.
Install the app: The file will download as a .dmg file. Open the file and drag the Sideloadly app to your /Applications folder.
Open the app: You may want to bypass macOS security settings the first time you open it by right-clicking the app icon and selecting “Open With” or by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and clicking “Open Anyway”.
Prerequisites for iOS Sideloading
- Before using Sideloadly to install apps on your iOS device, make sure you have the following:
- iTunes/Finder: Make sure your Mac can recognize your iPhone/iPad. Newer macOS versions use Finder for device management, while older versions use iTunes.
- IPA File: You will need the .ipa file of the app you want to sideload.
- Apple ID: Your Apple ID email and password are used to sign in to the app. You may receive a verification code on your device upon first use. It is recommended to use an alternate Apple ID for security purposes.
How to Sideload an App
- Connect Your Device: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
- Launch Sideloadly: Open the Sideloadly app on your Mac.
- Enter Apple ID: Type your Apple ID email address in the “Apple Account” field.
- Drag IPA: Drag the IPA file you want to install into the Sideloadly window.
- Start the installation: Click the Start button and enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- Trust the developer: Once the installation is complete, go to your iOS device’s settings> General > VPN & Device Management. Tap your Apple ID, then select Trust.
- You can now launch the sideloaded app from your Home screen.
2. without computer / online sideloading apps
Online signing services: Some services offer a portal for signing and installing apps directly on your device. You may need to install a configuration profile and then use a specific app or website to upload and install your .ipa files.
The main online sideloading methods are,
1.Esign iOS App
2. Ksign iOS app
3. Feather app
4. Trollstore
