AltStore is the most widely-used free sideloading tool for iOS. It uses your free Apple ID provisioning to re-sign apps every seven days, keeping them functional indefinitely as long as your computer is occasionally on the same network as your phone.

AltStore Classic vs AltStore PAL

Since 2024, two versions exist:

  • AltStore Classic — the worldwide version. Uses your free Apple ID to sign apps directly on your phone. Requires AltServer on your computer for the initial install and weekly re-signs.
  • AltStore PAL — EU-only, runs as a true third-party app marketplace under the Digital Markets Act. Doesn't require your Apple ID for signing; Apple bills the marketplace fees instead.

If you're outside the EU, AltStore Classic is your path. The rest of this guide covers Classic.

What you'll need

  • A Mac or Windows PC
  • iTunes (Windows) or Apple Mobile Device Support installed
  • An Apple ID (the free kind is fine)
  • Your iPhone or iPad on the same Wi-Fi network as the computer

Step-by-step install

  1. Download AltServer from altstore.io. Install it on your computer.
  2. Run AltServer. On macOS it lives in the menu bar; on Windows in the system tray.
  3. Plug your iPhone in via USB the first time.
  4. Click the AltServer icon → "Install AltStore" → select your device.
  5. Enter your Apple ID and password. AltServer uses this to sign AltStore itself.
  6. Wait — AltStore will appear on your home screen.
  7. Trust the developer: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → [Your Apple ID] → Trust.
  8. Open AltStore on your phone.

Sideloading an IPA with AltStore

  1. Get the .ipa file onto your phone (AirDrop, iCloud Drive, Files app).
  2. Open AltStore → "My Apps" → "+" → select the IPA.
  3. AltStore signs it with your Apple ID and installs it.
  4. Done.

The 7-day reality

Free Apple ID provisioning means every signed app expires after 7 days. AltStore handles this:

  • Open AltStore on your phone with your computer on the same network — it re-signs automatically.
  • Enable "Background Refresh" in iOS settings for AltStore so it can refresh in the background.
  • If you don't re-sign in time, the app stops launching until you do.

AltStore limitations

  • Maximum 3 sideloaded apps simultaneously (Apple's free provisioning rule)
  • Maximum 10 app IDs registered per 7-day cycle
  • Some apps requiring special entitlements (push, iCloud, NFC) won't work
  • Computer must be reachable for re-signs

When AltStore isn't enough

If you need any of these, AltStore Classic can't help:

  • Distribution to other people (their phone needs their Apple ID)
  • More than 3 apps at once
  • Apps that need full entitlements
  • Avoiding the weekly re-sign maintenance

For those use cases, a paid Enterprise signing avoids all of the above. Comparison: AltStore vs SideStore vs TrollStore.