Tutorials
How to Install IPA Files with Sideloadly — Complete Setup Guide
Sideloadly is a free desktop tool for Windows and macOS that signs and installs IPAs onto a connected iPhone using your free Apple ID provisioning. Unlike AltStore, it doesn't keep a phone-side app running — it's a one-shot signer.
What Sideloadly is good at
- One-time IPA installs (you don't need a phone-side app)
- Cleaner setup than AltStore
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux (via Wine on Linux)
- Lets you customize the bundle ID and display name during signing
Setup
- Download Sideloadly from
sideloadly.ioand install it. - Install iTunes if you don't already have it (Windows). On macOS, no extra setup needed.
- Plug your iPhone in via USB cable.
- Open Sideloadly. Your device should appear in the dropdown.
Installing an IPA
- Drag the .ipa file onto the Sideloadly window.
- Enter your Apple ID in the field.
- Click "Start". Sideloadly will prompt for your Apple ID password.
- If your account has 2FA, Sideloadly may ask for an app-specific password — generate one at
appleid.apple.com. - Sideloadly signs, installs, and notifies you when done.
- On your iPhone:
Settings → General → VPN & Device Management→ trust the developer.
Sideloadly vs AltStore
| Sideloadly | AltStore | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Phone-side app | None | Required |
| Auto re-sign | No (manual) | Yes (wireless) |
| App library / catalog | No | Yes (AltStore Sources) |
| Bundle ID customization | Yes | No |
The 7-day reality (same as AltStore)
Sideloadly uses the same free Apple ID provisioning, so apps still expire after 7 days. You'll need to re-install (plug in cable, redo the install) each week. If that maintenance bothers you, an Enterprise-signed IPA avoids it entirely — install once, no re-sign needed.
Common Sideloadly errors
- "Sideloadly_iPhone error 4..." — usually wrong password or 2FA without app-specific password.
- Device not detected — install/restart iTunes, accept "Trust this computer" on phone.
- App installs but crashes — provisioning mismatch. Restart and try again, or use a paid cert.
For other install issues, see our full troubleshooting guide.
Comparison
For a full side-by-side of all free sideloading options, see AltStore vs SideStore vs TrollStore.