The questions people ask before they sideload
Each group follows a number on the phone above.
1The IPA, and no jailbreak
Do I have to jailbreak my iPhone?
No. Sideloading signs the IPA so iOS accepts it, and the system remains as Apple ships it.
Is this AltStore itself?
It is Sideloadly, a separate tool that does the same job from your computer: it installs IPA files on iOS without a jailbreak.
2Your Apple ID
Why does it need my Apple ID?
iOS only runs signed apps. Your Apple ID signs the IPA for your own device.
How long does a sideloaded app last?
With a standard Apple ID, 7 days before it needs signing again. A paid developer account stretches that to a year.
3The home screen
Which devices can it reach?
iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
So where do I start?
On the download page at the end of this one: pick your computer's system, install it, then plug in your device and drop in the IPA.
Four words you will meet
The short field guide, A to S.
- Apple ID
- The account you sign in to Apple with.
- Sideloadly asks for it to sign each IPA.
- IPA
- The package file an iOS app comes in.
- You pick it in Sideloadly before the install.
- Jailbreak
- A hack that lifts iOS limits at system level.
- The step this method skips.
- Sideloading
- Installing an app from outside the App Store.
- What AltStore and Sideloadly are both built for.