How to Use AltStore App to Install IPA Files on iPhone
By Space Coast Daily // December 27, 2021
Over the last few years, lots of iOS app store alternatives have been released, and now we have a new one. Called AltStore, it is different from other similar stores, offering a way of installing whatever you want on your device. It’s free to use, doesn’t need a jailbreak, so keep reading to find out all you need to know.
How to Download AltStore:
Unlike most other unofficial app stores, AltStore can only be installed on your device by using your computer and a companion app named AltServer. This companion app must also be used to keep your apps refreshed, ensuring the app certificates cannot be revoked by Apple. If you are using Windows, please make sure you are only using iTunes from the official Apple website, not from the Microsoft Store. Here are the links to install the right version:
Now you are ready to install AltStore:
1. Plug your device into your computer using the official cable
2. Using your browser, open the AltStore website
3. Download AltServer
4. Windows users – open the icon tray and click on the running AltServer app. Hover the mouse cursor over Install AltStore and choose your device
5. Mac users – open the toolbar and click on AltStore. Click Install AltStore and choose your device
6. You will see AltStore on your device’s home screen when it is installed
You must leave your computer running, sleep mode is fine, when not using it, and your device must be connected by cable or iTunes Wi-Fi Sync. This is so that the apps can be updated and refreshed, stopping Apple from revoking the certificate and crashing everything.
How to Use AltStore:
There are two ways to use AltStore:
Pre-Installed Apps and Games
1. Launch AltStore
2. If you get an Untrusted Developer error, open Settings>General>Profiles and trust the profile
3. Tap Settings > Account in AltStore and sign in using your Apple ID
4. Tap on the browser
5. Find and tap on an app or game
6. Tap FREE
The app icon is on your home screen when done – you might need to fix the untrusted developer error before you can use it.
External Files:
AltStore also offers an easy way to install external IPA files:
1. Find and download the IPA file from the internet – make sure it is from a reputable site
2. Find the download and tap on the AltStore icon
3. When AltStore opens, the app is signed and installed
4. You can also launch AltStore and tap on the + icon
5. Find and tap the file you want and it will be installed
Any apps you install in this way will appear on your home screen and in AltStore
AltStore Pros and Cons:
AltStore has several pros and cons:
Pros
■ You don’t need to jailbreak
■ The app certificate cannot be revoked by Apple provided you follow the usage guide
■ Some pre-installed content and the ability to sideload your own
Cons
■ You can only have 3 working apps on your device at any one time – AltStore is one of these
■ You need the companion app, AltServer, on your computer to install the store on your device
■ You must connect your device to your computer by cable or iTunes Wi-Fi Sync at least once per week to refresh the apps and stop Apple from revoking the certificate
Frequently Asked Questions:
These tell you everything you need to know:
What is AltStore?
It is an unofficial app store that offers some pre-installed content and the chance to sideload unsigned IPA files from the internet. It does this by letting you create developer certificates so the apps and games can run.
Is AltStore a Jailbreak?
No, and you don’t need one either. It is nothing more than an unofficial app store.
How Does AltStore Work?
Developed by Riley Testut, the app store uses a feature given to developers by Apple that allows them to test their apps before they go into the app store. This feature also allows users to create developer certificates to run your apps but this is why you can only have three at any one time on your device, one of which is AltStore, and is why your Apple ID is needed.
What Apps Does AltStore Have?
At the moment, there are not many to choose from but the developer is planning to add more. However, you can download as many IPA files from the internet as you want and sideload those onto your device. Here are the most popular AltStore downloads:
■ GBA4iOS
■ Happy Chick Emulator
■ Provenance
■ iNDS
■ Chimera Jailbreak
How Should AltStore be Used?
By following the developer’s guidelines:
■ Set AltStore to open when your computer is switched on
■ At least once per week, connect your device to your computer and leave AltServer running to refresh your apps – this stops the certificates from being revoked.
AltStore is a different kind of unofficial app store that is proving very popular. It’s free so go ahead and download it today.
