If you’re an Apple user who wants to download third-party apps on your iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking, installing AltStore is the way to go. AltStore allows you to use third-party apps that are not supported by Apple, giving you more flexibility and customization options for your device. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing AltStore on your iPhone or iPad.
Things You Should Know
Before we dive into the installation process, there are a few important things you should know about AltStore:
- AltStore is not available for download on the App Store. You’ll need to install it using a Mac or Windows computer.
- If you’re using a Windows system, you’ll need to have iTunes and the iCloud desktop client installed. Mac users should have iCloud configured on their system.
- AltStore is free to use, but it requires renewal every 7 days. If you want to use AltStore beyond the free period, you’ll need to pay a yearly fee of $99 for an Apple developer account.
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s jump into the installation process.
Method 1: Windows
If you’re using a Windows computer, follow these steps to install AltStore on your iPhone or iPad:
Install iCloud for Windows from Apple’s website. It’s important to download the version from Apple’s website, not the one from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how:
- Open the Microsoft Store app and uninstall iCloud if it’s already installed.
- Go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204283 and click the link to download iCloud for Windows.
- Double-click the downloaded file (icloud.exe) and follow the on-screen instructions to install iCloud.
- Open iCloud and sign in with your Apple ID.
Install the iTunes version from Apple’s website. Follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store app and uninstall iTunes if it’s already installed.
- Go to https://www.apple.com/itunes and click the link to download iTunes for Windows.
- Double-click the iTunes installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Set up your iPhone or iPad to sync over Wi-Fi. This will allow you to use AltStore without having to keep your device connected to the computer. Here’s how:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes and set it up if it’s your first time using it.
- Click the device icon near the top-left corner of iTunes to view your device’s contents.
- Click “Summary” at the top of the left panel.
- Check the box next to “Sync with this [device type] over Wi-Fi” and click “Apply”.
Download AltServer from the AltStore website. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to https://altstore.io in your web browser.
- Click the “Windows (beta)” link under “Download AltServer for…”
- Save the “altstaller.zip” file to your computer.
Run the AltServer installer. After extracting the downloaded zip file, double-click the “setup.exe” file and follow the on-screen instructions to install AltServer.
Open AltServer. Look for the diamond-shaped icon near the system clock (you may need to click the up arrow to expand the notification area). This indicates that AltServer is running.
Install AltStore on your iPhone or iPad:
- Click the AltServer icon and select “Install AltStore” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose your iPhone or iPad from the list of connected devices.
- Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted.
- Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
Trust the developer on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device.
- Go to “General” > “Device Management” > “Enterprise App”.
- Enable trust for the developer and confirm your action.
Open AltStore on your device. You should see the AltStore app icon on your home screen or in the App Library.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed AltStore on your iPhone or iPad using a Windows computer. Now you can start sideloading your favorite third-party apps onto your device.
Method 2: macOS
If you’re using a Mac, here’s how you can install AltStore on your iPhone or iPad:
Download AltServer from the AltStore website:
- Go to https://altstore.io in your web browser.
- Click the “macOS” link to download AltServer.
- Save the “altserver.zip” file to your computer.
Run the AltServer installer:
- Unzip the downloaded file and double-click the “AltServer.App” file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install AltServer.
Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
Launch Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) and select your device.
Enable Wi-Fi syncing for your device:
- Scroll down to find the option “Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi” and make sure it’s enabled.
Install AltStore on your iPhone or iPad:
- Click the AltServer icon in the menu bar (top-right corner for Mac users).
- Select “Install AltStore” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose your connected iPhone or iPad.
- Sign in with your Apple ID when prompted.
- Click “Install” to start the installation process.
Trust the developer on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device.
- Go to “General” > “Profiles & Device Management” > “Enterprise App”.
- Enable trust for the developer and confirm your action.
Open AltStore on your device. Look for the AltStore app icon on your home screen or in the App Library.
Great job! You have successfully installed AltStore on your iPhone or iPad using a Mac. Now you can enjoy the benefits of using third-party apps on your device.
AltStore Renewal
AltStore’s free usage is valid for 7 days. After that, you’ll need to renew it to continue using the app. There are two ways to renew AltStore:
- Pay a yearly fee of $99 for an Apple developer account. This will allow you to use AltStore and sideloaded apps without any limitations.
- If you prefer not to pay for the app, you can reinstall AltStore every 7 days to continue using it for free. However, keep in mind that any sideloaded apps will also expire after 7 days.
To keep your apps running, follow these steps:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer with AltServer.
- Open the AltStore app on your device.
- Go to “My Apps” and tap on “Refresh All”.
By performing this action every 7 days, you can continue using AltStore and the sideloaded apps without any interruptions.
Conclusion
Congratulations on successfully installing AltStore on your iPhone or iPad! You now have the ability to download and use third-party apps that are not available on the official App Store. Whether you’re using a Windows computer or a Mac, the installation process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. Remember to renew AltStore regularly to continue enjoying its benefits. Happy sideloading!
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
