AltStore PAL Setup Guide — Install Any IPA on iPhone (EU)

AltStore PAL is the EU-only version of AltStore, enabled by the Digital Markets Act. If you're in an EU country with an iPhone running iOS 17.4 or later, it's currently the safest and most reliable way to install apps Apple hasn't approved.

Unlike the original AltStore (which requires a Mac running the AltServer background app to re-sign apps every 7 days), AltStore PAL uses a notarised marketplace certificate. Apps you install stay installed indefinitely without a computer.

What You'll Need#

• iPhone in an EU country running iOS 17.4 or later
• Active internet connection
• About €1.50/year for the AltStore PAL marketplace fee (required by Apple's alternative marketplace rules)

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode#

AltStore PAL requires Developer Mode to be on before any sideloaded apps will run.

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode
2. Toggle it ON and restart your phone
3. After restart, tap Turn On on the confirmation prompt

Detailed steps: How to Enable Developer Mode on iPhone

Step 2: Install AltStore PAL#

1. On your iPhone, navigate to altstore.io↗ in Safari
2. Tap the Get AltStore button for PAL
3. You'll see an Apple prompt asking to install the AltStore PAL marketplace — tap Install
4. Wait for the installation to complete (usually under 30 seconds)
5. Open AltStore PAL from your home screen

Step 3: Set Up Your Patreon/Subscription#

AltStore PAL requires a €1.50/year Patreon subscription to cover Apple's marketplace fee. Riley Testut (the developer) passes this directly to Apple.

1. In AltStore PAL, tap Manage Subscription
2. Complete the Patreon checkout
3. Return to AltStore PAL — it will validate your subscription automatically

Step 4: Install Your First App#

Installing from AltStore's built-in catalogue#

AltStore PAL ships with a small catalogue of curated apps including Delta (Nintendo emulator) and Clip (clipboard manager).

1. Tap the Browse tab
2. Find the app you want
3. Tap Install — no Mac required, no 7-day re-signing needed

Installing a custom IPA file#

For apps not in the catalogue:

1. Download the .ipa file to your iPhone (via Safari, Files, or transfer from Mac/PC)
2. Tap Share on the file → scroll to AltStore in the share sheet
3. AltStore will sign and install the IPA
4. The installed app appears on your home screen immediately

File size limit: Apple imposes a 2GB per-app limit via alternative marketplaces.

Troubleshooting Common Issues#

"App installation failed: A newer version is required"#

AltStore PAL updated and the cached version on your phone is outdated. Open AltStore PAL → Settings → Check for Updates.

Apps stop working after iOS update#

Apple's 18.4.1 update changed entitlement handling. If your sideloaded apps broke, open AltStore PAL and tap Refresh All to re-sign them. If that doesn't work, re-install them via AltStore.

"Marketplace not available in your region"#

You must be in an EU country with a European Apple ID. A non-EU Apple ID — even on an EU device — will not see the AltStore PAL option.

Installation gets stuck at "Waiting"#

Force-close Safari and AltStore PAL, then try again. If it persists, go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and check for a partially installed profile to remove.

What Can You Install?#

Legally and safely:

• Game emulators — Delta (SNES, N64, GBA, DS), PPSSPP, Dolphin
• Browser modifications — ad-blocking browsers not allowed on App Store
• Developer betas — test builds of apps before official release
• Region-locked apps — apps available in some App Stores but not yours

Not recommended:

• Pirated apps — illegal regardless of installation method
• Modified versions of apps that violate the original app's Terms of Service

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is AltStore PAL free? The app itself is free. The €1.50/year subscription fee covers Apple's alternative marketplace API charge — it goes straight to Apple, not Riley Testut.

Does AltStore PAL work outside the EU? No. It requires an EU Apple ID and EU device region. The original AltStore (Mac-required) works worldwide.

Will my sideloaded apps break when iOS updates? Sometimes. Major iOS updates can change entitlement rules. AltStore PAL's Refresh function usually fixes this within a day of any breaking update.

Can I install AltStore PAL without a subscription? You can install the app without a subscription, but you can't install apps from it without completing the €1.50/year setup.

Is this a jailbreak? No. AltStore PAL is a legally mandated alternative App Store. Your device remains fully intact with all Apple security features active.

What happens if I move back to a non-EU country? Your installed apps continue to work. You won't be able to install new apps via AltStore PAL until you're back in an EU region.