AltStore Complete Setup Guide — Sideload Apps on Any iPhone

AltStore (the original, non-EU version) works worldwide but requires a Mac or Windows PC running AltServer in the background to re-sign apps every 7 days. Once set up, it's largely automatic. This guide covers the complete setup process.

For EU users: AltStore PAL guide is simpler — no PC required.

What You'll Need#

• iPhone running iOS 14 or later
• Mac or Windows PC on the same WiFi network
• Free Apple ID (or Apple Developer account for longer certificates)
• AltServer installed on your computer

Step 1: Install AltServer (Mac)#

1. Go to altstore.io↗ on your Mac
2. Download AltServer for Mac
3. Move AltServer to your Applications folder
4. Open AltServer — a small icon appears in your menu bar

Windows Setup#

1. Download AltServer for Windows from altstore.io
2. Run the installer
3. AltServer starts in your system tray
4. Install iTunes and iCloud from Apple's website (not the Microsoft Store versions — they don't work with AltServer)

Step 2: Install AltStore on Your iPhone#

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB
2. Unlock your iPhone and tap Trust if prompted
3. In the AltServer menu bar icon (Mac) or system tray (Windows), click Install AltStore
4. Select your iPhone from the menu
5. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted (this stays local — it's used to sign the app)
6. Wait for AltStore to install — takes about 30 seconds
7. Trust the developer certificate: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → your Apple ID → Trust

Step 3: Sign In to AltStore#

1. Open AltStore on your iPhone
2. Go to My Account → Sign in with your Apple ID
3. AltStore will verify your account and display your signing certificate expiry date

Step 4: Install Your First App#

From AltStore's Sources#

AltStore can pull apps from community sources:

1. Go to Browse tab → Sources → +
2. Add Riley's Source: https://rileytestut.com/altstore
3. Delta, Clip, and others will appear in Browse

Install a Custom IPA#

1. Download an IPA to your iPhone
2. Tap the file → Share → AltStore
3. AltStore signs it with your Apple ID and installs it
4. App appears on your home screen

3-app limit: Free Apple IDs can have maximum 3 active sideloaded apps. Developer accounts ($99/year) remove this limit and extend certificate life to 1 year.

Step 5: Auto-Refresh Setup (Critical)#

Apps signed with a free Apple ID expire after 7 days. AltStore refreshes them automatically if your computer is on the same WiFi.

Enable WiFi Refresh#

1. In AltStore, go to Settings → Refresh Apps → Always
2. On your computer, AltStore menu → Enable WiFi Sync
3. Your iPhone will refresh apps automatically when on the same network as your computer

Manual Refresh#

If auto-refresh fails, open AltStore → My Apps → swipe to refresh, or tap the circular refresh icon.

Refresh Before Traveling#

If you'll be away from your computer for more than 7 days:

1. Open AltStore before leaving
2. Go to My Apps → tap the refresh icon
3. Apps are freshly signed and will last another 7 days

Troubleshooting#

"Could not sign in to AltServer"#

• Ensure iTunes and iCloud are from Apple directly (not Microsoft Store)
• Check that your firewall isn't blocking AltServer
• Try a different USB cable and port

"Maximum number of certificates reached"#

Free Apple IDs are limited in active certificates. Go to appleid.apple.com↗ → Sign In → find "App-specific passwords" and revoke old certificates.

Apps stop refreshing over WiFi#

Ensure WiFi Sync is enabled on the AltServer menu. Your iPhone and computer must be on the same network. If your router blocks device-to-device traffic (common on guest networks), this won't work.

AltStore says "No Wi-Fi" even when connected#

This is a known AltServer issue on some Mac OS versions. Restart AltServer from the menu bar, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Does AltStore work without a computer nearby? The original AltStore needs a computer for the 7-day refresh. AltStore PAL (EU) doesn't — see the PAL guide.

Is my Apple ID safe entering it into AltServer? AltServer uses your Apple ID locally — credentials aren't sent to Riley Testut's servers. However, using a secondary "burner" Apple ID is a reasonable precaution.

Why only 3 apps with a free Apple ID? Apple limits free developer accounts to 3 active application IDs. Each sideloaded app uses one slot. The $99/year Apple Developer Program removes this restriction.

Does AltStore support Cydia/jailbreak tweaks? No. AltStore installs standalone IPA files. It doesn't support Cydia repositories, substrate tweaks, or jailbreak-level modifications.

My app got removed after I updated iOS. Why? Major iOS updates can invalidate sideloaded app certificates. Open AltStore and refresh. If that doesn't work, reinstall the IPA.