AltStore

AltStore Classic lets you install compatible IPA applications without jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad.

For the standard installation method, you need an iPhone or iPad, a Windows or Mac computer, AltServer and an Apple Account.

How to install AltStore on Windows

1. Open the official AltStore website at altstore.io.
2. Download AltServer for Windows.
3. Install iTunes and iCloud directly from Apple if required.
4. Extract the AltServer installation ZIP file.
5. Run Setup.exe and complete the installation.
6. Open AltServer as administrator.
7. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable.
8. Unlock your device and select Trust This Computer when asked.
9. Open iTunes and enable Wi-Fi syncing if you want wireless connections.
10. Find the AltServer icon in the Windows system tray.
11. Select Install AltStore.
12. Choose your connected iPhone or iPad.
13. Sign in using your Apple Account through the AltServer process.
14. Complete Apple's two-factor authentication if requested.
15. Allow AltServer to install AltStore.
16. Open Settings → General → VPN & Device Management on your iPhone.
17. Trust the relevant developer profile when required.
18. Enable Developer Mode under Settings → Privacy & Security if prompted.
19. Open AltStore from your Home Screen.
20. Sign in or complete any remaining configuration.

How to install AltStore on Mac

1. Download AltServer for macOS from altstore.io.
2. Install and open AltServer.
3. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the Mac.
4. Trust the connection when prompted.
5. Enable Wi-Fi syncing through Finder if needed.
6. Follow any Mail plug-in setup instructions shown for your macOS version.
7. Open the AltServer menu.
8. Select Install AltStore and choose your device.
9. Complete Apple Account authentication.
10. Trust the developer app on your device if required.
11. Enable Developer Mode if needed.
12. Launch AltStore.

How to install an IPA using AltStore

1. Download a compatible IPA from a trusted source.
2. Open AltStore.
3. Select My Apps.
4. Tap the plus button.
5. Browse to your downloaded IPA in Files.
6. Select the IPA.
7. Keep a supported AltServer connection available, or use your configured Remote AltServer.
8. Allow AltStore to sign and install the application.
9. Wait until installation completes.
10. Open the new application from your Home Screen.

How to refresh AltStore apps

Open AltStore → My Apps and select Refresh All.

For free Apple Accounts, apps normally expire after seven days unless refreshed.

AltStore attempts background refreshes when the required connection and permissions are available.

How to install apps without a nearby computer

AltStore Classic 2.3 introduced Remote AltServer.

Open AltStore Settings and choose Set up Remote AltServer.

Follow the instructions to configure the remote signing connection.

Once configured, Remote AltServer can handle supported installations, refreshing and activation over Wi-Fi without your own computer being available for each operation.

This does not mean the initial Classic installation is completely computer-free.

Important security advice

Use AltServer from the official AltStore website.

Do not enter your Apple Account password into unknown IPA download websites, signing services or unfamiliar pop-ups.

Only install applications from developers you trust.

AltStore Classic is an iOS sideloading platform that allows users to discover, install and manage third-party applications.

IPA File Installation

Import compatible IPA files directly from the Files app and install them using AltStore.

No Jailbreak Required

AltStore works through supported application signing methods rather than jailbreaking the device.

Apple Account Signing

AltStore Classic uses a personal Apple Account to prepare compatible applications for installation.

Free Apple Account Support

A paid Apple Developer membership is not required for basic AltStore Classic usage.

Seven-Day App Refreshing

Applications installed with a free Apple Account normally expire after seven days.

AltStore can refresh supported applications before they expire.

Background App Refresh

AltStore attempts background refreshing while the necessary AltServer connection is available.

Remote AltServer

Version 2.3 introduced Remote AltServer so users can install, refresh, activate and deactivate supported apps over Wi-Fi without relying on their own nearby computer for each action.

Three Active App Limit

Apple normally allows up to three active sideloaded applications with a free Apple Account.

AltStore itself uses one of those slots.

App Activation and Deactivation

Temporarily deactivate an installed application to free an active app slot.

AltStore can back up its local data for restoration when you activate the app again.

Custom App Sources

Add compatible AltStore source URLs to discover applications distributed by independent developers.

Application Updates

Check for newer releases available through your installed app sources.

Installed App Management

Use My Apps to see installed applications, available updates and expiration information.

Liquid Glass Interface

AltStore Classic 2.3 introduced an updated interface designed for iOS 26.

Randomize Bundle IDs

AltStore Classic 2.3.1 introduced an experimental feature that can randomize bundle identifiers.

The developer describes it as a possible workaround for certain provisioning-profile errors.

It may interfere with applications that rely on a fixed bundle identifier, app groups or other signing requirements.

Two-Factor Authentication Fixes

Version 2.3.1 addressed missing two-factor authentication codes in certain signing workflows.

HTTP 503 and Error -80046 Fixes

Version 2.3.2 was announced together with AltServer Windows 1.8.1 and macOS 1.8.3 to address these recent errors.

Apple Developer Account Support

Users with eligible paid Apple Developer accounts have different signing limits and certificate lifetimes than free accounts.

AltStore Sources

Developers can publish supported source files that include app details, screenshots, version history and download information.

AltStore Classic vs AltStore PAL

AltStore Classic is available worldwide and uses personal developer signing.

AltStore PAL is a separate alternative marketplace available in eligible regions, currently the European Union, Japan and Brazil.

PAL applications are distributed through Apple's alternative marketplace system and do not follow Classic's seven-day personal-signing expiration.

Supported iOS Versions

1. iOS 15 to iOS 27.2

Supported Devices

AltStore Classic targets compatible iPhones and iPads.

A compatible IPA must also meet its own device and firmware requirements.

Important Limitations

AltStore cannot install every IPA.

Some applications need special entitlements, a fixed bundle identifier, JIT or additional permissions not available through ordinary personal-account signing.

AltStore is not a jailbreak, does not remove Apple security restrictions and does not unlock paid app features.

If AltStore is not installing, refreshing apps or connecting to AltServer, try these simple fixes.

AltStore Error 503 – Service Temporarily Unavailable

Update to AltStore Classic 2.3.2 and the corresponding current AltServer release.

The October 2026 update addresses recent HTTP 503 errors. If the error continues, check the official issue tracker because some Apple server problems may still occur.

AltStore Error -80046

Update AltServer to Windows 1.8.1 or macOS 1.8.3 and install or refresh AltStore Classic 2.3.2.

These versions were announced specifically to address the -80046 issue.

AltStore Error -80045

Update AltStore Classic and AltServer. Version 2.3.1 included a fix for this older authentication-related error.

AltStore Cannot Find AltServer

Check that AltServer is running.

Make sure your iPhone and computer are connected to the same supported network, or connect them using USB.

AltStore Is Not Installing on Windows

Install the correct Apple device drivers and required iTunes and iCloud components.

The official Windows installation guide recommends versions downloaded directly from Apple.

AltServer Is Blocked by Windows Firewall

Allow AltServer through the Windows firewall on trusted private networks.

iPhone Is Not Detected

Reconnect the USB cable, unlock the iPhone and confirm Trust This Computer.

AltStore Is Not Opening

The app signature may have expired or the installation may be incomplete.

Reinstall AltStore through AltServer without first deleting the existing application where possible.

AltStore Apps Expired

Open AltStore and refresh the apps through a supported AltServer connection.

Expired apps cannot normally open again until their signatures are renewed.

Background Refresh Is Not Working

Check Background App Refresh settings, network connectivity and the AltServer connection.

AltStore Classic 2.3.1 includes a background-refresh fix.

Remote AltServer Is Not Connecting

Review the Remote AltServer setup and its connection status.

Version 2.3.1 improved error handling for remote connection problems.

AltStore Two-Factor Authentication Code Is Missing

Update AltStore and AltServer. Version 2.3.1 fixed a missing verification-code issue, while later builds include additional connection fixes.

Provisioning Profile Is Banned

Review the latest developer guidance.

The experimental Randomize Bundle IDs setting may help in some cases, but it is not guaranteed and can break apps that need a specific identifier.

Cannot Install More Than Three Apps

Free Apple Accounts normally allow only three active sideloaded applications, including AltStore.

Deactivate an existing application to free an active slot.

Cannot Register More App IDs

Apple limits the number of new App IDs created by free developer accounts within a seven-day period.

Check their expiration dates in AltStore and avoid unnecessary repeated installs.

IPA Is Not Installing

The file may be damaged, incompatible or require unsupported entitlements.

Verify the source and the application's actual iOS requirements.

Notifications Are Not Working in a Sideloaded App

Some applications need push notification entitlements that ordinary signing does not provide.

App Crashes Immediately After Installation

The app may require different signing permissions or an unsupported iOS feature.

AltStore Is Not Working on iOS 27

Use current AltStore and AltServer builds. Check the developer's issue tracker for firmware-specific problems.

AltStore PAL Is Not Available

PAL installation requires an eligible region, supported Apple Account region and minimum operating system requirements.

It is not the same installation process as AltStore Classic.

Safety Tips

Download AltServer and AltStore only from the official website.

Avoid unknown certificates and websites offering modified AltStore installers.

Back up important app data and refresh installed apps before their signatures expire.