Porthole

Porthole lets you play selected Windows PC games on compatible iPhones and iPads.

The app is not available on the App Store. You must download its unsigned IPA and sign it using a compatible installation method.

Before installing Porthole

1. Open Settings → General → About.
2. Confirm that your iPhone or iPad runs iOS 18 or later.
3. Back up your important files and settings.
4. Keep your battery above 50%.
5. Connect to stable Wi-Fi.
6. Make sure your device has enough storage for the app and your PC games.
7. Prepare a compatible signing method.
8. Check whether your signing certificate supports the required permissions.
9. Prepare a way to enable JIT.
10. Check that the games you want to play are compatible.

How to download Porthole IPA

1. Visit github.com/tylerkaska112/Porthole.
2. Open Releases.
3. Select Porthole v1.2.1.
4. Read the release notes.
5. Download the unsigned IPA from the release assets.
6. Download its matching SHA-256 file.
7. Verify the downloaded IPA.
8. Open a compatible signing application or signing service.
9. Import the Porthole IPA.
10. Review the signing requirements.
11. Sign the main app and the extensions you want to keep.
12. Install Porthole.
13. Enable Developer Mode if needed.
14. Open Porthole.
15. Follow the first-time setup guide.

Porthole certificate requirements

The full installation needs a certificate and provisioning profiles that support its app and extensions.

The developer recommends a paid Apple Developer account or a compatible trusted certificate service.

The relevant permissions include:

1. Network Extension for a packet tunnel.
2. Personal VPN.
3. Increased Memory Limit.
4. Extended Virtual Addressing.
5. get-task-allow for development debugging.

A free Apple Account can run a limited setup, but some permissions and extensions must be removed.

The current v1.2 installation includes optional components for automatic JIT, a private network tunnel, download progress, and additional memory functionality.

How to install Porthole with fewer extensions

If your certificate cannot sign every extension, the developer allows a lighter installation.

For example, removing the download progress extension removes its special Lock Screen and Dynamic Island download card.

Removing the private tunnel extension requires an alternative such as LocalDevVPN.

Removing the built-in JIT helper requires another JIT tool.

Do not remove extensions randomly. Follow the current installation guide and keep the required bundle identifiers and provisioning profiles consistent.

How to enable JIT in Porthole

JIT is needed for normal game execution.

Porthole offers an automatic JIT method and alternatives such as StikDebug.

1. Open Porthole.
2. Start its setup guide.
3. Open the Full Speed section.
4. Choose a supported JIT method.
5. Follow the pairing instructions.
6. Allow any required local connection.
7. Confirm that JIT is working.
8. Return to your game library.

How to create a pairing file on iOS 27

The developer documents an on-device pairing process for iOS 27 or later.

1. Open Porthole's setup guide.
2. Select Create it on this device.
3. Follow the displayed pairing instructions.
4. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode.
5. Select Pair with Porthole if available.
6. Enter the six-digit code displayed by Porthole.
7. Return to the app.
8. Confirm that pairing is complete.

How to pair Porthole on iOS 18–26

1. Install a trusted pairing utility such as iLoader or Jitterbug on a computer.
2. Connect the iPhone or iPad using USB.
3. Unlock the device and confirm Trust.
4. Generate the required pairing file.
5. Transfer the file securely to your iPhone or iPad.
6. Open Porthole's setup guide.
7. Import the pairing file.
8. Configure the required local connection.
9. Test JIT activation.

How to install Windows components

Some games require the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime.

During setup, Porthole can download the required components directly from Microsoft.

Allow the app to complete installation and verification before launching a game that needs them.

How to connect Steam to Porthole

1. Open Porthole.
2. Go to Stores.
3. Select Steam.
4. Follow the available Steam sign-in process.
5. Complete Steam Guard verification if required.
6. Open your owned game library.
7. Select a game.
8. Review its compatibility information.
9. Download the required files.
10. Tap Play after installation and JIT setup.

Porthole uses Steam's normal game ownership checks.

How to connect other game stores

Open Stores and select a supported provider.

Porthole also documents Epic Games, GOG, itch.io, Amazon Games, and the EA app.

Follow the provider's official authentication process and download games your account owns.

How to import a Windows game manually

1. Copy an authorized game folder or installer to Files.
2. Open Porthole.
3. Choose the import option.
4. Select the compatible game folder or installer.
5. Review any game configuration requirements.
6. Add the game to your library.
7. Enable JIT.
8. Launch the game.

How to connect a controller

1. Open your iPhone's Bluetooth settings.
2. Put your controller into pairing mode.
3. Connect the supported controller.
4. Open Porthole.
5. Select a game.
6. Review its controller layout.
7. Adjust button mapping if necessary.
8. Start playing.

How to update Porthole

Download the newer IPA and sign it using the same app identifier to preserve your data.

Porthole also offers supported on-device updates when the app has the necessary signing certificate and profiles.

Important safety advice

Use games you legally own.

Do not download unknown Windows executables.

Protect your game-store accounts and signing certificates.

Verify the certificate permissions before installation.

A game that runs on Windows is not automatically compatible with Porthole.

Porthole combines Windows game compatibility, PC game stores, downloads, JIT and customizable controls.

Windows Games on iPhone

Run selected Windows PC games directly on compatible iPhone hardware.

Windows Games on iPad

Use a larger screen and supported external controls to play compatible games on iPad.

Madeira Runtime

Porthole uses Madeira as its Windows gaming compatibility environment.

Wine Support

Wine helps selected Windows applications run outside Windows.

FEX Integration

FEX helps translate compatible PC processor instructions for Apple hardware.

DXMT Graphics

DXMT helps translate selected graphics operations to Apple's Metal graphics system.

Steam Integration

Sign in to Steam and browse compatible games owned by your account.

Epic Games Support

Connect Epic Games and access supported games from your library.

GOG Integration

Browse and download games available in your GOG account.

itch.io Support

Connect using the supported itch.io API-key workflow.

Amazon Games

Access supported games bought or claimed through Amazon Games.

EA App Integration

Version 1.2.0 adds EA as the sixth supported game store.

Manual Game Import

Import authorized Windows game folders and installers through Files.

Game Library

Organize games with artwork, play time, and individual configuration options.

Game Download Manager

Download games directly to your iPhone or iPad.

Pause and Resume Downloads

Pause, resume and prioritize supported downloads.

Faster Steam Downloads

Version 1.2.0 improves Steam download performance. Actual speeds depend on the network, game and device.

Game Updates and Repair

Supported game stores provide workflows for updating or repairing installed game files.

Steam DLC Management

Manage supported DLC that your Steam account owns.

Steam Beta Versions

Select supported game branches and available beta builds.

Steam Achievements

View available achievements and progress.

Controller Support

Use compatible PlayStation, Xbox or other controllers supported by iOS.

Full App Controller Navigation

Version 1.2.0 improves controller navigation throughout the Porthole interface.

Touchscreen Controls

Play games using the available on-screen controller layout.

Custom Touch Buttons

Adjust supported touch controls for individual games.

Keyboard Support

Use supported Bluetooth or USB keyboards.

Mouse and Trackpad Support

Version 1.2.0 adds expanded mouse controls for iPad, including pointer locking where supported.

Gyroscope Aiming

The v1.2.0 update adds gyro-aim controls, although the developer notes that some new features have not been fully tested.

Turbo Buttons

Configure supported repeated-button inputs.

Built-In JIT Setup

Configure JIT through the setup guide.

Alternative JIT Tools

Use compatible external tools such as StikDebug when the automatic method is unavailable.

On-Device Pairing

Create the pairing record directly on supported iOS 27 devices.

LocalDevVPN

Use an external local connection when the private tunnel extension is not installed.

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime

Porthole can download required runtime components from Microsoft's servers.

Game Compatibility Reports

Review community feedback about how particular games perform.

Game Session Logs

Version 1.2.1 improves how the app attaches gameplay logs to submitted compatibility reports.

Controller Layout Sharing

Share supported per-game button and control configurations.

Performance Overlay

Display supported performance and diagnostic information while playing.

Game Power Modes

Adjust available runtime and power behavior for supported games.

On-Device Updates

Update the app using a compatible signing certificate and provisioning profile.

Supported iOS Versions

1. iOS 15–17: Below the documented minimum.
2. iOS 18: Meets the minimum; not comprehensively tested.
3. iOS 19–25: Expected compatibility, but not comprehensively tested.
4. iOS 26: Developer-tested.
5. iOS 27: Developer-tested.
6. Newer firmware: Not confirmed.

Supported Devices

Porthole requires an ARM64 iPhone or iPad with iOS 18 or newer.

Higher-memory devices are generally better suited to demanding Windows games.

Porthole vs Cloud Gaming

Porthole runs supported game code locally on the iPhone or iPad.

Cloud gaming streams a game running on another computer or server.

Porthole vs Remote Desktop

Porthole does not require your Windows PC to remain on while playing a locally installed compatible game.

Porthole vs Winlator

Both aim to make Windows software accessible outside Windows.

Porthole is developed for iOS and iPadOS, while Winlator targets Android.

Porthole vs UTM

UTM provides virtual machines and operating-system emulation.

Porthole focuses on running compatible Windows games through a gaming-oriented runtime.

Important Limitations

Not every game works.

Some games require Windows components that are not implemented.

Games with kernel-level anti-cheat are generally unsuitable.

Very large game executables may exceed current runtime limits.

Memory-heavy games can close unexpectedly.

Certain Unity games require specific launch methods.

Porthole does not include commercial games or bypass licence checks.

Its compatibility list and real game testing should be consulted before downloading large game files.

If Porthole is not installing, opening or running Windows games, check these common issues.

Porthole IPA Is Not Installing

Check the signing certificate, provisioning profile, app identifier, and extension permissions.

Porthole Is Not Opening

The application may have an invalid signature or missing required permissions.

Porthole Says Pairing File Needed

Create or import a pairing file using the documented method for your iOS version.

Automatic JIT Is Not Working

Check the pairing record, private tunnel, and required app-extension permissions.

Waiting for JIT Does Not End

JIT has not activated. Open the Full Speed setup section and review the selected method.

JIT Helper Is Missing

The helper may have been removed during signing. Use StikDebug or another supported alternative.

LocalDevVPN Is Not Working

Check the pairing file and whether another VPN configuration is interfering with the required local connection.

Private Tunnel Fails After Updating

The developer recommends restarting the device because iOS may retain stale VPN state after an update.

Porthole Conflicts With My VPN

iOS normally permits one active VPN connection. Review Porthole's options for managing your existing VPN.

Steam Login Is Not Working

Check your Steam credentials and Steam Guard verification.

Steam Games Are Missing

Confirm the correct account, filters, and whether the games are available through the supported store integration.

Steam Download Is Slow

Check the connection and whether the updated download method is being used.

Epic Games Cannot Sign In

Use the supported Epic authentication page and review the account's login requirements.

GOG Download Is Not Working

Check the account session, game ownership, and available storage.

itch.io Game Cannot Be Downloaded

Check the API key and whether the game offers a suitable downloadable build.

Amazon Games Are Missing

Confirm that the game is available through your connected Amazon Games library.

EA Game Is Not Launching

Check whether the particular game has compatible files, required services, and supported runtime behavior.

Game Closes Immediately

The game may need more memory than the device provides or may depend on unsupported Windows components.

Game Runs Very Slowly

The hardware, graphics, game settings, or current runtime may not be suitable for the game.

Black Screen When Starting a Game

Check JIT, graphics compatibility, and the game's required components.

Windows Runtime Files Are Missing

Complete the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime step in Porthole's setup guide.

Controller Is Not Detected

Connect it through iOS Bluetooth settings and verify that iOS supports the controller.

Touchscreen Buttons Are Missing

Check the game's touch-control configuration and whether an external controller is active.

Keyboard Is Not Working

Review the current input settings and whether the game is receiving keyboard focus.

Mouse Pointer Is Not Locking

Pointer locking has device-specific limits. The developer describes broader support on iPad than on iPhone.

Game Needs Too Much RAM

Close background apps, reduce game memory requirements, or use a device with more memory.

Game Has Anti-Cheat

Games that require kernel-level Windows anti-cheat are generally unsupported.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Does Not Start

The v1.2.0 release notes describe a Rockstar Social Club-related problem preventing gameplay.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III Does Not Start

The developer reports that this title did not start in testing.

Factorio Has Steam API Problems

The developer notes Steam integration limitations with Factorio 2.1.x, although the game itself can run.

Compatibility Reports Show Not Yet Tested

Version 1.2.0 changed the underlying engine, so earlier reports do not necessarily reflect the newer runtime.

Porthole Update Fails

Check certificate validity, signing profiles, and whether the update is authenticated.

Porthole Is Not Working on iOS 27

The developer tests on iOS 27, but the signing, pairing, JIT setup, and game requirements must still be satisfied.

How to View Porthole Logs

Open Settings → Advanced → Log.

Review the relevant details before sending a problem report.

Safety Tips

Install the official release.

Verify the downloaded IPA checksum.

Keep pairing files and developer certificates private.

Only run Windows games and installers from trusted sources.

Back up important files before installing or updating.

Do not expect every Windows PC game to work on an iPhone.