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how-to-install-ipa-files

•3 min read

5 different methods to install IPA files on your iOS device - with and without a computer.

What is an IPA File?

An IPA (iOS App Store Package) file is the file format used for iOS applications. It's essentially a ZIP archive containing the app's code, resources, and metadata.

Unlike Android APKs, you can't simply download and tap to install an IPA file. iOS requires apps to be "signed" with a valid certificate before they can run.

Method Comparison

| Method | Computer? | App Limit | Expiration | Difficulty | |--------|-----------|-----------|------------|------------| | Sideloadly | Yes | 3 apps | 7 days | Easy | | AltStore | For refresh | 3 apps | 7 days | Easy | | TrollStore | Initial only | Unlimited | Never | Medium | | ESign | No | Varies | Varies | Medium | | SideStore | Initial only | 3 apps | 7 days | Medium |

Method 1: Sideloadly (Recommended for Beginners)

Sideloadly is the simplest way to install individual IPA files if you have a computer.

Requirements

  • Windows or Mac computer
  • USB cable
  • Apple ID (free works)
  • iTunes installed (Windows)

Steps

  1. Download Sideloadly - Go to sideloadly.io and download for your OS.
  2. Connect Device - Connect your iPhone via USB and trust the computer.
  3. Select IPA - Drag the IPA file onto Sideloadly or click to browse.
  4. Enter Apple ID - Enter your Apple ID email and click Start.
  5. Trust Profile - Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → Trust.

Method 2: AltStore

AltStore is an app store that manages sideloaded apps and can refresh them automatically.

Installing IPAs via AltStore

  1. First, install AltStore using our sideloading guide
  2. Download an IPA file on your iPhone
  3. Open the Files app and locate the IPA
  4. Tap Share → AltStore
  5. Wait for installation to complete

Tip: AltStore can automatically refresh apps every 7 days if your computer is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi.

Method 3: TrollStore (Best if Compatible)

If your device is on iOS 14.0-16.6.1 or iOS 17.0, TrollStore is the best option - apps never expire!

Installing IPAs via TrollStore

  1. First, install TrollStore (see our TrollStore guide)
  2. Download an IPA file
  3. Open TrollStore → tap "+"
  4. Select the IPA file
  5. App is installed permanently!

Note: TrollStore only works on specific iOS versions. Check compatibility first!

Method 4: ESign (No Computer)

ESign is an on-device signing tool that lets you install IPAs without a computer. It requires a signing certificate.

How ESign Works

  1. Install ESign (via TrollStore or other method)
  2. Import a signing certificate
  3. Import your IPA files
  4. Tap to sign and install

Certificate Required: ESign requires a signing certificate to work. Free certificates expire in 7 days. Enterprise certificates may be revoked by Apple.

Method 5: SideStore (No Computer After Setup)

SideStore is like AltStore but refreshes apps on-device using WireGuard VPN.

Installing IPAs via SideStore

  1. Install SideStore using a computer (one time)
  2. Download IPA on your iPhone
  3. Share to SideStore
  4. Turn on WireGuard VPN when refreshing

See our sideloading guide for detailed setup instructions.

Which Method Should You Use?

  • Have a computer? → Start with Sideloadly (simplest)
  • Want auto-refresh? → Use AltStore
  • On iOS 14-17.0? → Use TrollStore (permanent installs)
  • No computer at all? → Try ESign or borrow one for SideStore setup
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