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trollstore-guide

6 min read

TrollStore is a permanent IPA installer for iOS that exploits a CoreTrust vulnerability to install apps that never expire. Unlike AltStore or SideStore, apps installed via TrollStore:

  • Never expire - No 7-day refresh needed
  • No app limit - Install unlimited apps
  • No computer required - After initial installation
  • URL scheme support - Install IPAs directly from Safari
  • Tweak injection - Can modify App Store apps

Critical Warning: TrollStore only works on specific iOS versions. It will NEVER work on iOS 17.0.1 or later, including iOS 18. Any website claiming otherwise is a scam.

Supported iOS Versions

| iOS Version | Support Status | Installation Method | |------------|----------------|---------------------| | iOS 14.0 - 14.8.1 | Supported | TrollInstallerX | | iOS 15.0 - 15.4.1 | Supported | TrollHelperOTA | | iOS 15.5 - 15.8.3 | Supported | TrollInstallerMDC | | iOS 16.0 - 16.6.1 | Supported | TrollInstallerMDC | | iOS 16.7 - 16.7.x | NOT Supported | - | | iOS 17.0 | Supported | TrollRestore | | iOS 17.0.1 - 17.x | ❌ NEVER Supported | - | | iOS 18.x | ❌ NEVER Supported | - |

TrollStore exploits a CoreTrust vulnerability (CVE-2023-41991) that Apple patched in iOS 16.7 and iOS 17.0.1. Once patched, the vulnerability cannot be exploited.

Check Your Compatibility

How to Check Your iOS Version

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to General
  3. Tap About
  4. Look at iOS Version

Quick Compatibility Check

  • iOS 14.0 - 16.6.1 → You can use TrollStore!
  • iOS 17.0 exactly → You can use TrollStore (via TrollRestore)
  • iOS 16.7+ → Sorry, not supported
  • iOS 17.0.1+ → Sorry, will never be supported
  • iOS 18 → Sorry, will never be supported

Tip: If you're on a supported version, avoid updating iOS! Disable automatic updates in Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates.

Installation Methods

Method 1: TrollRestore (iOS 15.0 - 17.0)

The recommended method for most users. Works on a wide range of iOS versions.

Requirements:

  • Computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • Python 3 installed
  • USB cable
  • Find My iPhone disabled temporarily

Steps:

  1. Disable Find My - Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone → Turn OFF.

  2. Download TrollRestore - Go to the TrollRestore GitHub page and download the appropriate version for your OS.

  3. Connect Your Device - Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer via USB. Trust the computer when prompted.

  4. Run TrollRestore - Run the TrollRestore script. When asked which app to replace, choose "Tips" (it's safe to replace).

  5. Wait for Restore - The script will create and restore a modified backup. This may take a few minutes.

  6. Open Tips App - After your device restarts, open the Tips app. It should now be TrollStore Helper.

  7. Install TrollStore - Tap "Install TrollStore" in the helper. TrollStore will appear on your home screen.

  8. Install Persistence Helper - Open TrollStore → Settings → Install Persistence Helper. Choose an app like Tips.

  9. Re-enable Find My - Go back to Settings and turn Find My iPhone back on.

Method 2: TrollHelperOTA (iOS 15.0 - 15.4.1)

A simpler method that doesn't require a computer, but only works on specific versions.

  1. Open Safari - Use Safari (not Chrome or other browsers).
  2. Visit Installation Page - Go to the TrollHelper OTA installation page.
  3. Install Profile - Tap "Install" and allow the configuration profile to be installed.
  4. Open TrollHelper - Find the TrollHelper app on your home screen and open it.
  5. Install TrollStore - Tap "Install TrollStore" and wait for completion.

Using TrollStore

Installing Apps

Method 1: From Files App

  1. Download an IPA file (via Safari or other apps)
  2. Open TrollStore
  3. Tap the "+" button
  4. Navigate to the IPA file and select it
  5. Wait for installation

Method 2: URL Scheme (Safari)

  1. Find an IPA link on a website
  2. Change https:// to apple-magnifier://install?url=https://
  3. TrollStore will prompt to install

Method 3: Share Sheet

  1. Long-press an IPA download link
  2. Tap "Share"
  3. Select "TrollStore" from the share menu

TrollStore Settings

  • Persistence Helper - Essential! Install this to easily reinstall TrollStore if needed
  • URL Scheme - Enable for one-tap installs from Safari
  • Install ldid - Required for some apps and tweak injection

Best Apps for TrollStore

  • Filza File Manager - Full file system access. Essential for power users.
  • Santander - File manager with root access capabilities.
  • Cowabunga - Customize your iOS device without jailbreak.
  • Misaka - iOS customization using CVE exploits.
  • AppStore++ - Downgrade App Store apps to older versions.
  • uYou+ - YouTube with background play, downloads, and no ads.

Troubleshooting

"Could not find TrollStore" after restart

  • Open your Persistence Helper app (e.g., Tips)
  • Tap "Refresh App Registrations"
  • TrollStore should reappear

App crashes immediately after install

  • The IPA may be corrupt - try downloading again
  • The app may not be compatible with your iOS version
  • Try installing ldid in TrollStore settings

TrollStore disappeared after update

  • If you accidentally updated iOS, check if you're still on a supported version
  • Open Persistence Helper to reinstall TrollStore
  • If on an unsupported version, TrollStore cannot work

"Installation Error" when installing IPAs

  • Make sure the IPA is a valid iOS app
  • Check available storage space
  • Try a different source for the IPA

FAQ

Is TrollStore a jailbreak?

No. TrollStore is a perma-signing tool that exploits a CoreTrust bug, but it doesn't provide root access or modify the system like a jailbreak does.

Will TrollStore work on iOS 18?

No, and it never will. Apple patched the vulnerability TrollStore uses. There's no workaround.

Can I get banned for using TrollStore?

No. TrollStore uses legitimate Apple signing methods. Apps installed via TrollStore appear as legitimate to iOS.

Should I update if I have TrollStore?

Generally no. If you update to an unsupported iOS version, you'll lose TrollStore permanently. Only update if you understand the consequences.

What's the Persistence Helper for?

The Persistence Helper lets you reinstall TrollStore if it disappears after a reboot or refresh. Always install it!