Choose the right sideloading method, diagnose a problem or describe your setup and get a focused path in a few taps.
Start with one of the three paths below. You can change direction at any time without losing the rest of the guide.
Pick the closest goal. We will show a practical starting point and the next three steps.
Paste part of an error message or pick a common problem. We will narrow the troubleshooting list below.
Mark completed checks. The next recommendation will avoid repeating them when possible.
Four quick choices are enough. The result stays on this page and does not send device information anywhere.
You do not need to know what AltStore, SideStore, LiveContainer or a Source means yet. Pick what you want to do and we will point you to the right option.
AltStore PAL is the simple marketplace option in supported regions and does not install arbitrary IPA files. AltStore Classic installs IPA files worldwide, uses free Apple signing and can now refresh through Remote AltServer after setup.
You now have two good free routes. SideStore is built around on-device refresh after the first setup. AltStore Classic can also install and refresh without your own computer after you pair it with Remote AltServer.
Sideloadly is the most direct desktop route and supports iPhone, iPad, Apple Silicon Mac and Apple TV, including Wi-Fi sideloading and automatic re-signing. AltStore Classic is useful if you also want Sources and the AltStore library workflow.
Use LiveContainer. It is not another store: it runs guest IPA apps inside one container, so the normal 3-app / 10-App-ID free-account limit does not apply to those guest apps. The LiveContainer + SideStore build is the easiest combined setup.
Sideloadly installs IPA files directly to Apple TV from Windows or macOS. If you want a self-hosted service on Linux or OpenWrt, use atvloadly instead.
Five short explanations before you choose anything.
EU-only alternative app marketplace. No arbitrary IPA sideloading, no 7-day expiry and no computer requirement.
Traditional sideloading app for IPA files. Works worldwide, uses a free Apple ID and normally needs AltServer for signing and refreshing.
An AltStore-style sideloading app designed so that after the first setup you can install and refresh apps from the iPhone itself using LocalDevVPN.
A launcher, not a store. It runs multiple guest IPA apps inside one installed container. You normally use it together with SideStore or AltStore.
A Source is just a catalog link that tells AltStore or SideStore which apps and updates are available. Adding a Source does not install anything by itself — it only adds that catalog to your app browser.
Browse our checked SourcesOnce you know what you need, compare the individual free methods below.
SideInstaller installs SideStore or SideStore + LiveContainer fully on-device on iOS/iPadOS 27. SideInstaller v1 adds partial iOS 17–26 support when you already have a pairing file created with a computer.
Use SideStore with LocalDevVPN. Add LiveContainer if you want to run several guest apps inside one container. iloader handles the initial install.
Open official guide ↗
Use AltStore Classic with AltServer on Windows or macOS. Keep AltServer available on the same Wi-Fi or connect by USB when apps need refreshing.
Open official guide ↗
Pair AltStore Classic once, install LocalDevVPN and then use a Remote AltServer to install and refresh apps from anywhere while connected to Wi-Fi.
Open official guide ↗
Use Sideloadly for direct IPA installation. Its daemon can automatically re-sign apps when your device is reachable over Wi-Fi or USB.
Use TrollStore only if your exact iOS/iPadOS version is supported. It permanently installs IPA files on those compatible versions.
Open official guide ↗
Use Sideloadly from Windows/macOS or self-host atvloadly on Linux/OpenWrt for an Apple TV focused setup.
Open official guide ↗
A practical comparison of the free paths. Exact requirements can change, so the official documentation links remain the final reference.
| Tool | Best for | Device / OS | Computer | Refresh / expiry | Free Apple account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AltStore Classic | Classic sideloading | iPhone / iPad | Windows or macOS with AltServer | 7-day apps; refresh via AltServer over same Wi-Fi or USB | Yes |
| AltStore + Remote AltServer | Install and refresh without your own computer | iPhone / iPad | PC pairing is required for setup; afterwards the remote server is used | Wi-Fi + LocalDevVPN required; cellular is not supported | Yes |
| SideInstaller | On-device SideStore / LiveContainer setup | iOS/iPadOS 27; partial 17–26 support with an existing pairing file | No PC on iOS/iPadOS 27; iOS 17–26 requires an existing pairing file created with a computer | Installer only; refreshing is then handled by SideStore | Yes |
| SideStore | On-device refresh after setup | iOS / iPadOS 15+ | Initial install only: Windows, macOS, Linux or Chromebook | LocalDevVPN must be enabled for install, update and refresh | Yes |
| LiveContainer + SideStore | Many guest apps in one container | iOS / iPadOS 15+ | Initial install through Impactor, iloader or an existing standalone SideStore | Refresh the container / SideStore; guest apps run inside LiveContainer | Yes |
| Sideloadly | Direct IPA signing from desktop | iPhone / iPad / Apple TV | Windows or macOS | 7-day free signing; optional auto-refresh daemon via Wi-Fi / USB | Yes |
| TrollStore | Permanent installs on compatible iOS | iOS/iPadOS 14.0 beta 2–16.6.1, 16.7 RC, and 17.0 | Depends on the installation path | No 7-day refresh on supported versions | Not required for signing |
| atvloadly | Self-hosted Apple TV sideloading | Apple TV | Linux or OpenWrt host | Self-hosted pairing and automatic refresh workflow | Yes |
Search the common problems below. Start with the short fix, then open the official documentation if it still fails.
Compatibility can change after updates. This page intentionally links to the official documentation for the final installation steps.
