iPad sideloading uses the same core rules as iPhone: Apple ID signing, Developer Mode on recent iOS, and (with a free account) roughly weekly refreshes. If you can sideload on a phone, you can do it on a tablet—the cable and trust prompts are the main practical differences.
1. Check software requirements
- Update iPadOS if you can (apps and SideStore track the latest releases).
- On iPadOS 16+, enable Developer Mode and restart when iOS asks.
2. Install iLoader on a computer
Download iLoader for Windows, macOS, or Linux. You’ll use it for the first-time SideStore bootstrap and whenever you want to sideload an IPA over USB.
3. Connect the iPad with a data-capable cable
Use a cable that supports data (not charge-only). Unlock the iPad and tap Trust This Computer. On Windows, Apple’s USB stack usually needs iTunes—see Device not detected (Windows) if iLoader doesn’t list your iPad.
4. Install SideStore
Follow Getting Started or Install SideStore (Windows PC)—the steps are the same for iPad, with iLoader driving certificates and pairing.
5. Install IPAs
Use How to Install IPA on iPhone (the process is identical for iPad). After install, trust the developer if the app won’t open.
6. Keep apps alive
Free Apple IDs need regular SideStore refresh. Set a weekly reminder; if apps expire, read Sideloaded app expired after 7 days.
iPad-specific tips
- Stage Manager / multitasking — Sideloaded apps behave like normal apps; any iPadOS multitasking limits are the same as App Store apps.
- USB-C iPads — If detection is flaky, try a different hub or direct port.
- Keyboard shortcuts — Emulators and dev tools installed via IPA may expose extra shortcuts on iPad; check each app’s docs.