A pairing file (sometimes called a lockdown record or trust record) lets your computer talk to your iPhone or iPad over the network. SideStore uses it for wireless refresh—so you can refresh your sideloaded apps without plugging in a cable. iLoader makes creating and managing pairing files easy.
Why Pairing Files Matter
- Wi‑Fi refresh — SideStore can refresh apps over the same Wi‑Fi network as your PC, so you don’t need to connect via USB every 7 days.
- One-time setup — You create the pairing file once (with your device connected by USB); after that, SideStore can use it for wireless refresh.
- Multiple devices — You can have a pairing file per device; iLoader helps you manage and export them.
How to Create a Pairing File with iLoader
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer with a USB cable.
- Open iLoader and sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.
- Select your device. iLoader will create or use an existing pairing file when you install SideStore or use pairing-related options.
- When you Install SideStore, iLoader typically creates the pairing file and passes it to SideStore so it can refresh over Wi‑Fi.
- If your tool supports exporting the pairing file, use that option in iLoader to save it (e.g. for use with another machine or backup).
Exact steps can vary by iLoader version; see Documentation for the latest flow.
Using the Pairing File in SideStore
When SideStore is installed via iLoader, the pairing file is usually configured automatically. To refresh over Wi‑Fi:
- Ensure your iPhone and computer are on the same Wi‑Fi network.
- Open SideStore on your device and use the refresh option; it will use the pairing file to communicate with your computer (or an anisette server).
If you reinstall SideStore or move to a new computer, you may need to run the install process again with iLoader so a new pairing file is created and given to SideStore.
Troubleshooting
- Refresh fails over Wi‑Fi — Confirm both devices are on the same network; try re-pairing with USB in iLoader and reinstalling/refreshing SideStore.
- Device not found — Reconnect via USB and let iLoader detect the device; then retry the SideStore install or pairing export.
- New phone or restore — After a restore or device change, create a new pairing file by connecting the device and using iLoader again.
More: SideStore Not Working?, Refresh SideStore Apps, Troubleshooting.