With Apple’s free developer signing, apps you sideload are typically signed for about seven days. When that period ends, iOS may refuse to launch the app until you re-sign it (refresh with SideStore or reinstall with a desktop tool like iLoader).
Symptoms
- Tapping the app does nothing, or it flashes and closes.
- Messages about the app being unavailable, unverified, or the developer no longer being trusted.
- SideStore shows apps need refresh.
Fix 1: Refresh with SideStore (most common)
If SideStore still opens:
- Open SideStore on your device.
- Use Refresh on your apps (or follow SideStore’s refresh flow).
- Stay on Wi‑Fi; if refresh fails, see SideStore Refresh Failed and Pairing Files with SideStore.
Full walkthrough: Refresh SideStore Apps.
Fix 2: Re-install over USB with iLoader
If SideStore itself expired or refresh is broken:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
- Open iLoader, select your device, and install or refresh the app/IPA again.
- Re-trust the developer if prompted: Trust sideloaded app.
Fix 3: Paid Apple Developer Program ($99/year)
A paid Apple Developer account uses year-long distribution-style signing for personal devices (subject to Apple’s rules and your provisioning setup). It removes the weekly refresh hassle for many users, but it is optional and not required to use iLoader or SideStore with a free account.
Prevention habits
- Pick one day a week to open SideStore and refresh before apps die.
- Keep pairing files backed up: Export/Import Pairing Files.
- Don’t max out the 3 active app slots with apps you don’t need.