Sideloading means installing apps on your iPhone or iPad from outside the official App Store. Instead of downloading only from Apple's store, you can install IPA files (iOS app packages) using your own Apple Developer account. No jailbreak is required.
How Does Sideloading Work on iOS?
Apple allows developers to install and run their own apps on devices using a free or paid Apple Developer account. Sideloading tools like SideStore and desktop helpers like iLoader use this same mechanism:
- Your Apple ID is used to create a development certificate.
- Apps are signed with that certificate so iOS trusts them.
- With a free Apple Developer account, signed apps typically expire after 7 days and need to be refreshed (SideStore can do this automatically).
- With a paid Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year), apps can last up to one year.
Why Do People Sideload Apps?
Common reasons include:
- Apps not on the App Store — Custom tools, emulators, or apps that Apple doesn't allow.
- Modified or tweaked apps — Versions of apps with extra features or changes.
- Development and testing — Installing your own or beta apps without TestFlight.
- Alternative app stores — SideStore and similar platforms offer a catalog of sideloadable apps.
Sideloading vs Jailbreaking
Sideloading uses Apple's built-in developer signing. Your device stays on the latest iOS, and you don't modify the system. Jailbreaking removes Apple's restrictions at the system level and can void warranties and cause stability issues. Sideloading is the safer, supported way to install third-party apps without jailbreaking.
How to Get Started
To sideload on your iPhone or iPad:
- Sign up for a free Apple Developer account if you don't have one.
- Download iLoader for your computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Connect your device via USB and use iLoader to install SideStore and manage certificates.
- Open SideStore on your device to install and refresh apps.
For a full walkthrough, see our How to Install IPA on iPhone guide.