Troubleshooting iLoader & SideStore

Start at the section that matches your issue. If you're completely new, we still recommend following the Getting Started (5 steps) guide first, then coming back here if something doesn't work.

Device Not Detected

If iLoader doesn't list your iPhone or iPad, check these steps:

• Use a data‑capable cable: Some cheap cables charge only and don't transfer data.
• Unlock your device: Make sure the screen is on and unlocked.
• Tap “Trust This Computer”: When you first connect, tap Trust and enter your passcode.

Windows:

• Install iTunes (from Apple, not the Microsoft Store) so usbmuxd is available.
• Restart Windows after installing iTunes.
• Try a different USB port (avoid unpowered hubs).

macOS & Linux:

• On macOS, usbmuxd is built in. Restart your Mac if the device doesn't appear.
• On Linux, install usbmuxd via your package manager (for example sudo apt install usbmuxd on Ubuntu).

Installation / Signing Errors

Common errors when installing SideStore or IPAs:

• ApplicationVerificationFailed — Often due to hitting Apple's app/certificate limits or invalid signatures.
• Unable to install app — Check that Developer Mode is enabled on iOS 16+.
• General signing error — May indicate an expired or revoked certificate.

Try this:

• Enable Developer Mode on your device (see Enable Developer Mode iOS).
• Remove old or unused sideloaded apps you don't need.
• Revoke old certificates (see Fix Revoked Certificate).
• Make sure you're using the latest version of iLoader from the download page.

Apps Expire or Won't Open

With a free Apple Developer account, sideloaded apps usually expire after about 7 days. When that happens, they may:

• Stop opening.
• Show a message that the app is no longer available or "not verified".

To fix it:

• Open SideStore and refresh your apps (see Refresh SideStore Apps).
• Make a habit of refreshing once a week—pick a day and stick to it.
• If refresh fails, check your internet connection and Apple ID sign‑in.

Certificate & "Untrusted Developer" Issues

Certificate‑related problems include:

• "Untrusted Developer" message when opening an app.
• Revoked certificate messages or apps suddenly all failing at once.
• Hitting Apple's 3 active certificate limit.

What to do:

• On your device, go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and trust the SideStore profile.
• Use iLoader to see which certificates are active and revoke ones you don't use.
• Follow the detailed steps in Fix Revoked Certificate.

Sign‑In & Two‑Factor Authentication Problems

If you can't sign in with your Apple ID inside iLoader:

• Double‑check your email and password; Apple sometimes lowercases emails internally.
• Make sure two‑factor authentication is enabled on your Apple ID.
• When asked for a 2FA code, enter it promptly—codes expire quickly.
• If you're worried about using your main Apple ID, consider a dedicated sideloading Apple ID (see Free Apple Developer Account).

Pairing File & "Pairing Expired" Problems

Pairing files let your computer communicate with your device:

• If you see messages about pairing or "pairing expired", disconnect and reconnect your device.
• Unlock the device and tap Trust This Computer again.
• On Windows, ensure iTunes is installed so pairing services work correctly.

Some advanced setups (for example, LiveContainer + SideStore) may require specific pairing file placement. The latest versions of iLoader help automate this, but you can always consult the Documentation or SideStore docs for details.

Still Stuck?

If you've tried the steps above and things still don't work:

• Check our FAQ for common questions.
• Review the Guides for deeper walkthroughs.
• Open an issue on GitHub and include logs/screenshots.