How to Install IPA Files on iPhone: 5 Methods (2025)

5 different methods to install IPA files on your iOS device, with and without a computer.

What is an IPA File?

An IPA (iOS App Store Package) file is the file format used for iOS applications. It's essentially a ZIP archive containing the app's code, resources, and metadata.

Unlike Android APKs, you can't simply download and tap to install an IPA file. iOS requires apps to be "signed" with a valid certificate before they can run.

Method Comparison

Method	Computer?	App Limit	Expiration	Difficulty
Sideloadly	Yes	3 apps	7 days	Easy
AltStore	For refresh	3 apps	7 days	Easy
TrollStore	Initial only	Unlimited	Never	Medium
ESign	No	Varies	Varies	Medium
SideStore	Initial only	3 apps	7 days	Medium

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Method 1: Sideloadly (Recommended for Beginners)

Sideloadly is the simplest way to install individual IPA files if you have a computer.

Requirements

Windows or Mac computer
USB cable
Apple ID (free works)
iTunes installed (Windows)

Steps

Download Sideloadly: Go to sideloadly.io and download for your OS.
Connect Device: Connect your iPhone via USB and trust the computer.
Select IPA: Drag the IPA file onto Sideloadly or click to browse.
Enter Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID email and click Start.
Trust Profile: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → Trust.

Method 2: AltStore

AltStore is an app store that manages sideloaded apps and can refresh them automatically.

Installing IPAs via AltStore

First, install AltStore using our sideloading guide
Download an IPA file on your iPhone
Open the Files app and locate the IPA
Tap Share → AltStore
Wait for installation to complete

Tip: AltStore can automatically refresh apps every 7 days if your computer is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi.

Method 3: TrollStore (Best if Compatible)

If your device is on iOS 14.0-16.6.1 or iOS 17.0, TrollStore is the best option because apps never expire!

Critical: TrollStore does NOT work on iOS 17.0.1+ or iOS 18 and never will. Apple patched the vulnerability.

Installing IPAs via TrollStore

First, install TrollStore (see our TrollStore guide)
Download an IPA file
Open TrollStore → tap "+"
Select the IPA file
App is installed permanently!

Note: TrollStore only works on specific iOS versions. Check compatibility first!

Method 4: ESign (No Computer)

ESign is an on-device signing tool that lets you install IPAs without a computer. It requires a signing certificate.

How ESign Works

Install ESign (via TrollStore or other method)
Import a signing certificate
Import your IPA files
Tap to sign and install

Certificate Required: ESign requires a signing certificate to work. Free certificates expire in 7 days. Enterprise certificates may be revoked by Apple.

Method 5: SideStore (No Computer After Setup)

SideStore is like AltStore but refreshes apps on-device using WireGuard VPN.

Installing IPAs via SideStore

Install SideStore using a computer (one time)
Download IPA on your iPhone
Share to SideStore
Turn on WireGuard VPN when refreshing

See our sideloading guide for detailed setup instructions.

Which Method Should You Use?

Have a computer? → Start with Sideloadly (simplest)
Want auto-refresh? → Use AltStore
On iOS 14-17.0? → Use TrollStore (permanent installs)
No computer at all? → Try ESign or borrow one for SideStore setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install IPA files without a computer?

Yes, but with limitations. TrollStore (iOS 14-17.0 only) and ESign can install IPAs directly on your device. However, ESign requires a signing certificate. For most users, you'll need a computer for the initial setup of AltStore or SideStore, after which you can refresh apps without a computer.

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone to install IPA files?

No! All methods described in this guide work on stock, non-jailbroken iOS devices. Sideloading is completely different from jailbreaking and doesn't modify your iOS system.

Why do apps expire after 7 days?

Apple limits free developer certificates to 7-day validity as a security measure. This prevents mass distribution of unsigned apps. With a paid Apple Developer account ($99/year), certificates last 1 year. TrollStore is the only exception because those apps never expire.

Can I get banned for installing IPA files?

No. Installing IPA files through official Apple signing methods (using your Apple ID) is completely legitimate. However, using modified/tweaked apps within certain services (like Spotify++ or YouTube++) may violate those services' terms and could result in account bans.

What's the difference between IPA and APK files?

IPA files are for iOS devices (iPhone/iPad), while APK files are for Android. You cannot install APK files on iOS or IPA files on Android. They are completely different formats for different operating systems.