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Using a PC to Sideload Apps onto Your Device

This is the most common, beginner-friendly, and completely free sideloading method.
It uses your Apple ID certificate to install apps without a developer account.
Links to the required apps and tools can be found in the Recommended Tools section. Just choose a method and it will bring you to an instructions page on how to install it.

Requirements

  • Windows or macOS (sadly, no Linux support yet; Linux doesn't have iTunes or iCloud, which are both needed)
  • iTunes (desktop version — not the Microsoft Store version)
  • Old iCloud app (needed for Apple services integration)
  • A USB cable
  • Your Apple ID login credentials
  • Any additional tool required for the method you choose.

Additional Info & Limitations

  • Keep in mind, if for some reason you can't install the required apps on your PC or don't want to remove iCloud from the Microsoft Store, you can also create a Windows 10 or 11 virtual machine.
  • Your Apple ID acts as your signing certificate.
  • There are also app IDs, but I don't fully understand them; you can always look them up on the respective subreddits.
  • You can sideload only 3 apps at a time using a free Apple ID.
  • Apps must be re-signed every 7 days to remain functional.
  • Push notifications and in-app link opening (e.g., https://reddit.com → Reddit app) are not supported. However, URI schemes (e.g., reddit:// → Reddit app) will work.
  • Depending on the method you choose, the device must be connected to the computer during the sideloading process.

AltStore

Here is the documentation on how to install AltStore: AltStore Installation Guide

  • AltStore will install a separate AltStore app onto your device so it's easier to refresh and manage your apps.
  • Sadly the app itself counts as 1 of your 3 available app slots.
  • With the AltStore app, you can deactivate other apps to free up your limited app slots (deactivating will keep the app's data).
  • It's the easiest to use but tedious to maintain because you have to refresh apps every 7 days while connected to your PC.
  • If you're lucky, your device will still show up over the Wi-Fi network, so you don't have to plug it in every time.

SideStore

Simply click on the "Get Started" button on the website to see the instructions.

  • Like AltStore, SideStore installs a separate app onto your device to manage your sideloaded apps.
  • The SideStore app counts as 1 of your 3 available app slots.
  • With the SideStore app, you can deactivate other apps to free up your limited app slots (deactivating will keep the app's data).
  • It takes a bit of time to set up but is really easy to use afterward.
  • The biggest difference with SideStore is that you don't need to be connected to a PC to refresh your apps; you only need a PC to install SideStore initially.
  • To refresh and install apps without a PC, you will need to configure a pairing file and be connected with StosVPN. Everything is explained in the instructions on the website.

Sideloadly

For installation instructions, use the tutorial tab on the website, which leads to a YouTube video, or search for it on the respective subreddit.

  • Sideloadly is the most basic method of the three.
  • The three app slots limitation still applies. Sideloadly isn't a physical app on your device; it's just an app on your PC, so you can use all 3 app slots for other apps.
  • Sideloadly has many customization options, like changing the app name, bundle identifier, and even the app icon.
  • If you wish to edit the app but not install it, you can do so by turning on the export IPA option.

Tips

  • Try to refresh apps every few days to avoid them expiring after 7 days.
  • To avoid limiting yourself to only three apps, you can use LiveContainer. (For more information, try searching for it on the respective subreddit.)
  • With LiveContainer, you can install unlimited apps; it acts like a VM for apps.
  • With SideStore, you can install the LiveContainer+SideStore combination so you can free up an app slot and use LiveContainer in its place.

Summary

Using a PC to sideload is the best starting point:

  • It’s free.
  • It’s safe (although your Apple ID is unfortunately stored).
  • And it's interesting to learn how the signing process works.