Installing iOS apps
Apps here aren't on the App Store, so iOS needs AltStore + AltServer to sideload them with your own (free) Apple ID. AltServer runs on a Windows or Mac computer and re-signs the app for your device — it only needs to be reachable while installing or refreshing, not constantly running.
1. Install AltServer on Windows
Install iTunes from apple.com (not the Microsoft Store version) — it installs the Apple Mobile Device drivers AltServer depends on.
Download AltServer from altstore.io and run the installer. It adds a small icon to the system tray (may be hidden under the ^ arrow).
Connect your iPhone by USB and tap Trust on the device when prompted.
Click the AltServer tray icon → Install AltStore→ pick your device → sign in with your Apple ID. This ID is only used locally to request a signing certificate — it isn't sent anywhere else.
On the iPhone: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, tap your Apple ID under "Developer App", then Trust.
2. Install AltServer on Mac
Download the AltServer .dmg from altstore.io, open it, and drag AltServer to Applications.
Launch AltServer — it lives in the menu bar (top-right). Grant any permissions it asks for (network access is required).
Connect your iPhone by USB (or over Wi-Fi — see below) and trust the computer if prompted.
Menu bar icon → Install AltStore → pick your device → sign in with your Apple ID.
On the iPhone: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, trust your Apple ID under "Developer App".
3. Add this catalog to AltStore
On your iPhone, open AltStore → Sources tab → tap + in the top corner.
Paste this catalog's source URL (copy it from the homepage with "Copy source URL").
Browse to the app and tap install — AltStore downloads the .ipa and hands it to AltServer (over USB or Wi-Fi) to sign and install.
Wi-Fi troubleshooting
AltServer finding your device over Wi-Fi (instead of only USB) relies on Bonjour/mDNS network discovery, which is pickier than a normal ping:
- In iTunes, select your device → Summary → check "Sync with this device over Wi-Fi" → Apply. This is required for wireless detection, not optional.
- Third-party tools like 3uToolsor iMazing install their own device drivers that commonly conflict with Apple's — close them, or uninstall to test.
- Allow Bonjour Service and AltServer.exe through Windows Firewall.
- If your PC is wired and the phone is on Wi-Fi, check your router for AP/Client Isolation or aggressive IGMP Snooping — both can silently block Bonjour between wired and wireless clients even on the same subnet.
Free Apple ID limits
Apps signed with a free Apple ID expire after 7 days. Open AltStore while your phone can reach AltServer (Wi-Fi or USB) before then, and it refreshes automatically — no reinstall needed.