How to Use AltStore to Download Apps on Your iPhone without App Store

AltStore is a popular platform for iOS users seeking to download and install apps that aren’t available on the official Apple App Store. This ingenious alternative provides a way to sideload apps onto your iOS device, including those that may have been revoked or banned from the App Store.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use AltStore to download and install apps on your iPhone without using the App Store. If you haven’t already, check out the complete guide on how to install AltStore on your PC and start downloading apps to your iOS device.

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How to Use AltStore to Download Apps on Your iPhone

Before diving into the steps of downloading an app from AltStore, there are a few prerequisites to keep in mind:

iOS Device: Ensure that you have an iOS device running a compatible version of iOS. AltStore is known to work well on iOS 12 and later, but it’s always recommended to check for the latest compatibility information.

AltStore Installed: You must have AltStore already installed on your iOS device. If you haven’t installed it yet, you can find a guide on the official AltStore website detailing the installation process for your specific device. Learn more about AltStore installation.

Computer: You’ll need a Windows or macOS computer for the initial setup of AltStore. Make sure iTunes is installed on your computer. Here is how to install iTunes on your PC.

USB Cable: A USB cable is required to connect your iOS device to your computer during the installation process.

Apple ID: You should have a valid Apple ID. This is required for certain app installations and AltStore setups.

Now that you have all the prerequisites in place, let’s proceed with the step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Connect your iOS device

Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.

Open AltStore on your computer.

Go to the “AltStore” menu in the taskbar (Windows) or the menu bar (macOS) and select “Install AltStore” followed by your connected device.

Step 2: Install an App from AltStore

In AltStore on your iOS device, click on the “+” icon in the top-left corner.

Browse for the app you want to download. You can find apps on various third-party websites, but make sure they are trustworthy sources.

Download the IPA file for the app you want to install.

Step 3: Install the App

Go back to AltStore on your iOS device.

Click on the “My Apps” tab at the bottom. You should see the app you downloaded in the list of available apps. Click on it.

AltStore will prompt you to sign in with your Apple ID again, confirming the installation.

Once the installation is complete, the app will appear on your home screen, and you can use it like any other app.

Step 4: Trust the App

Before you can open and use the app, you may need to trust the developer certificate associated with it. Here’s how to do it:

Go to your iOS device’s “Settings“.

Next, go to “General” and select “Device Management” or “Profiles & Device Management“.

Find the developer certificate associated with the app you just installed and click on it.

Click on “Trust” to confirm your trust in the app’s developer.

AltStore provides iOS users with a convenient way to download and install apps that may not be available on the official App Store. Here is a complete guide for AltStore installation.

Once you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a broader selection of apps and customize your iOS experience to your liking. Learn more about seven popular App Store alternatives to install iOS apps on your device.

FAQs – How to Use AltStore to Download Apps on Your iPhone

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on how to use AltStore to download and install apps on your iPhone without using the App Store:

What is AltStore, and why should I use it?

AltStore is an alternative app distribution platform for iOS devices. It allows you to download and install apps that are not available on the official Apple App Store. This can be especially useful for accessing apps that have been revoked or banned from the App Store.

How do I install AltStore on my iOS device?

You can install AltStore on your iOS device by connecting it to a Windows or macOS computer, opening AltStore on your computer, and following the installation instructions provided on the official AltStore website. Make sure to have iTunes installed on your computer.

What are the prerequisites for using AltStore?

Before using AltStore, ensure you have an iOS device running a compatible version of iOS, AltStore installed on your device, access to a computer with iTunes, a USB cable for connection, and a valid Apple ID for app installations and AltStore setup. Learn more about how to set up AltStore on your PC.

How can I download an app from the AltStore?

To download an app from AltStore, you first need to find the app’s IPA file from a trusted source. Then, within AltStore on your iOS device, tap the “+” icon, browse for the downloaded IPA file, and install it. Consider reading the step-by-step instructions for this process.

Can I trust the apps downloaded from AltStore?

Apps downloaded from AltStore are as trustworthy as the sources from which you obtain them. It’s crucial to only download apps from reputable sources to ensure your device’s security and the reliability of the apps.

Why do I need to trust the developer certificate for the apps I install from AltStore?

iOS devices require you to trust the developer certificate associated with apps installed from sources like AltStore. This ensures that the app is legitimate and can be used without security concerns. Trusting the certificate is a standard iOS security measure.

Are there any risks or drawbacks to using AltStore?

While AltStore is a legitimate tool, downloading apps from unofficial sources can pose some risks. These risks include potentially downloading malicious apps or violating Apple’s terms of service. It’s important to exercise caution and only download apps from reputable sources. Here are some potential risks that could harm your iOS device.

Can AltStore be used on jailbroken iOS devices?

AltStore can be used on both jailbroken and non-jailbroken iOS devices. It offers a way to sideload apps without the need for jailbreaking, which can be a more secure and user-friendly option for many users.

Do I need to repeat the AltStore setup process for every app I download?

You only need to set up AltStore once on your iOS device. After that, you can download and install multiple apps using the same AltStore installation.

Can I still use the apps I downloaded from AltStore after iOS updates?

In most cases, apps downloaded from the AltStore should continue to work after iOS updates. However, there might be occasional compatibility issues that require updates from the app developers or AltStore itself. It’s a good practice to check for updates after major iOS updates. Learn more about iOS Software updates.