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What is AltStore? Guide to Installing Apps on iPhone

Nitin
What is AltStore Guide to Installing Apps on iPhone

What is AltStore Guide to Installing Apps on iPhone

Have you ever wanted to install an app on your iPhone that Apple doesn’t allow in the App Store? Maybe it’s an emulator to play classic games, a modified version of YouTube without ads, or a useful tool that Apple banned for arbitrary reasons?

If you’ve searched for solutions, you’ve probably heard about AltStore. But what exactly is it? Is it safe? Is it legal? And why would you even want to use it?

In this complete guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about AltStore in simple, plain English. No technical jargon, no confusing terms—just straightforward answers to help you understand what AltStore is and whether it’s right for you.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

What is AltStore? The Simple Explanation

AltStore is an alternative app store for iPhone and iPad that lets you install apps that aren’t available in Apple’s official App Store—without jailbreaking your device.

Think of it this way: Apple’s App Store is like a shopping mall where Apple decides which stores can open. AltStore is like a farmers market happening in the parking lot—it exists outside Apple’s official ecosystem, but it’s still legitimate and follows certain rules.

The Key Difference from Jailbreaking

Here’s what makes AltStore special: You don’t need to jailbreak your iPhone to use it.

Jailbreaking means removing Apple’s security restrictions entirely, which can make your phone vulnerable and void your warranty. AltStore works differently—it uses Apple’s own developer tools in a clever way that doesn’t require breaking anything.

It’s like finding a legal loophole instead of breaking the law.

How AltStore Actually Works (The Basic Idea)

Apple allows developers to test apps on their own devices without going through the App Store. This feature is meant for app development and testing.

AltStore uses this same developer feature, but for a different purpose—installing apps that Apple won’t approve for the App Store.

Here’s the simple process:

  1. You install AltStore on your computer (Mac or Windows)
  2. AltStore connects to your iPhone via cable or Wi-Fi
  3. You “sign” apps using your Apple ID (this makes your phone think you’re a developer testing your own app)
  4. Apps get installed on your iPhone just like regular apps
  5. AltStore refreshes these apps every 7 days to keep them working

That’s it. No complicated hacking. No risky modifications. Just a clever use of Apple’s existing developer features.

Why Would You Want to Use AltStore?

Now that you know what AltStore is, let’s talk about why someone would actually want to use it.

Reason #1: Installing Emulators

This is probably the most popular reason people use AltStore.

What are emulators? They’re apps that let you play old video games from consoles like Game Boy, Nintendo DS, PlayStation, Super Nintendo, and more—right on your iPhone.

The problem: Apple doesn’t allow emulators in the App Store (though this policy has slightly relaxed in 2024-2025, some emulators still face restrictions).

The solution: AltStore lets you install popular emulators like:

You can play classic games you own, use save states, customize controls, and relive your childhood gaming memories—all on your iPhone.

Reason #2: Modified Apps with Extra Features

Some developers create modified versions of popular apps that add features Apple doesn’t allow or that the original developers won’t include.

Examples:

Important note: Using modified versions of apps may violate those apps’ terms of service. We’re explaining what people use AltStore for, not necessarily recommending these uses.

Reason #3: Beta Testing Apps Early

Developers sometimes release beta versions of apps through AltStore before they’re available in the App Store.

This lets you:

Reason #4: Installing Apps Apple Banned or Rejected

Sometimes Apple rejects perfectly legitimate apps for questionable reasons:

AltStore gives these apps a second chance to reach users.

Reason #5: Preserving Apps That Were Removed

Sometimes great apps get removed from the App Store because:

If you have the app file (.ipa), you can keep using these apps through AltStore even after they disappear from the App Store.

Reason #6: Privacy and Control

Some users prefer AltStore because it gives them more control over what’s on their device.

Instead of Apple deciding what you can and can’t install, you make that choice yourself.

For privacy-conscious users, this autonomy matters.

Reason #7: Sideloading Your Own Apps

If you’re learning iOS development, AltStore makes it easy to test your own apps without paying for an Apple Developer account ($99/year).

You can build apps in Xcode and install them on your device for testing—for free.

How AltStore Actually Works: The Technical Side (Made Simple)

You don’t need to understand the technical details to use AltStore, but knowing how it works helps you understand why it’s safe and why it has certain limitations.

The Apple Developer Certificate Trick

Every app on your iPhone needs to be “signed” with a certificate that proves it’s legitimate.

Normally, apps are signed by Apple or by developers who pay Apple $99/year for a developer account.

But Apple also allows free developer accounts for testing purposes. These free accounts can sign apps too, but with limitations:

AltStore uses your free Apple Developer account to sign apps. Your iPhone thinks these apps are your personal test apps, so it allows them to run.

The 7-Day Refresh Requirement

Because free developer certificates expire after 7 days, AltStore needs to “refresh” your apps weekly.

How this works:

What happens if you don’t refresh? If you go more than 7 days without connecting to your computer, your AltStore apps will stop working until you refresh them. They won’t disappear—they just won’t open until refreshed.

The 3-App Limit

With a free Apple ID, you can only have 3 apps signed at once through AltStore.

Important: AltStore itself counts as one of those 3 apps. So you can have AltStore + 2 other apps.

Workaround: If you pay for an Apple Developer account ($99/year), you get:

AltServer: Your Computer Companion

AltStore requires a companion app on your computer called AltServer.

Why do you need this? Because the app signing process can only happen on a computer, not directly on your iPhone.

What does AltServer do?

Do you need to keep it running? For automatic refreshes, yes. But if you’re willing to manually refresh every 7 days by connecting your phone to your computer, you can close AltServer when not actively using it.

Is AltStore Safe? Addressing Security Concerns

This is probably your biggest question: “Can I trust AltStore? Is it safe?”

Let’s break this down honestly.

AltStore Itself is Safe

The good news: AltStore as software is legitimate and safe. It’s:

AltStore has been around since 2019 and has been used by millions of people without major security incidents.

But the Apps You Install Might Not Be

Here’s the critical point: AltStore is just a delivery method. The safety of your experience depends on what apps you install through it.

Think of it like a web browser—the browser itself is safe, but the websites you visit might not be.

The risks:

How to stay safe:

Your Apple ID is Safe

One common worry: “Do I have to give AltStore my Apple ID? Is that safe?”

The answer: You do use your Apple ID with AltStore, but it’s safe because:

  1. Your Apple ID stays on your computer—it’s not sent to AltStore’s servers
  2. The signing happens locally—on your own computer, not on someone else’s server
  3. AltStore can’t access your account—it just uses the developer certificate Apple provides
  4. You can use an alternative Apple ID—create a separate one just for AltStore if you’re worried

Many security-conscious users create a secondary Apple ID specifically for AltStore. This is totally fine and adds an extra layer of protection.

No Jailbreak Means Better Security

Because AltStore doesn’t require jailbreaking:

This is a huge advantage over jailbreaking.

Short answer: Yes, AltStore is legal.

Longer answer: It depends on what you do with it.

Using AltStore doesn’t violate any laws. You’re using:

Nothing about this process is illegal.

But Some Uses Might Violate Terms of Service

While legal, certain uses of AltStore might violate Apple’s Terms of Service or other apps’ terms:

Potentially problematic uses:

Perfectly fine uses:

Apple’s Stance

Apple doesn’t officially support or endorse AltStore, but they haven’t shut it down either.

Why? Because AltStore uses Apple’s own developer features exactly as designed. It’s not exploiting a bug or security flaw—it’s just using existing features creatively.

Think of it as legal “civil disobedience”—it goes against Apple’s wishes but doesn’t actually break their rules.

The Bottom Line on Legality

Using AltStore: Legal ✓
Installing emulators: Legal ✓
Installing your own apps: Legal ✓
Installing open-source apps: Legal ✓
Installing pirated apps: Illegal ✗
Violating app terms of service: Not illegal, but could get you banned ⚠️

Use AltStore responsibly and you have nothing to worry about.

How to Get Started with AltStore: Simple Overview

I won’t give you a full step-by-step tutorial here (there are plenty of detailed guides available), but here’s a simple overview of what’s involved:

What You’ll Need

Hardware:

Software:

Time required: About 10-15 minutes for first-time setup

The Basic Setup Process

Step 1: Download and install AltServer on your computer

Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer with a cable

Step 3: Run AltServer and use it to install AltStore on your iPhone

Step 4: Trust your Apple ID’s developer certificate on your iPhone

Step 5: Open AltStore on your iPhone and browse/install apps

Step 6: Set up Wi-Fi syncing so AltStore can refresh apps automatically

After Setup: Daily Use

Once set up, using AltStore is incredibly simple:

  1. Open AltStore on your iPhone
  2. Browse available apps or add sources for more apps
  3. Tap “Install” on any app you want
  4. Wait for it to download and install
  5. Use the app just like any normal app

AltStore handles the 7-day refresh automatically as long as:

Many users just leave AltServer running all the time and never think about it.

AltStore vs. Other Sideloading Methods

You might have heard of other ways to install apps outside the App Store. How does AltStore compare?

AltStore vs. Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking:

AltStore:

Best for: People who want to install a few specific apps without compromising security

AltStore vs. App Signing Services

Some websites offer to “sign” apps for you and let you install them directly on your phone without a computer.

Third-party signing services:

AltStore:

Best for: People willing to do a bit of setup for a more reliable, secure solution

AltStore vs. Sideloadly/Cydia Impactor

These are other tools that also use the same Apple developer certificate method.

They’re very similar to AltStore, but:

Best for: AltStore is generally easier for beginners

Common AltStore Apps: What Can You Actually Install?

Let’s look at some of the most popular and useful apps people install through AltStore:

Gaming: Emulators

Delta (Most Popular)

PPSSPP

Provenance

Media: Enhanced Video Apps

uYou+

Cercube

Utilities: Useful Tools

iTransmission

unc0ver/Odyssey

Development: Beta Apps

Many developers release beta versions through AltStore for early testing by the community.

AltStore Limitations: What You Should Know

AltStore is great, but it’s not perfect. Here are the limitations you should understand:

The 3-App Limit (Free Accounts)

With a free Apple ID, you can only have 3 apps signed at once:

Workarounds:

The 7-Day Refresh Requirement

Apps must be refreshed every 7 days or they stop working.

This means:

Impact: Minimal for most users, annoying if you travel a lot

Computer Dependency

Unlike the regular App Store, AltStore requires a computer for:

Impact: Fine if you have regular access to your computer, problematic if you don’t

App Compatibility

Not every app works perfectly through AltStore:

Impact: Most apps work fine, but occasionally you’ll hit compatibility issues

No Background App Refresh for AltStore

AltStore itself can’t refresh in the background like some apps.

This means it won’t automatically install updates to apps unless you open it occasionally.

Impact: Minor—just open AltStore once a week to check for updates

Troubleshooting Common AltStore Issues

Even though AltStore is generally reliable, you might encounter some common issues:

“Could Not Find AltServer” Error

Problem: Your iPhone can’t connect to AltServer on your computer

Solutions:

Apps Expired and Won’t Open

Problem: You went more than 7 days without refreshing

Solution:

“Maximum Number of Apps Installed”

Problem: You’re trying to install a 4th app with a free account

Solution:

Installation Stuck or Failing

Problem: App won’t install or gets stuck downloading

Solutions:

“Untrusted Developer” Warning

Problem: iPhone says developer isn’t trusted

Solution:

Is AltStore Worth It? Final Thoughts

After explaining everything about AltStore, let’s address the ultimate question: Should you use it?

You Should Use AltStore If:

✓ You want to play classic games through emulators like Delta
✓ You’re frustrated with Apple’s App Store restrictions
✓ You have regular access to a computer for weekly refreshes
✓ You’re comfortable with slightly more technical setup
✓ You value control over what you install on your device
✓ You’re a developer who wants to test apps without paying $99/year
✓ You want specific apps that Apple banned or rejected

You Probably Shouldn’t Use AltStore If:

✗ You rarely use a computer or travel extensively without one
✗ You’re uncomfortable with any technical setup
✗ You want dozens of apps and won’t pay for developer account
✗ You’re only interested in pirating paid apps (don’t do this)
✗ You need something simpler and are fine with App Store limitations

My Honest Opinion

AltStore is an excellent tool that serves a legitimate purpose: giving users more control over their devices while maintaining security.

The good:

The annoying:

The bottom line: If you have even one app you really want to use that’s not in the App Store (like Delta for classic gaming), AltStore is absolutely worth the setup effort.

For most users, the primary draw is emulators—and for that alone, it’s worth it. Being able to play Game Boy, SNES, and Nintendo DS games on your iPhone with a beautiful interface is genuinely amazing.

Just use it responsibly, stick to legitimate apps from trusted sources, and you’ll have a great experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone to use AltStore?

No, absolutely not. AltStore works on non-jailbroken iPhones and iPads. In fact, one of AltStore’s biggest advantages is that it provides many benefits of jailbreaking (installing apps outside the App Store) without actually jailbreaking your device. Your phone remains fully secure with all of Apple’s protections intact.

Will using AltStore void my iPhone warranty?

No, using AltStore does not void your warranty. Since you’re not jailbreaking or modifying iOS itself, your warranty remains valid. AltStore uses Apple’s official developer features in a way that doesn’t alter your device’s system files or security. If you ever need warranty service, you can simply delete AltStore apps.

Can I use AltStore without a computer?

You need a computer for the initial setup and for refreshing apps every 7 days. However, after setup, you can install new apps wirelessly as long as your computer is on the same Wi-Fi network. Some users set up AltStore on a friend’s or family member’s computer and then manually refresh once a week.

What happens if I don’t refresh my apps every 7 days?

If you go more than 7 days without refreshing, your AltStore apps will stop working—they won’t open when you tap them. However, the apps don’t get deleted, and none of your data is lost. Simply connect to your computer and refresh them through AltStore, and they’ll work again immediately with all your data intact.

Is it safe to use my main Apple ID with AltStore?

Yes, it’s safe. AltStore uses your Apple ID locally on your computer—it’s never sent to AltStore’s servers. The app signing happens entirely on your own computer using Apple’s official tools. However, if you’re particularly privacy-conscious, you can create a separate Apple ID just for AltStore. This works fine and adds an extra layer of separation.

Can I only have 3 apps with AltStore?

With a free Apple ID, yes—you’re limited to 3 apps total, and AltStore itself counts as one, leaving you with 2 additional apps. If you pay for an Apple Developer account ($99/year), you can install unlimited apps and the certificates last for one year instead of 7 days. Most users stick with the free option and manage with 2 apps.

Will AltStore apps show up like normal apps on my iPhone?

Yes, once installed, AltStore apps appear on your home screen just like any app from the App Store. They have icons, can be organized in folders, receive notifications (if the app supports it), and function like regular apps. The only difference is they need to be refreshed every 7 days.

Can I get banned from Apple services for using AltStore?

No, there are no known cases of people being banned from Apple services for using AltStore. You’re using official Apple developer features that are meant to be used (just not quite in the way Apple intended). However, using modified versions of specific apps (like modified YouTube or Spotify) could potentially result in bans from those specific services, not Apple.

What’s the difference between AltStore and TestFlight?

TestFlight is Apple’s official beta testing platform for developers to distribute pre-release versions of App Store apps to testers. AltStore lets you install any compatible app, including ones that will never be in the App Store. TestFlight is official and supported by Apple; AltStore works through developer certificates. Both are legitimate, but serve different purposes.

Can I use AltStore on Android?

No, AltStore is designed specifically for iOS devices (iPhone and iPad). Android doesn’t need something like AltStore because Android already allows “sideloading” apps from sources other than the Google Play Store natively. Android users can directly install APK files without any special tools.

Are emulators legal to use with AltStore?

Yes, emulators themselves are legal. The legal gray area is with game ROMs—the game files you play on emulators. It’s legal to create backup copies of games you physically own, but downloading ROMs of games you don’t own is copyright infringement. Use emulators responsibly with games you legitimately own.

What happens to AltStore if I update iOS?

AltStore generally works fine across iOS updates. When a new iOS version is released, you should check if AltStore is compatible before updating. Usually, AltStore updates quickly to support new iOS versions. After updating iOS, you might need to re-trust your developer certificate in Settings, but your apps and data remain intact.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your iPhone

AltStore represents something important: the ability to use your own device the way you want, without being completely locked into Apple’s walled garden.

Is it perfect? No. The 7-day refresh requirement and 3-app limit are annoying. The setup requires a bit more effort than just downloading from the App Store.

But for millions of users, AltStore has opened up legitimate uses that Apple’s restrictions prevent—whether that’s playing classic games through emulators, testing beta apps, or using tools that Apple refuses to allow.

The key points to remember:

✓ It’s safe when you install apps from trusted sources
✓ It’s legal as long as you’re not pirating content
✓ It doesn’t require jailbreaking and maintains your phone’s security
✓ It’s relatively easy once you get through the initial setup
✓ It’s free for basic use (3 apps)
✓ It gives you control over your own device

If you’ve been on the fence about trying AltStore, now you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

For most people interested in emulators or a specific banned app, AltStore is absolutely worth trying. The setup takes 15 minutes, and then you have access to apps you genuinely want that Apple won’t let you have.

Just remember: use it responsibly, stick to legitimate apps, and respect copyright laws. AltStore is a tool—how you use it is up to you.

Ready to take control of your iPhone? Head over to altstore.io and give it a try.

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