AltStore App

AltStore offers iOS users an easy way to install unofficial apps, games and other files on their iPhone or iPad.altstore

Altstore app is one of the newest unofficial app stores that contains plenty of content not allowed into the official Apple appstore. There isn’t any need to jailbreak to use it and it is completely free.

Download Link

How to Download AltStore:

AltStore is a little different – first off, your Mac or Windows computer is required to install it and second, you need a companion app called AltServer. Lastly, you must refresh the app store at least in every seven-day period otherwise it will crash and stop working.

If you are using iTunes from the Microsoft app store, you need to delete it and reinstall it from the official Apple website – use the links below:

Now you are ready to download AltStore:

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer
  2. Download AltServer companion app onto your computer from the AltStore website
  3. Windows Users – open the icon tray and click the AltServer icon; hover the mouse cursor over the Install AltStore option and click on your device in the popup list
  4. Mac OS Users – open your toolbar and click AltStore>Install AltStore. Click on your device in the popup list
  5. When AltStore is on your device, it is ready for you to use but you must ensure AltServer is left running on your computer and your device connected.
  6. Whenever you want to download any apps or update AltServer, your device must be connected to your computer using the official cable or Wi-Fi Sync in iTunes, so long as your device and computer are on the same network.

How to Use AltStore to Install Apps:

AltStore is quite simple to use:

  1. Open AltStore – if you see an Untrusted Developer error, click Settings > General > Profiles and trust the app profile
  2. Open AltStore again and tap Settings > Account
  3. Sign in using your Apple ID/Password (or an app-specific password if you set one up)
  4. Tap the browser and find an app or game to download
  5. Tapping the app title will tell you all about it or install it by tapping FREE
  6. Use the app or game the way you would any other.

How to Use AltStore for External IPA Files:

AltStore also allows you to install your own IPA files from external sources:

  1. Download the IPA files you want using Safari browser
  2. The app should show the AltStore icon – tap it to open AltStore
  3. Wait for AltStore to sign and install the apps
  4. Alternatively, open AltStore, tap + in the top corner and tap on your IPA file
  5. When it has finished installing it is on your home screen and in AltStore under My Apps

Pros and Cons of AltStore App:

AltStore has advantages but it also has a few disadvantages too:

Pros

  • No jailbreak is needed
  • Because the apps are self-signed, they cannot be revoked by Apple
  • You have the option of pre-installed apps or external IPA files

Cons

  • Only three apps are allowed on your device at once – AltStore is one of those
  • The AltServer companion app is required to install AltStore and this needs your computer. Your device must be connected via iTunes Wi-Fi Sync or cable
  • The apps must be refreshed once a week otherwise they will crash – if you have a developer ID, this won’t happen for 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here, you can find out all you need to know about Altstore:

  • What is AltStore?

Altstore is an unofficial iOS appstore, like the Jojoy App is for Android,  that allows you to install unsigned IPA files by self-signing them and creating developer certificates.

  • Is AltStore a Jailbreak?

No, it is not. Neither do you need one for AltStore to work; it is purely an app store.

  • How Does it Work?

Developed by Riley Testut, AltStore users a developer features provided by Apple. This feature lets developers test their apps before submitting to Apple and uses self-signing with a computer, creating developer certificates. This is why your Apple ID is needed and why you can only have three active apps at any one time.

  • Can I Download Any App?

Yes and No. Right now, there are not many preinstalled apps but more will be added. However, you can use AltStore to sideload external IPAs so, in theory, you can have whatever apps you want. The most popular preinstalled apps are:

  1. GBA4iOS
  2. Happy Chick Emulator
  3. Provenance
  4. iNDS
  5. Chimera Jailbreak
  • Does AltStore work on Android?

No, the AltStore app only works for iOS devices, like the iPhone and Android. If you are looking for mod apps and games on Android, you should download the HappyMod app.

  • How Should AltStore be Used?

In the way the developer recommends:

  • Set AltServer so it launches as soon as your computer is switched on and/or logged in
  • Leave your computer in sleep mode with your device connected overnight so the apps can be refreshed by iOS
  • Use AltStore at least once a week; that way, iOS prioritizes it to ensure your apps are refreshed

AltStore is a new way of installing apps and games so give it a go today and see what you think of it.