If you’re running macOS 10.14 or 10.15 and want to use AltServer to sideload apps onto your iPhone or iPad, this guide will walk you through the installation process step-by-step. AltServer is a crucial component for AltStore, allowing you to install apps outside of the official App Store. This tutorial provides a detailed, SEO-optimized approach to ensure you can easily set up AltServer on your macOS system.
First, download the necessary AltServer version for your macOS.
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Once downloaded, locate the
AltServer.appfile. Copy this application to your/Applicationsfolder. This ensures AltServer is properly installed and easily accessible on your macOS system. -
Launch AltServer. After copying to the applications folder, open AltServer. You’ll find the AltServer icon appearing in your Mac’s menu bar at the top of the screen. This indicates that AltServer is running in the background and ready for configuration.
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Connect your iOS device to your Mac using a USB cable. Ensure your iPhone or iPad is unlocked before proceeding. When prompted, trust your computer on your iOS device to allow communication between your devices. This step is essential for AltServer to communicate with your iOS device for installation.
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Enable Wi-Fi syncing on your iOS device. This setting allows your device to communicate with AltServer wirelessly after the initial setup, making future app installations and refreshes more convenient.
(For macOS 10.14 Mojave or Earlier):
Open iTunes. Navigate to your connected device within iTunes and find the option to “Sync with this iPhone/iPad over Wi-Fi.” Enable this feature to proceed with the AltServer setup.
(For macOS 10.15 Catalina or Later):
If you are using macOS Catalina or a later version, open Finder. In the Finder window, locate your connected iOS device in the sidebar. Enable the option “Show this iPhone/iPad when on WiFi”. This setting in Finder replaces the iTunes Wi-Fi sync setting in newer macOS versions.
- Click on the AltServer icon located in your Mac’s menu bar. From the dropdown menu, select “Install AltStore” and then choose your connected iOS device. This action initiates the AltStore installation process onto your selected iPhone or iPad via AltServer.
- A prompt will appear asking for your Apple ID email address and password. Enter your Apple ID credentials. This step is crucial as it allows AltServer to securely authenticate with Apple’s servers and configure your developer account to support sideloading applications.
It is important to note that your Apple ID and password are transmitted directly and securely to Apple only. They are not shared with AltServer developers or any third parties, ensuring your privacy and security.
- Wait for a few moments. After successful authentication and installation, you should receive a notification from AltServer on your Mac confirming that AltStore has been successfully installed on your iOS device.
If you do not see any notifications, ensure that you have granted AltServer the necessary permissions to send notifications in your macOS System Preferences. Notifications are essential for staying informed about AltServer’s status and installation progress.
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It may be necessary to restart your iOS device for the AltStore app icon to appear on your home screen. A simple restart can resolve any display issues and ensure AltStore is correctly visible and accessible.
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Once restarted, navigate to Settings on your iOS device. Go to General, then find and tap on “Profiles & Device Management”. Locate and tap on the profile associated with your Apple ID, which is typically listed as “Trust [Your Apple ID]”. Tap “Trust” again on the subsequent prompt to confirm. This step trusts the developer profile, allowing AltStore and sideloaded apps to run on your device.
“Profiles & Device Management” location may vary slightly depending on your iOS version, but it is generally found near the bottom of the General settings menu.
Enabling Developer Mode (iOS 16 and Later)
- For users on iOS 16 or later, Developer Mode needs to be enabled to use AltStore. To do this, go to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Developer Mode on your iOS device. Toggle the Developer Mode switch to enable it. This is a new security feature in iOS 16 and later versions that is required for sideloading apps.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed AltStore using AltServer and are now ready to sideload apps onto your iOS device!
Explore more apps available in AltStore to enhance your device functionality.
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