| Method | Computer needed | What you need | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signing app on the iPhone (iClone, ESign, KSign) | No | A .p12 certificate and .mobileprovision profile | Apps stop opening if the certificate expires or is revoked |
| Computer tool with an Apple ID (Sideloadly, AltStore) | Yes | An Apple ID | With a free Apple ID, apps expire after 7 days and only 3 can be active |
| TrollStore | Depends on the iOS version | A supported iOS version | Only works on some older iOS versions |
Before you start
- An IPA file you have the right to install. IPA files must be decrypted: apps copied from the App Store stay encrypted and will not open after re-signing.
- A .p12 certificate with its password and a matching .mobileprovision profile. Development and Ad Hoc profiles must list your device. See how to import a certificate.
- On iOS 16 and later, apps signed with a development certificate need Developer Mode, which you turn on in Settings > Privacy & Security.
Install an IPA with iClone
- Install iClone. Without a computer, use online installation in Safari with your own certificate.
- Import your certificate into iClone if it is not there yet.
- Bring the IPA into iClone: open it from the Files app or the share sheet, or download it from a software source. Downloaded IPA files can be moved into the app library automatically.
- Tap the IPA, choose your certificate and start signing. You can turn on installing right after signing.
- Confirm the iOS install prompt. For apps signed with an enterprise certificate, trust the developer once in Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
Other ways to install IPA files
Computer tools such as Sideloadly and AltStore sign apps with your Apple ID. With a free Apple ID, apps must be refreshed every 7 days and only 3 can be active at a time. TrollStore installs apps permanently without a certificate, but only on some older iOS versions. In the EU, iOS 17.4 and later also support alternative app marketplaces such as AltStore PAL.
If the installation fails
- The app does not install: the profile probably does not include your device, or it is an App Store profile. See how to import a certificate.
- iOS cannot verify the app: the certificate was most likely revoked. See what to do when a certificate is revoked.
- The app closes right after opening: the IPA is probably encrypted. Use a decrypted IPA.
- iOS asks for Developer Mode: turn it on in Settings > Privacy & Security, then restart the iPhone.
Get iClone
Download the IPA, or install iClone online with your own certificate. The certificate is imported into iClone automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install an IPA file without a computer?
Yes. With a signing app such as iClone and your own certificate, you can sign and install IPA files directly on the iPhone.
Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone?
No. Signing apps use Apple’s normal certificate system, so no jailbreak is needed.
Why do installed apps stop working after a while?
The certificate expired or was revoked. With a free Apple ID, apps also expire after 7 days. Re-sign them with a valid certificate.
Is iClone free?
Yes, iClone is free to download. You need your own valid certificate to sign and install apps.