Documentation

Table of Contents

• 📋 Prerequisites
• 📦 Installing SideStore
• 📱 Device Setup
• 📲 Installing IPAs
• 🔐 Managing Pairing Files
• 🎫 Managing Certificates
• 🔧 Troubleshooting
• 📚 Additional Resources

1 Connect Your Device

1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer via USB cable
2. If prompted on your device, tap "Trust This Computer"
3. Enter your device passcode when requested
4. Ensure your device remains unlocked during the process
5. Keep the USB cable connected throughout installation

2 Open iLoader

1. Launch iLoader on your computer
2. Sign in with your Apple Account credentials
3. Important: Your Apple ID credentials are case-sensitive
4. Note: The Apple ID doesn't need to match the one associated with your device
5. If you have multiple Apple IDs saved, select the one you want to use

3 Select Your Device

1. iLoader should automatically detect your connected iOS device
2. If multiple devices are connected, select the correct one from the list
3. Verify the device name and model match your device
4. If your device isn't listed, check the connection and try refreshing

4 Install SideStore

1. Select "Install SideStore (Stable)" from the available options
2. iLoader will automatically handle:
   • Downloading the latest SideStore build
   • Creating and importing development certificates
   • Placing pairing files in correct locations
   • Installing SideStore on your device
3. Wait for the installation progress to complete
4. Do not disconnect your device during installation
5. You'll see a success message when installation is complete

Step-by-Step IPA Installation

1. Prepare Your IPA File:
   • Download or locate the IPA file you want to install
   • Ensure the IPA file is compatible with your iOS version
   • Note the file location on your computer
2. Connect Your Device:
   • Connect your iOS device to your computer via USB
   • Ensure your device is unlocked and trusted
   • Verify the device appears in iLoader
3. Open iLoader:
   • Launch iLoader on your computer
   • Sign in with your Apple ID if not already signed in
   • Select your connected device from the list
4. Install IPA:
   • Look for "Install IPA" or "Sideload IPA" option in iLoader
   • Click the option to browse for IPA files
   • Navigate to and select your IPA file
   • Confirm the installation
5. Wait for Completion:
   • Monitor the installation progress
   • Do not disconnect your device during installation
   • Wait for the success confirmation
6. Verify Installation:
   • Check your device's home screen for the new app
   • If on iOS 16+, ensure Developer Mode is enabled
   • Trust the developer certificate if prompted

What Are Pairing Files?

Pairing files contain encrypted credentials that allow your computer to communicate securely with your iOS device. They're required for:

• Installing apps on your device
• Accessing device information
• Managing certificates and App IDs
• Debugging and development tasks

Certificate Management Features

• View Certificates: See all active development certificates associated with your Apple ID
• Certificate Details: View expiration dates, creation dates, and certificate types
• Revoke Certificates: Remove certificates that are no longer needed or have issues
• Create Certificates: Generate new development certificates when needed
• App ID Overview: See all App IDs registered with your Apple Developer account

Device Not Detected

If iLoader cannot detect your iOS device:

• Check Device Status: Ensure your device is unlocked and not in sleep mode
• Trust Computer: On your device, go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and verify the computer is trusted
• USB Connection: Try a different USB cable or USB port
• Restart Devices: Restart both your computer and iOS device
• usbmuxd Service: Verify usbmuxd is installed and running:
  • Windows: Ensure iTunes is installed and running
  • macOS: Should be included automatically
  • Linux: Check with systemctl status usbmuxd
• Disable VPN: Temporarily disable VPN software that might interfere

Pairing File Expired

Pairing files can expire in several situations:

• After updating your iOS device
• After resetting your iOS device
• After extended periods of non-use
• Randomly due to Apple's security policies

Solution: Use iLoader to replace the pairing file. The process is similar to initial installation - iLoader will guide you through recreating the pairing file.

Installation Fails

If app installation fails, check the following:

• Developer Mode: For iOS 16+, ensure Developer Mode is enabled in Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode
• Trust Certificate: Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and trust the developer certificate
• Apple ID: Verify your Apple ID credentials are correct (case-sensitive)
• Internet Connection: Ensure you have an active internet connection
• Certificate Limit: Check if you've reached Apple's certificate limit (revoke unused certificates)
• App Compatibility: Verify the IPA is compatible with your iOS version
• Check Logs: Review error messages in iLoader for specific issues
• Known Issues: Check the GitHub issues page for reported problems

Apps Expire After 7 Days

Apps signed with free Apple Developer accounts expire after 7 days. This is normal behavior.

• SideStore Apps: Open SideStore and refresh apps before they expire
• Other Apps: Reinstall using iLoader when they expire
• Automatic Refresh: SideStore can automatically refresh apps if configured

Sign-In Issues

If you're having trouble signing in:

• Case Sensitivity: Apple ID credentials are case-sensitive - check capitalization
• Two-Factor Authentication: You may need to generate an app-specific password
• Account Status: Ensure your Apple ID account is active and not locked
• Network Issues: Check your internet connection and firewall settings