Getting Started with Sideloading
Sideloading is the process of installing apps on your Apple device without going through the App Store. It's how developers test their apps, how researchers analyze software, and how enthusiasts run open-source tools, emulators, and apps that Apple doesn't allow in its store. The process involves signing an IPA file with a valid developer certificate and then installing it onto a device that's registered on that certificate. FlareStore makes sideloading accessible on every Apple platform. Our guides below walk you through the complete process, from finding your device UDID and getting a certificate, to signing your first app and protecting it from revocation. Each guide is tailored to the specific platform you're using, since the steps differ between iPhone, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro.
Choose Your Platform
Every Apple device handles app installation differently. iPhones and iPads use OTA (over-the-air) installation and require Developer Mode on iOS 16+. Macs can run sideloaded apps directly after allowing them in System Settings. Apple TV requires a wireless installation method since there's no browser on tvOS. And Vision Pro uses a process similar to iPhone but within the spatial computing environment. Pick the guide that matches your device above. Each one covers the full flow from start to finish, including prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting tips for common issues. If you're completely new to sideloading, we recommend starting with the FAQ for a quick overview, then coming back here for the detailed walkthrough.