For iOS power users and app tinkerers, sideloading is a breath of fresh air—freedom from Apple’s strict App Store policies. But that freedom comes with an annoying limitation: Apple restricts free developer accounts to just three sideloaded apps at a time. That’s where SideStore’s nightly build swoops in with a fix that feels almost magical. Thanks to the integration of the SparseRestore exploit, this experimental version of SideStore lets users smash through that app limit with just a simple toggle.
What Makes SideStore Special?
SideStore is an iOS app that lets you install IPAs (app files) on your device without a jailbreak. Unlike older methods, SideStore runs entirely on your iPhone or iPad, using a StosVPN VPN to handle app signing. It’s an open-source alternative to AltStore and perfect for installing emulators, utilities, or apps not allowed on the App Store.
The only catch? Apple limits free developer accounts to three apps at a time, signed for only 7 days. That’s enough to annoy anyone looking to run multiple sideloaded tools.
The SparseRestore Exploit: What It Does
SparseRestore is a clever exploit discovered by developer Duy Tran Khanh. It tricks iOS into miscounting how many sideloaded apps are installed by altering a file attribute (called xattr) that Apple uses to track app usage. In plain English? It fools your iPhone into thinking you’ve only got two sideloaded apps—even when you’ve installed five.
With SideStore’s latest nightly builds, SparseRestore is now built directly into the app. That means no more separate tools or command-line voodoo—just a simple switch in the app’s settings.
How to Use SideStore’s Nightly Build to Bypass the Limit
Want to install more than three sideloaded apps without paying Apple $99/year? Here’s how to get started:
What You’ll Need:
- iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 17.0 to 18.1 beta 4
- Latest SideStore nightly build (v0.5.9 or later)
- StosVPN app from the App Store
- Pairing file (created during SideStore setup)
- Find My temporarily disabled
- At least one free sideloading slot initially
Step-by-Step Setup:
Install SideStore Nightly
Download the IPA from SideStore’s GitHub or Discord and install it using AltServer or SideServer. Log in with your Apple ID.
Configure StosVPN
Simply Activate the StosVPN before sideloading.
Disable Find My Temporarily
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My and turn it off. You can re-enable it after using the exploit.
Activate the Exploit
In SideStore Settings, toggle on “Disable App Limit.” This triggers SparseRestore and resets the app count invisibly.
Sideload More Apps
Install apps normally via SideStore. The bypass allows you to go beyond the three-app limit—until you install or update three more apps
Repeat as Needed
After every three new installs/updates, return to SideStore Settings and toggle “Disable App Limit” again to refresh the bypass.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This update changes the game for casual sideloaders:
- No need for complex tools like SparseBox
- No need for a paid Apple Developer account
- Full sideloading freedom on supported iOS versions
- Works right from your iPhone—no computer needed after initial setup
A Few Limitations to Keep in Mind
- Not Permanent: You’ll have to reapply the bypass after every three installs or updates.
- Version Specific: Only works on iOS/iPadOS 17.0 to 18.1 beta 4. It’s patched in newer versions.
- App ID Limit: You still only get 10 app IDs per free Apple ID. When you run out, use a new ID or delete old ones.
- Nightly Builds Are Experimental: Expect occasional bugs or hiccups. Backup your device beforehand.
Final Thoughts
SideStore’s nightly build doesn’t just make sideloading easier—it makes it practical for everyday users. If you’re on a compatible iOS version and want more than three sideloaded apps without paying Apple, this is the smoothest path. It’s not a forever fix, but it’s reliable, accessible, and brilliantly simple.
Keep your device backed up, only sideload trusted IPAs, and enjoy the freedom this exploit unlocks. With SideStore and SparseRestore in your corner, your iPhone just got a whole lot more powerful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use SideStore’s nightly build on the latest iOS version?
Unfortunately, no. The SparseRestore exploit used in SideStore’s nightly builds only works on iOS/iPadOS versions 17.0 to 18.1 beta 4. Apple patched the vulnerability in iOS 18.1 beta 5, so if you’re running that or a later version, the bypass won’t work.
2. Is this method safe for my device and Apple ID?
While many users have used SideStore and SparseRestore without issues, keep in mind:
- You’re bypassing Apple-imposed restrictions, which technically violates their terms of service.
- There’s a very low but potential risk of your Apple ID being flagged or temporarily suspended.
- Only use trusted sources for downloading IPAs and SideStore builds to avoid malware.
3. Why do I need to disable Find My iPhone/iPad for this to work?
SparseRestore modifies how iOS handles backup-related app metadata, and Find My must be off to allow these changes. This is a temporary requirement—you can re-enable it immediately after applying the bypass.
4. What happens when I hit the 10-app ID limit on my Apple ID?
Apple allows free developer accounts to register up to 10 unique app identifiers (App IDs). Once you reach that limit:
- You won’t be able to sideload new apps unless you delete some old ones from your developer account.
- You can also create a new Apple ID and use it in SideStore to continue sideloading.
5. Do I need a computer every time I sideload an app with SideStore?
Nope! That’s the beauty of SideStore. Once it’s installed and set up (with your VPN and pairing file), you can sideload apps directly from your iPhone or iPad—no need to reconnect to a computer each time. Just make sure your VPN is active and your certificate hasn’t expired.
