For years, SideStore has been one of the best ways to sideload IPA files on iPhone without jailbreak. However, the initial setup always required a Mac or Windows PC. That’s finally changing.
Thanks to the new Side Installer utility, you can now install SideStore directly from your iPhone or iPad using your own Apple ID—no computer, jailbreak, or AltServer required. Once installed, you can sign IPA files, refresh apps, and manage your sideloaded apps entirely from your device.
Requirements
Before starting, make sure you have:
- An iPhone or iPad running iOS 27
- An Apple ID
- Safari browser
- Internet connection
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Step 1: Install Side Installer
Open Safari and visit the official Side Installer website.
Download the app using one of the available direct install links. Since certificates frequently change, some links may fail. If that happens, simply try another available link until one installs successfully.
Download Side Installer:
Step 2: Install ESign (Alternative Method)
If none of the direct installation links work, use ESign instead.
Visit the ESign website and first download the required DNS profile.
After downloading:
- Open Settings
- Go to General → VPN & Device Management
- Install the DNS profile
- Restart if prompted
This DNS profile is required for ESign to function correctly.
Next, return to the ESign website and try the available certificates until one successfully installs the app.
Download ESign/Ksign:
Step 3: Sign Side Installer Using ESign
Once ESign is installed:
- Download the Side Installer IPA.
- Open ESign.
- Import the IPA from the Files app.
- Add it to the App Library.
- Select Sign App.
- Tap Start Signing.
- Install the signed application.
If iOS asks you to trust the certificate:
Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → Trust Certificate
Restart your device if requested.
Step 4: Install Local Dev VPN
Before installing SideStore, download Local Dev VPN from the App Store.
Open the app once, but don’t enable the VPN yet.
You’ll activate it later when Side Installer asks for it.
Step 5: Enable Developer Mode
If this is your first sideloaded application:
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security
- Enable Developer Mode
- Restart your iPhone
This only needs to be done once.
Step 6: Install SideStore Without a Computer
Launch Side Installer.
Enter your Apple ID credentials. These are used only for signing apps with Apple’s free developer account.
Next:
- Select SideStore
- Tap Install SideStore
During installation you’ll be prompted to:
- Enable Local Dev VPN
- Allow Local Network access
- Pair your device with Side Installer
A six-digit pairing code will appear inside the app. Enter the same code inside:
Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer → Pair with Side Installer
If you use Two-Factor Authentication, enter the verification code when requested.
Once installation finishes, trust your Apple developer certificate under:
Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
Step 7: Sign IPA Files
Open SideStore and log in using the same Apple ID.
Tap the + button and select any IPA file stored on your device.
SideStore will sign and install the application automatically.
Remember to keep Local Dev VPN enabled whenever signing apps.
Step 8: Refresh Your Apps
Apps signed with a free Apple developer account expire after seven days.
To refresh them:
- Enable Local Dev VPN
- Open SideStore
- Tap Refresh All
All installed apps—including SideStore itself—will receive a fresh seven-day validity period.
Final Thoughts
The new Side Installer removes the biggest limitation of SideStore by eliminating the need for a computer during the initial setup. Although certificate availability can occasionally affect installation, once everything is configured, you’ll have a fully functional on-device sideloading solution that lets you install, sign, and refresh IPA files using only your iPhone or iPad.
