How to Install IPA on iPhone? [No Jailbreak] Updated 2025

If you want to test a beta app before everyone else, then IPA files will help you. They let you install apps manually on your iPhone without waiting or depending on the App Store. 

IPA files are apps for iOS devices, but you can not just tap and open them like normal apps from the App Store. You need to follow some steps, and sometimes use tools like a computer or special apps.  It sounds tricky, but it is actually pretty simple if you follow the right steps. 

In this guide, I will help you to learn everything about how to install IPA on iPhone in a safe and easy way.

An IPA file is like a package that holds an iPhone or iPad app. You can consider these as the iOS version of an APK file for Android. Just like APK files are used to install apps manually on Android devices, IPA files do the same for Apple devices.

These files mostly come from those developers who want to test apps, or from users who want to install apps that are not available on the App Store. IPA files end with “.ipa” and can only be installed on Apple devices using special tools or apps. 

There are a few simple ways to install an IPA file on your iPhone. Some work without jailbreaking your phone, while others need a jailbroken device. If you do not want to take any risks, then you can use tools like AltStore or Sideloadly that work on both Windows and macOS. 

But if your iPhone is already jailbroken, then you can also install IPA files directly using apps like Filza or AppSync Unified. Let’s go through each method one by one in easy steps.

Using AltStore (No Jailbreak Required)

AltStore is a free tool that lets you install IPA on iPhone without jailbreaking it. It works by creating a developer certificate by using your Apple ID.

1. First, download and install AltServer on your computer from the official AltStore website.
2. After installing, open AltServer and connect your iPhone to the computer by using a USB cable.
3. Now, in AltServer, click on the system tray icon or menu bar icon, select Install AltStore, and choose your connected device.
4. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. This is used to create a free developer certificate, as Apple requires this.
5. Once done, AltStore will be installed on your iPhone.
6. Now, download the IPA file you want to install on your phone and save it.
7. Open the AltStore app on your iPhone and tap the + icon in the top-left corner.
8. Select the IPA file from your Files app. After tapping, AltStore will begin installing the app.
9. After it installs, go to Settings > General > Device Management and trust the developer profile. Now you can open and use the app.

Using Sideloadly (Windows/macOS)

Sideloadly is another easy tool to install IPA on iPhone and works similarly to AltStore, but it allows more control and works better for some apps.

1. You can start by downloading Sideloadly from the official website and installing it on your Windows PC or Mac.
2. Open Sideloadly and connect your iPhone using a USB cable. You should check that iTunes is installed and your device is trusted.
3. Next, drag and drop the IPA file into the IPA field in Sideloadly.
4. Enter your Apple ID in the given space, as this is needed to sign the app.
5. Click the Start button to begin the sideload process. Sideloadly will start signing and sending the app to your iPhone.
6. Once it finishes, go to Settings > General > Device Management on your iPhone.
7. Find your Apple ID under developer apps and tap Trust.
8. After that, the app will appear on your home screen, ready to use.

Using a Jailbroken iPhone with Filza or AppSync Unified

If your iPhone is jailbroken, you can install IPA on iPhone without needing a computer. You can do this using Filza File Manager or AppSync Unified. Follow these bullet-style steps carefully:

• First, install Filza File Manager from Cydia if it is not already installed.
• Then, use Safari or a file-sharing app to download the IPA file directly on your iPhone.
• After downloading, open Filza and go to the folder where the IPA file is saved.
• Tap on the IPA file and select Install.  Filza will begin extracting and placing the app.
• If you are using AppSync Unified, then you should make sure it is also installed from the correct repository.
• AppSync will automatically sign the app so it works properly on your jailbroken device.
• Once installation is complete, the app will appear on your home screen and be ready to use, so no need to trust the profile in settings since your iPhone is jailbroken.

Final Thoughts 

Installing IPA files on your iPhone might seem hard at first, but it is actually simple once you know the steps. Whether you choose AltStore, Sideloadly, or a jailbroken method like Filza, each way gives you more control over the apps you use. You just need to follow the right steps, be careful, and use trusted tools.