How to Install SideStore

SideStore represents a significant advancement in sideloading applications onto iOS devices, particularly for those seeking to install unsigned applications without the need for a jailbreak. This method offers a more streamlined and user-friendly approach compared to traditional AltStore installation, leveraging a direct Wi-Fi connection for app refreshing. This guide will walk you through the process of installing SideStore, ensuring you can seamlessly sideload your desired applications.

Understanding the SideStore Ecosystem

Before diving into the installation, it’s crucial to grasp the underlying principles of SideStore. Unlike methods that require a Mac or a Windows PC for every app refresh, SideStore aims for a more autonomous experience. It achieves this by running a small server on your iOS device that can communicate directly with the SideStore desktop application over your local Wi-Fi network. This means once set up, you can refresh your sideloaded apps without needing to connect your device to a computer.

The core components involved are:

• SideStore iOS App: This is the application installed on your iPhone or iPad that manages the sideloaded apps and communicates with the desktop client.
• SideStore Desktop Application: This program runs on your computer (macOS or Windows) and is used to install the SideStore iOS app onto your device and manage the apps you want to sideload.
• Apple Developer Account: A free Apple Developer account is required to sign applications for installation. SideStore utilizes this to sign and install applications, allowing them to run for a week before needing a refresh.

The key advantage of SideStore lies in its Wi-Fi refresh capability. This eliminates the frequent need to tether your device to your computer, making the sideloading process much more convenient for regular users.

Prerequisites for Installation

To ensure a smooth installation process, please verify that you have the following in place:

1. Compatible Devices and Software

• iOS Device: An iPhone or iPad running a compatible version of iOS. While SideStore is designed to be as compatible as possible, it’s always recommended to check the official SideStore documentation for the latest supported iOS versions.
• Computer: A macOS or Windows computer.
• iTunes (Windows only): Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your Windows PC. For macOS, iTunes is no longer a standalone application and its functionalities are integrated into Finder.
• Apple Developer Account: You will need to sign in with your Apple ID. A free Apple Developer account is sufficient. If you do not have one, you can create one for free by signing in to the Apple Developer website with your Apple ID.

2. Network Configuration

• Wi-Fi Network: Both your iOS device and your computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is essential for the Wi-Fi refresh feature to work and for the initial installation if you choose that method.
• Discovery Mode: For SideStore to communicate wirelessly, your iOS device needs to be discoverable. This is usually enabled through the “Developer” settings in iOS.

Installation Steps

The installation process for SideStore involves two primary stages: installing the desktop application and then using it to install the SideStore iOS app onto your device.

1. Installing the SideStore Desktop Application

The first step is to download and install the SideStore desktop application on your computer.

macOS

1. Download: Visit the official SideStore website and download the latest macOS version of the SideStore application.
2. Extract: Once the download is complete, open the .dmg file. You will likely see the SideStore application icon and an Applications folder.
3. Install: Drag the SideStore application icon into your Applications folder.
4. Launch: Navigate to your Applications folder and launch SideStore.
5. Permissions: You may be prompted to grant certain permissions to SideStore. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow necessary access.

Windows

1. Download: Visit the official SideStore website and download the latest Windows version of the SideStore application. This will typically be a .zip or .exe file.
2. Extract (if .zip): If you downloaded a .zip file, extract its contents to a desired location on your computer.
3. Launch: Run the SideStore installer or executable file.
4. Installation Wizard: Follow the prompts in the installation wizard. This may involve accepting terms and conditions, choosing an installation directory, and other standard setup procedures.
5. Dependencies: The installer will likely guide you through installing any necessary dependencies, such as Apple Mobile Device Support, which is usually bundled with iTunes.

2. Installing the SideStore iOS App on Your Device

Once the desktop application is installed, you can proceed to install the SideStore app on your iPhone or iPad.

Method A: Via USB Connection (Recommended for Initial Setup)

This method is generally more reliable for the first installation as it bypasses potential network discovery issues.

1. Connect Device: Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Trust Computer: On your iOS device, you may be prompted to “Trust This Computer.” Tap “Trust” and enter your passcode if required.
3. Launch SideStore Desktop: Open the SideStore desktop application on your computer.
4. Select Device: SideStore should automatically detect your connected iOS device. If not, ensure your device is recognized by your computer (e.g., visible in Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows).
5. Install SideStore: Click the “Install SideStore” button within the desktop application.
6. Sign In: You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password. This is used to sign the SideStore app with your developer certificate. Note: Apple ID credentials are handled securely and are only used for signing purposes.
7. Installation Process: The desktop application will then prepare and install the SideStore app onto your iOS device. This process might take a few minutes.
8. Developer Mode: After installation, you’ll need to enable Developer Mode on your iOS device.
   • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
   • Scroll down and tap on Developer Mode.
   • Toggle Developer Mode ON.
   • You will be prompted to restart your device. Do so.
   • After restarting, go back to Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode and ensure it is still enabled.

Method B: Via Wi-Fi Connection (After Initial USB Setup)

This method allows you to install SideStore directly over Wi-Fi, but it requires that your iOS device is already running SideStore and that network discovery is properly configured.

1. Ensure Network Connectivity: Verify that your iOS device and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable Wi-Fi Sync (if applicable): For older versions of iTunes or specific scenarios, ensuring Wi-Fi sync is enabled for your device in iTunes/Finder might be necessary. However, SideStore generally uses Bonjour for discovery, which should work automatically.
3. Launch SideStore Desktop: Open the SideStore desktop application on your computer.
4. Discover Device: SideStore will attempt to discover your iOS device over the network.
5. Install SideStore: Once your device is detected wirelessly, click the “Install SideStore” button.
6. Sign In: Enter your Apple ID credentials as prompted.
7. Installation: The SideStore app will be installed on your device wirelessly.
8. Developer Mode: As with the USB method, ensure Developer Mode is enabled on your iOS device.

3. Trusting the Developer Profile

After the SideStore app has been installed on your iOS device, you will need to trust the developer profile associated with your Apple ID.

1. Open Settings: On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings.
2. Navigate to General: Tap on General.
3. Device Management: Scroll down and tap on Device Management.
4. Trust Your Apple ID: You should see your Apple ID listed under “Enterprise App.” Tap on it.
5. Trust App: Tap the “Trust” button and confirm.

Once you have completed these steps, the SideStore app icon should appear on your iOS device’s home screen.

Refreshing Applications with SideStore

The primary benefit of SideStore is its ability to refresh sideloaded applications over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for frequent USB connections.

1. Enabling Wi-Fi Refresh

For the Wi-Fi refresh feature to work, your iOS device needs to be discoverable on the network by the SideStore desktop app.

1. Open SideStore on iOS: Launch the SideStore app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Access Settings: Navigate to the settings within the SideStore app.
3. Enable Background Refresh: Look for an option related to background app refresh or Wi-Fi sync and ensure it is enabled.
4. Keep SideStore Running (Initially): For the first successful Wi-Fi connection, it’s often beneficial to keep the SideStore app open on your iOS device while the desktop app attempts to connect.

2. The Refresh Process

Once set up, refreshing your apps is straightforward:

1. Ensure Network Connectivity: Make sure your iOS device and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Launch SideStore Desktop: Open the SideStore desktop application on your computer.
3. Automatic Detection: SideStore should automatically detect your connected iOS device over Wi-Fi.
4. Refresh Apps: The desktop application will display a list of your sideloaded apps. You can select individual apps to refresh or choose to refresh all installed applications.
5. Confirmation: The desktop app will confirm when the refresh process is complete. Your sideloaded apps will now be valid for another week.

Important Considerations for Wi-Fi Refresh:

• Background App Refresh: Ensure that Background App Refresh is enabled for the SideStore app in your iOS settings.
• Network Stability: A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for reliable discovery and refreshing.
• Firewall: If you encounter issues, ensure your computer’s firewall is not blocking communication from SideStore or Bonjour services.
• Device Sleep: While SideStore aims to work even when your device is asleep, sometimes keeping the screen on briefly can help with initial discovery.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

1. Device Not Detected

• USB Method:
  • Ensure your device is unlocked.
  • Try a different USB cable or port.
  • Reinstall iTunes (Windows) or ensure Finder recognizes your device (macOS).
  • Revoke and re-trust the computer on your iOS device.
• Wi-Fi Method:
  • Confirm both devices are on the exact same Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart both your iOS device and your computer.
  • Restart your router.
  • Ensure Developer Mode is enabled on your iOS device.
  • Check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking network discovery.

2. Installation Failed

• Incorrect Apple ID: Double-check that you are using the correct Apple ID and password.
• Expired Certificate: Your Apple Developer account might have expired or been revoked. Ensure you have a valid free developer account.
• iOS Version Incompatibility: Verify that your iOS version is supported by the current SideStore release.
• Corrupted Download: Re-download the SideStore desktop application.

3. Apps Not Refreshing

• Network Issues: Revisit the network troubleshooting steps.
• SideStore App on iOS: Ensure the SideStore app on your iOS device is running or has been allowed to run in the background.
• Developer Mode Disabled: Re-enable Developer Mode on your iOS device and restart it.

By following these steps and understanding the core functionalities, you can successfully install and utilize SideStore for a more flexible and convenient sideloading experience on your iOS devices.