By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-02-27

100 % Helpful

iPhone Tips

[iOS 18] Unable to Launch SideStore? Fix in Minutes!

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-02-27 / iOS App

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As Apple releases iOS 18, many users are excited about the new features and enhancements it brings. However, for those who enjoy sideloading apps outside of the App Store ecosystem, the upgrade has caused a few headaches, particularly with SideStore.

If you're one of the users encountering the frustrating issue of being unable to launch SideStore, you're not alone. In this article, we’ll walk you through what SideStore is, how to use it, and most importantly, how to fix the issue in minutes.

Part 1. What Is SideStore?

Part 2. How to Download and Use SideStore for iOS

Part 3. How to Fix Unable to Launch SideStore

Part 4. Best Alternative to SideStore [iOS 18 Supported]

Part 5. FAQs About SideStore

Part 1. What Is SideStore?

SideStore is a third-party application that allows users to sideload apps on iOS devices without the need to jailbreak. Similar to AltStore, it offers a safe and simple way for iOS users to install apps that aren’t available in the official App Store. Users can bypass Apple’s restrictions while keeping their devices secure, as SideStore doesn’t require jailbreaking.

Major Features of SideStore:

App Sideloading: Install apps that are not available in the App Store without jailbreaking.
Automatic App Refreshing: Refresh apps regularly so they don’t expire.
Secure: Works similarly to Apple’s TestFlight, making it safer than traditional sideloading methods.
Free to Use: No fees are required, though you’ll need an Apple ID for app signing.

Part 2. How to Download and Use SideStore for iOS

Follow these easy steps to download and start using SideStore on your iOS 18 device. Here the steps for SideStore download.

Visit the SideStore webpage. Click on "Get Started" on the SideStore homepage, and find and click the "Get Started" button.

Click on the "Download AltServer" > “Download SideStore.ipa” button to obtain the app file needed for installation.

Download the "JitterbugPair" tool. Move AltServer to Applications (macOS). Drag the downloaded AltServer app into your “Applications” folder on your Mac.

Launch the AltServer app on your computer. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone or iPad (running iOS 14 or later) to your computer.
On your Mac, open Finder and trust the connected iOS device. Confirm the trust action on the iPhone or iPad as well.
Hold the “Option” key on your keyboard, click the AltServer icon in the Menu Bar, and choose “Sideload .ipa". Set your iPhone or iPad from the list of devices.

Select the SideStore.ipa file you downloaded earlier and click “Open” to initiate the installation.
When prompted, enter your Apple ID email and password. This is required to sideload SideStore onto your iOS device.

Once SideStore appears on your device, navigate to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and tap on your Apple ID to trust the SideStore profile.
If you're using iOS 16 or later, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode and toggle it on. Follow the prompts to restart your device.
Open the SideStore app on your device and follow the prompts to enable the VPN service required for SideStore to function properly. You can now begin sideloading apps!

Part 3. How to Fix Unable to Launch SideStore

Despite SideStore's convenience, some users report error launching SideStore, especially after upgrading to iOS 18. Below are several solutions to resolve SideStore unable to connect to the device:

1. Restart the App and Device

Sometimes, simply restarting the app and device can resolve minor bugs. Close SideStore, power off your iPhone, then restart it and try launching the app again.

2. Check for Updates

Ensure you’re running the latest version of SideStore. Outdated versions might not be compatible with iOS 18. To check for updates, open AltServer and install the newest version of SideStore.

3. Refresh SideStore

If SideStore’s certificate has expired, it will fail to launch. Open AltServer on your computer, reconnect your iPhone and use the "Refresh Apps" option to renew SideStore’s certificate.

4. Reset the Pairing File

When SideStore doesn't launch, it could be due to an issue with the device pairing. Reset the pairing file by deleting and reinstalling SideStore via AltServer.

5. Check for App Expiry

Each sideloaded app, including SideStore, has a limited duration before its certificate expires. If the app has expired, it will not launch. Refresh the app using AltServer to extend its validity for another week.

Part 4. Best Alternative to SideStore [iOS 18 Supported]

If SideStore continues to give you problems on iOS 18, a great alternative is Tenorshare iCareFone. iCareFone offers a user-friendly platform to download and manage apps that aren’t available in your country—like BGMI, TikTok, and more—without using the App Store. It’s 100% secure and sourced officially, so there’s no need to worry about compromising your device’s security.

Advantages of Tenorshare iCareFone:

No Jailbreak Required: Install apps without the need to jailbreak your iPhone or iPad.
Cross-Region App Access: Download apps unavailable in your country, such as TikTok or games like BGMI.
Easy Management: Manage your apps, files, and backups all in one place.
High Compatibility: Works seamlessly with iOS 18 and other recent versions.
100% Secure: Download apps from official sources, minimizing the risk of malware or breaches.

How to Download iOS App Without App Store

Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone on your computer and connect your iPhone to it. Open iCareFone and select the Manage tab.
On the left-hand side, select the “Apps - App Store” menu.
Then input the app name that you want to install and search for it. Click the install icon to download and install the app. Once complete, open your device and you will see the app on your device’s home screen.
To download apps not available in your country, you just need to check the list from the app search page. Here you will see many restricted apps. Just click the install icon to install it on your device.

Part 5. FAQs About SideStore

Q1: Is SideStore Safe?

Yes, SideStore is generally considered safe, but like any third-party app installer, it does come with some risks. Users must sign apps using their Apple ID, which can expose them to certain vulnerabilities.

Q2: What is the Difference Between AltStore and AltServer?

AltStore is the app that lets you to sideload applications, while AltServer is the companion desktop application required for the installation and signing of apps.

Q3: Will AltStore Get You Banned?

There’s a small risk that frequently using shared anisette servers with AltStore might lead to your Apple ID being temporarily locked. However, this is not a permanent ban.

Q4: Does AltStore Jailbreak Your Device?

No, AltStore does not jailbreak your device. It allows you to sideload apps using Apple's app distribution systems, much like TestFlight.

Q5: Is AltStore Legal?

Yes, AltStore is legal. It works within Apple’s guidelines, allowing users to sideload apps without violating Apple’s terms of service.

Conclusion

While encountering issues like being unable to launch SideStore can be frustrating, the solutions above should help you resolve them quickly. From restarting your device to refreshing the app or considering alternative options like Tenorshare iCareFone, there are multiple ways to sideload your favorite apps on iOS 18 without hassle.

For a smooth, secure, and flexible experience, Tenorshare iCareFone is a highly recommended alternative, offering cross-region access and more. Whether you stick with SideStore or switch to iCareFone, you can continue enjoying the freedom of sideloading apps on your iOS device!