How to sideload apps from untrusted developers on iPhone

How-to
By Peter Wolinski
published

Here's how to install apps from "untrusted" developers (a.k.a sideload) on iPhone

Apple iPhone 15 Plus review.
(Image credit: Future)

Ever wanted to know how to sideload apps on iPhone? Perhaps you're trying to install a beta application for some testing, or your workplace has an application that you need to download which isn't on the App Store. While you may think it's impossible to sideload on an iPhone without jailbreaking the device, it actually isn't. 

Historically, it has been difficult to install apps from third parties on iPhone — in the iPhone 4 days, I remember jailbreaking my device so I could get a haptic keyboard! But these day's it's different, and there is a way to install apps from so-called "untrusted developers" on your iPhone. Better yet, it's super easy to do.

A word of caution though, before we start. Installing apps from third parties (so not via the App Store or Test Flight) can be risky. Ensure you are confident in the trustworthiness of the source before you install anything on your device.

Here, we're installing some beta software from a known developer to allow us to test a product of theirs, so we knew it was legit. 

With that out of the way, let's get into how to sideload apps on iPhone.

How to sideload apps from untrusted third party developers on iPhone

Firstly, you'll need to download and install the app file, from a browser for example. 

1. Tap on the installed app

(Image: © Future)

You'll notice that you have no issues installing third party apps. However, tap on the installed app tile and you'll get a warning telling you that iOS cannot verify the developer and that the app cannot run.

2. Go to Settings > General

(Image: © Future)

Open the Settings app and tap General.

3. Select VPN & Device Management

(Image: © Future)

Scroll down and select VPN & Device Management.

4. Tap the developer's button

(Image: © Future)

You'll see at the bottom there is a banner denoting the developer of the app you just installed. Tap the banner.

5. Tap Trust [Developer]

(Image: © Future)

Now tap Trust [Developer]. If the developer is trusted, but the app is not verified by the App Store, at the bottom of the screen you'll see a list of other apps from the same developer that are trusted.

6. Tap Trust to confirm

(Image: © Future)

Finally, tap Trust to confirm.

There you have it. You should now be able to open the app as usual. Again, be careful what apps you download, install and open on your iPhone. Make sure you trust the place you're downloading from.

For more iPhone guides, check out our tutorials on how to clear RAM on iPhone, how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone and how to delete multiple contacts on iPhone.

Peter Wolinski
Peter Wolinski
Reviews Editor

Peter is Reviews Editor at Tom's Guide. As a writer, he covers topics including tech, photography, gaming, hardware, motoring and food & drink. Outside of work, he's an avid photographer, specialising in architectural and portrait photography. When he's not snapping away on his beloved Fujifilm camera, he can usually be found telling everyone about his greyhounds, riding his motorcycle, squeezing as many FPS as possible out of PC games, and perfecting his espresso shots. 

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • AlexAz
    Hello!
    step 1: Tap on the installed app
    Yeah but how to Install it? You can't just downlad .IPA File and open it to get app installed. so the article is not About how to easy sideload or Install apps, but how to open previously (and not easy) sideloaded apps on your iPhone.
    Reply