Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo sideload apps with AltStore, first choose the right version: AltStore Classic works worldwide but needs a Mac or Windows PC running AltServer and requires app refreshes every seven days. AltStore PAL is an alternative marketplace with regional, account, browser, and iOS/iPadOS requirements. The installation steps below cover Classic; PAL has a separate download and eligibility process.
AltStore Classic or AltStore PAL: which should you use?
AltStore offers two different routes, not interchangeable installation methods. Its site describes Classic as available worldwide and PAL as an alternative app marketplace. AltStore says its products are not associated with Apple. See the AltStore overview for its current product information.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $574.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $389.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Factor | AltStore Classic | AltStore PAL |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Described by AltStore as available worldwide. AltStore overview | Current download instructions require physical presence in the EU, Japan, or Brazil, and an App Store account set to one of those regions. PAL download instructions |
| Installation route | Install AltServer on a Mac or Windows PC, then use it to install AltStore on the device. AltServer guide | Use AltStore’s separate download flow; the current instructions specify Safari, Chrome, or Vivaldi. PAL download instructions |
| Device software | Enable Developer Mode on iOS 16 or later as part of installation. macOS guide Windows guide | Current download instructions require iOS/iPadOS 18.0 or later. PAL download instructions |
| Ongoing user maintenance | Sideloaded apps expire after seven days unless refreshed. Getting started | AltStore’s developer comparison says PAL apps do not expire for users. Developer overview |
| Computer | Required to run AltServer for the standard install and refresh process. AltServer guide | The listed PAL download requirements do not specify a computer. PAL download instructions |
PAL eligibility and distribution rules can change; confirm the current requirements on AltStore’s download page before starting. AltStore’s developer comparison also describes a paid Apple Developer account requirement and a 5% Apple Core Technology Commission for PAL distribution. Those are developer-side conditions, not fees charged to every person installing or using PAL.
What you need for AltStore Classic
- An iPhone or iPad and a Mac or Windows PC.
- A supported computer operating system: AltStore’s current overview lists macOS 11 or later and Windows 10 or later for AltServer. The macOS guide also mentions AltServer 1.6.2 for macOS 10.14 and 10.15; if you use one of those older versions, consult that guide’s compatibility notes rather than assuming the current download requirements apply. AltStore overview macOS guide
- A USB data connection or Wi-Fi sync between the device and computer. USB is optional if Wi-Fi sync is configured. AltServer guide
- Your Apple ID credentials for AltServer to authenticate with Apple. AltStore says the credentials are sent only to Apple, not to AltStore or others. macOS guide
Install AltStore Classic on macOS
- Download and place AltServer. Download AltServer for macOS and move
AltServer.appto the Applications folder. Follow AltStore’s macOS guide for the current download and compatibility details. - Open AltServer and connect your device. Launch AltServer, connect and unlock the iPhone or iPad, then tap Trust if the device asks whether to trust this computer.
- Set up Wi-Fi sync or use USB. In Finder on modern macOS, select the device and enable Wi-Fi syncing. Older systems may use iTunes. Alternatively, leave the device connected directly by USB. AltServer connectivity instructions
- Install AltStore. Open AltServer from the menu bar, choose Install AltStore, and select your device. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted so AltServer can authenticate with Apple.
- Trust the developer profile and enable Developer Mode if prompted. On the iPhone or iPad, follow the profile-trust prompt. Devices running iOS 16 or later also need Developer Mode enabled under Settings → Privacy & Security, then restarted if iOS requests it. Use the guide for your system for exact current prompts. macOS guide
Install AltStore Classic on Windows
- Install Apple’s Windows components. Install the latest iTunes and iCloud directly from Apple; AltStore’s Windows guide warns against using the Microsoft Store versions for this setup. It links separate instructions for iCloud troubleshooting. Windows installation guide
- Download and run AltServer. Follow the Windows guide to install and run AltServer with administrator privileges. If Windows asks, allow AltServer access to private networks.
- Connect and trust the device. Unlock the iPhone or iPad, connect it to the PC, and trust the computer when prompted. In iTunes, enable Wi-Fi sync if you want to install or refresh without a cable.
- Install AltStore. Open AltServer from the taskbar’s notification area, choose Install AltStore, and select the device. Enter your Apple ID credentials for Apple authentication.
- Complete device trust and Developer Mode steps. Trust the developer profile if prompted. On iOS 16 or later, enable Developer Mode under Settings → Privacy & Security. See the Windows guide for current labels and troubleshooting.
Keep Classic apps refreshed
AltStore Classic apps expire after seven days if they are not refreshed. An expired app cannot be opened until it is refreshed. AltStore can attempt background refresh, or you can open AltStore and tap Refresh All. AltStore’s getting-started guide
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
For refresh to work, AltServer must be running and reachable: the iPhone or iPad needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the computer or connected directly by USB. AltStore recommends launching AltServer when the computer starts and leaving it running. This is why a cable is not mandatory, but the computer remains part of the Classic refresh setup. AltServer and connectivity
Understand Classic’s separate app limits
AltStore documents several limits that are easy to conflate. They apply to different things:
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
- Three active apps: AltStore’s getting-started documentation says a free Apple ID can have three active sideloaded apps on a device. Deactivating an app frees a slot; AltStore can back up its data and restore it when you activate it again. Getting started Activating apps
- Ten App IDs: Up to ten App IDs can be registered at one time, and each expires after one week. Each sideloaded app uses a number of App IDs based on how many extensions it contains. This registration limit is distinct from the three active-app slots. App IDs documentation
Optional advanced route: install an IPA directly
AltServer release notes describe an option to sideload an IPA without first installing AltStore. Those direct installs must be manually reinstalled every seven days, according to the release notes. Installing AltStore is the more convenient standard route because it enables automatic refresh. AltServer release notes
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
