AltStore Classic

AltStore Classic uses AltServer on a Mac or Windows PC to sign, install, refresh, activate, and deactivate apps. It is not AltStore PAL.

Use AltStore when

• you want a mature free-signing workflow;
• a Mac or Windows computer is regularly on the same network;
• you accept the seven-day Personal Team cycle;
• source-based app discovery is useful.

Installation model

Connect and trust the device, enable Wi-Fi sync, run AltServer, install AltStore, trust the developer identity, and enable Developer Mode on iOS 16 or later. Follow the official macOS or Windows guide.

On Windows, the standard guidance still calls for Apple's direct-download versions of iTunes and iCloud rather than the Microsoft Store versions. Confirm the live instructions before replacing working Apple components.

Keep apps alive

AltServer must be reachable over the local network or USB. Launch it at computer startup. Open AltStore periodically and refresh before the final day. Background refresh is opportunistic, so do not wait until the last hour.

AltStore itself counts toward the three installed Personal Team apps. App extensions can consume the separate ten-App-ID budget.

Updating without losing data

Install the update over the existing app. Keep the same Apple Account and effective bundle ID. If you need a slot, AltStore can deactivate an app, back up its data, and later reactivate it. That is different from manually deleting it (AltStore).

First checks when refresh fails

1. Confirm AltServer is running.
2. Put both devices on the same non-isolated network, or connect USB.
3. Unlock and trust the iPhone or iPad.
4. Check Finder or iTunes Wi-Fi sync.
5. Check firewall access and Bonjour/Apple components.
6. Read the exact AltStore error code before reinstalling.

Use AltStore's error-code reference rather than generic social posts.