How to Sideload More Than 3 Apps Altstore [Quick Fixes 2025]

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By Jenefey Aaron

2025-07-08 / iOS App

Sideloading apps on iPhones using AltStore has become very popular, especially for those who want more freedom beyond the App Store. But with a free Apple ID, you're limited to only 3 sideloaded apps. This can be frustrating for developers, testers, and power users.

Luckily, there are now simple fixes available in 2025 to get around this limit. In this guide, we’ll show you easy ways how to sideload more than 3 apps altstore, and explain what tools or tweaks you might need.

how to sideload more than 3 apps altstore

Part 1. Why AltStore Limits You to 3 Apps

The 3 app sideload limit in AltStore isn’t actually AltStore’s fault it’s a restriction from Apple. If you’re using a free Apple developer account (your personal Apple ID), Apple only lets you sign and use up to three custom apps at the same time.

AltStore works by signing apps using your Apple ID, but these signed apps only stay valid for 7 days. After that, they need to be re-signed. Even background services or helper apps installed through AltStore can count toward this 3-app limit, which quickly eats up your slots.

Part 2. Ways to Install More Than 3 Apps With AltStore

AltStore is a great way to sideload apps on iOS, but the 3 app sideload limit can be a major roadblock especially for developers, testers, or power users. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to bypass 3 apps limit and install more than 3 apps using different methods in 2025.

Option 1: Use a Paid Apple Developer Account

The most reliable and hassle-free method is upgrading to a paid Apple Developer account.

Cost: $99/year (official Apple Developer Program)

What You Get:

  • Install and sign unlimited apps
  • No 7-day expiration apps remain signed for 1 full year
  • Smooth integration with AltStore without workarounds

How to Use with AltStore:

  • Visit developer.apple.com and enroll using your Apple ID.
  • Once enrolled, open AltStore and go to Settings > Account.
  • sideload more than 3 apps altstore
  • Sign in with your paid Apple ID.
  • sign in with paid apple id
  • AltStore will automatically recognize your developer status and remove the 3-app limit.

Option 2: Use Multiple Apple IDs

If you don’t want to pay for a developer account, using multiple Apple IDs is a free workaround.

How it Works:

  • Each free Apple ID allows 3 sideloaded apps
  • By signing in with different Apple IDs, you can sideload more than 3 apps

How to Manage Multiple Apple IDs with AltStore

To sideload more than 3 apps, use different Apple IDs. Each ID gives you 3 app slots.

  • Create extra Apple IDs at appleid.apple.com.
  • Install AltStore using a different ID each time through AltServer.
  • Sign in and out of AltStore with different IDs to install more apps.
  • Sign in and out of AltStore with different IDs
  • Track which app uses which ID to manage re-signing later.
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Risks and Limitations:
  • Managing multiple IDs can be time-consuming.
  • You’ll still need to re-sign all apps every 7 days.
  • Apple may temporarily lock accounts due to unusual login behavior.
  • App updates and syncing can become confusing across accounts.

Option 3 – Use AppDB Pro, TrollStore (for compatible devices), or Sideloadly

If you're an advanced user or using a compatible iOS version, you’re not limited to AltStore alone. Several third-party tools allow you to install more than 3 apps and even avoid the need for weekly re-signing. Let’s explore the top three alternatives of altstore ipa:

#1 AppDB Pro

AppDB Pro is a premium third-party app distribution platform that installs apps directly to your iOS device without needing your Apple ID or a developer account.

AppDB Pro

Key Features:

  • Install unlimited apps
  • No 3 app sideload limit
  • No need to re-sign apps manually
  • Works without AltStore or a PC

Pros

  • Simple, fast, and works wirelessly
  • No Apple ID limitations
  • Offers access to a large library of tweaked apps

Cons

  • Requires a paid subscription
  • Not officially supported by Apple
  • Potential risk of revoked certificates or app crashes

#2 TrollStore (Compatible Devices Only)

TrollStore is a unique sideloading tool that permanently installs apps on supported iOS versions using a system exploit. Once installed, apps never expire or need re-signing.

TrollStore

Compatibility:

  • Works on iOS 15.0–15.1.1 and iOS 16.0–16.1.2
  • Doesn’t require a jailbreak
  • Needs a compatible device (A9–A15 chips)

Pros

  • Allows permanent app installation with no expiration
  • No Apple ID or developer account needed
  • Does not count toward the 3-app sideload limit
  • No re-signing required
  • Works without jailbreaking the device

Cons

  • Only supports specific iOS versions (15.0–15.1.1 and 16.0–16.1.2)
  • Setup process can be complex for beginners
  • Limited device compatibility
  • Not suitable for newer iOS updates

#3 Sideloadly

Sideloadly is a desktop tool for Windows and macOS that works similarly to AltStore. You can install IPA files directly to your device via USB or Wi-Fi.

Sideloadly

Extra Benefit:

Using tools like WDBRemoveThreeAppLimit (based on the MacDirtyCow exploit), Sideloadly can bypass 3 apps limit on devices running iOS 14–16.1.2.

Pros

  • Supports both Windows and macOS
  • Enables sideloading of custom IPA files
  • Can bypass the 3-app limit on certain iOS versions with extra tools
  • Does not require a jailbreak

Cons

  • Still requires weekly re-signing with a free Apple ID
  • App limit bypass only works on older iOS versions
  • Requires a computer for every installation
  • Setup and use are more technical
  • Higher chance of certificate revokes or app crashes if not done properly

Part 3. Tips to Manage the 3-App Limit Efficiently

Apple ID free users are limited to three sideloaded apps at a time. Until you upgrade or use tools like sidestore disable app limit, here are some practical tips to manage the limit wisely:

1. Check Which Apps Are Currently Signed

Before installing a new app, it's important to know which apps are currently taking up your 3 slots.

  • Open AltStore > go to My Apps
  • You’ll see a list of signed apps and when they expire
  • This helps you decide which ones to keep or remove

2. Remove Unused Apps to Free Up Slots

If you’ve hit the limit, delete the apps you no longer use:

  • Long press the app icon > tap Remove App
  • Then go to AltStore and try installing the new app
  • This instantly frees up one of your 3 available app slots

3. Refresh Apps Regularly to Avoid Expiry

  • Signed apps from a free Apple ID expire every 7 days.
  • Use AltStore’s Refresh All button before expiry
  • Connect your device to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC or Mac
  • This keeps your apps active and avoids installation errors

Part 4. Risks and Considerations When Installing More Than 3 Apps With AltStore

While bypassing the 3-app limit with AltStore or other tools can be useful, it’s important to understand the potential risks. Whether you use multiple Apple IDs or advanced methods like SideStore or TrollStore, keep the following points in mind:

Apple Account Security

Using multiple Apple IDs can lead to account lockouts or security warnings. Apple may block or flag your accounts if it detects unusual activity.

Signing Failures

Apps installed with a free Apple ID expire after 7 days. If you don’t refresh them in time, the apps will stop opening.

Revoked Apps

Sometimes Apple revokes app certificates. When this happens, the app won’t open until you reinstall or re-sign it.

App Crashes

Sideloaded apps or tools may not always work properly. You may experience freezing, crashing, or unexpected bugs.

Data Loss

If you delete or reinstall an app, you could lose your saved data especially if it's not backed up beforehand.

Bonus Tip — Better Manage Sideloaded Apps & iOS Files with iCareFone

Sideloading apps through AltStore can clutter your iPhone with leftover data, create storage issues, and cause syncing problems especially when using iTunes. This is where Tenorshare iCareFone comes in. It’s an all-in-one iOS manager that helps you transfer photos, videos, music, and documents between your iPhone and computer with ease.

You can also manage, install, or delete sideloaded apps, access in-app files, and even back them up before re-signing or removing them. iCareFone also cleans junk files, fixes iOS glitches, and works without iTunes. If you sideload often, this tool makes app and file management smoother, safer, and faster.

Why Use iCareFone Alongside AltStore?

  • Easier File Transfers: Move music, videos, and photos without iTunes.
  • App File Management: Access documents, game saves, or config files from sideloaded apps.
  • Backup & Restore: Safely back up app data before re-signing or deleting any app.
  • No iTunes Required: Avoid sync errors with a simpler, cleaner interface.

How to sideload more than 3 apps altstore with iCareFone:

  • Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone on your computer. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable, then launch the software. On the home screen, click “Manage” or select “Manage Now” under the Apps section.

    3 app sideload limit
  • From the left-hand menu, choose “App Store”. You’ll see a list of available apps, including restricted or sideloadable options supported by your device.

    how to sideload more than 3 apps with icarefone

Conclusion

For how to sideload more than 3 apps altstore, you can use a paid developer account, multiple Apple IDs, or tools like TrollStore and Sideloadly. While these methods work, they can make app management difficult. This is where Tenorshare iCareFone helps. It lets you transfer files, manage sideloaded app data, clean junk, and back up apps without iTunes. For a smoother and safer sideloading experience, iCareFone is a smart companion to AltStore.

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