Is Sideloadly Safe to Use on iPhone & iPad in 2025?

If you’re trying to install external apps on your iPhone or iPad that aren’t available on the App Store, you’ve probably heard of a tool called Sideloadly. This tool is mainly used to sideload apps. But what about its security? Is Sideloadly safe to use or not?

What Is Sideloadly?

Just like Scarlet iOS and AltStore, Sideloadly is a third-party tool that works on both Windows and Mac. Its main job is simple: it lets you install any.IPA file on your iPhone or iPad without needing to jailbreak your device. So, if there’s an app that’s no longer on the App Store or you’re looking for a modified version (like Worldbox mod or FR Legends mod), Sideloadly gives you a way to install it.

This tool is especially useful for people who:

Don’t want to jailbreak their device
Don’t want to use AltStore or Scarlet
Want to learn how to install apps manually

How Does Sideloadly Work?

The process behind this tool is a bit technical, but here’s a simple breakdown:

.IPA file – First, you need the.IPA file of the app you want to install. This is the standard format for iOS apps.
Apple ID login – Sideloadly asks for your Apple ID so it can sign the app digitally.
App signing – Using your Apple ID, the tool creates a temporary certificate for the app.
App installation – Once signed, the app gets installed on your iPhone or iPad.
7-day limit – If you’re using a free Apple ID, the app will stop working after 7 days, and you’ll need to install it again.

Is Sideloadly Safe?

The answer isn’t just a simple yes or no. To really understand it, let’s look at both sides — the benefits and the risks.

Positive Features of Sideloadly

1. Install apps without jailbreaking: Jailbreaking an iPhone can be risky and complicated. With Sideloadly, you can install external apps and games without changing your device’s core security.

2. Free and easy to use: The tool is entirely free and simple to use without following any complex steps.

3. Backed by the community: Many users on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Twitter have shared positive feedback about their experience with Sideloadly.

4. Regular updates: The tool is actively maintained, with frequent updates that fix bugs and improve features.

5. No ads or hidden fees: Unlike some other third-party installers that contain tons of ads, Sideloadly offers a clean interface with no ads or surprise charges.

Risks of Sideloadly

1. Sharing your Apple ID: Since Sideloadly requires your Apple ID to work, many users feel uneasy about entering their credentials. While the data is encrypted, it’s still a good idea to use a separate or dummy Apple ID for safety.

2. Revoked certificates: Apple can revoke sideloaded app certificates at any time. When that happens, the app may stop working or crash unexpectedly.

3. False malware warnings: Some antivirus software may flag Sideloadly as malware. These are usually false positives, but it’s still important to be careful.

4. Not Apple-approved: Apple doesn’t officially support this tool. Future iOS updates could block sideloading entirely, meaning there’s no long-term guarantee that Sideloadly will keep working.

5. Risk of user mistakes: If you install a wrong or corrupted IPA file or download the tool from an untrusted source, your device could be at risk of data loss or damage.

Sideloadly is generally safe to use if you download it from the official source, use a dummy Apple ID, and install apps from trusted IPA files. However, if you get it from an unreliable source, there’s a real risk of running into security issues like malware or viruses hidden in the tool.

How to Use Sideloadly Safely – Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to use Sideloadly without running into issues, here are some important steps to follow:

Download Only from the Official Website
Go to https://sideloadly.io and download it. But don’t download it from third-party or cracked sites.
Create a Dummy Apple ID
Don’t use your personal Apple ID when Sideloadly asks. Instead, make a separate ID on iCloud.com just for sideloading purposes.
Only Install Trusted IPA Files. Whenever you need to download external apps, always get them from reliable sources. Apps from pirated or unknown sites can contain malware or spyware.
Remove Old Certificates
Go to your iPhone settings and remove any old or unused certificates to prevent conflicts during app installation.
Re-sign Apps After Expiry. If you’re using a free Apple ID, apps will expire after 7 days. When that happens, you’ll need to re-install them using Sideloadly, AltServer, or eSign iOS.
Keep iTunes and iCloud Updated.

Don’t Like Sideloadly? Here Are Some Popular Alternatives

If you don’t want to use the Sideloadly tool, here are a few well-known and safer alternative app stores you can try instead:

1. AltStore

Open-source and completely free
Works with WiFi sync
A stable option for beginners

2. Scarlet

iOS installer with a user-friendly interface
Includes a built-in repo system
Offers a smoother experience for new users

3. TrollStore

Allows permanent app installs without the 7-day expiry
It only works on specific iOS versions.
It is best for advanced users due to its higher risk

FAQs

Can Sideloadly harm your iPhone or iPad?

Not really, as long as you’re careful, if you install apps using Sideloadly with trusted IPA files and keep the tool updated, your device should be safe. Sideloadly doesn’t mess with your system files so that it won’t damage your iPhone or iPad.

But if you download apps from unknown sources, there’s a chance they could contain malware, which can put your data at risk. So, the tool itself is safe — the real risk comes from where you get your apps.

Is sideloading illegal?

Sideloading itself isn’t illegal. Installing apps outside of the App Store doesn’t break any laws — as long as the apps are legally distributed. If you’re using your apps or downloading ones that are free and properly licensed, there’s no legal issue.

However, if you sideload paid apps without paying for them or use cracked versions that violate copyright terms, that’s considered illegal and falls under software piracy.

In the European Union, sideloading is now officially allowed due to new digital regulations. In response, Apple has started supporting sideloading in the EU, making it legally acceptable there under specific conditions. So overall, sideloading is legal — but how you use it makes all the difference.

Does Sideloadly work with all iOS versions?

Sideloadly supports iOS 13 and all versions released after it. However, whenever Apple rolls out a major iOS update, there can be a short delay before the tool is updated to stay compatible.

If you’re using the latest iOS version, like iOS 17 or newer, it’s a good idea to check Sideloadly’s changelog or user forums to make sure the version you’re using is fully supported. Most of the time, support is added quickly — but it’s always safer to double-check before sideloading apps on a freshly updated device.

Is it necessary to use a VPN with Sideloadly?

No, it’s not necessary. Sideloadly works fine without a VPN in most cases. But if you’re on a restricted WiFi network — like in a school or workplace — a VPN can help you maintain a stable connection and avoid issues like sudden revokes.

It won’t add extra protection to your Apple ID, but it can be helpful if you’re sideloading apps tied to a different region or trying to avoid network-related errors. So while not required, a VPN can be helpful in specific situations.

Conclusion:

Sideloadly can be safe, but it all depends on how you use it. If you’re careful—like using a dummy Apple ID, downloading IPA files only from trusted sources, and following basic security and safety checks—then it’s safe to use. It’s a useful tool that gives you more control over your iPhone without needing to jailbreak it.

I’ve personally used Sideloadly to install external apps that weren’t available on the App Store. I used a dummy ID, followed a few simple steps, and the app was installed within minutes without any issues.

Jason Mitchell (Editor)

Jason Mitchell is an iOS security researcher and app development expert. He specializes in app sideloading, mobile security risks, and Apple’s evolving policies on third-party software. His goal is to educate users on safe and effective sideloading practices while keeping them informed about Apple’s latest regulations.

Jason Mitchell (Editor)