Install and use ByteLoader.
From a fresh Windows PC to a working app on your iPhone, including the two iOS settings that trip most people up and how to keep apps signed. Written for ByteLoader 0.1.0.
Install Apple's device driver
ByteLoader talks to your iPhone through Apple Mobile Device Service. It is not included with Windows.
- 1
Install iTunes or the Apple Devices app
Either one installs Apple Mobile Device Service. The Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store is the lighter choice. You do not need to open it afterwards.
- 2
Check it is running
If the service is not running, ByteLoader shows a clear message on its device screen telling you what to install.
Install ByteLoader
Version 0.1.0 ships as a small Windows installer. It is free.
- 1
Download the installer
Get ByteLoader_0.1.0_x64-setup.exe (3.7 MB) from the releases page. An MSI package is attached to the same release if you prefer it.
- 2
Get past SmartScreen
The installer is not code-signed yet, so Windows may show an unrecognised-app warning. Click More info, then Run anyway, and finish the installer.
Connect your iPhone or iPad
ByteLoader detects devices over USB and lists them in the sidebar.
- 1
Plug in and unlock
Connect the device with a USB cable and unlock it. Keep it unlocked while ByteLoader is working.
- 2
Tap Trust This Computer
iOS asks whether to trust the PC. Tap Trust and enter your passcode. If the prompt did not appear, use the trust button in ByteLoader to trigger it again.
- 3
Pick the device
Each connected device appears in the sidebar with its name, model and iOS version. Click the one you want to install to.
Sign in with your Apple ID
ByteLoader uses Apple's developer services, the same API Xcode uses, to register your device and create a signing certificate. A free Apple ID is enough.
- 1
Enter your Apple ID and password
The password goes only to Apple, using Apple's SRP login. Tick Remember my password if you want ByteLoader to keep it in Windows Credential Manager for later installs.
- 2
Enter the two-factor code
Apple sends a six-digit code to your trusted devices. Type it in. SMS codes are implemented but not yet tested, so use a trusted device if you can.
- 3
Know the certificate rule
A free Apple ID gets one development certificate. If Sideloadly or AltStore already created one, ByteLoader revokes it, and apps installed by that tool stop opening. Stick to one tool per Apple ID.
Install an app
Signing and installing happen in one step on your PC.
- 1
Drop the .ipa onto the window
Drag the IPA file into ByteLoader. The IPA stays on your machine; only bundle IDs, your device identifier and a certificate request go to Apple.
- 2
Press Install on device
ByteLoader registers the app ID, creates the provisioning profile, re-signs the app and installs it. Expect 30 to 40 seconds for a small app, mostly waiting on Apple.
- 3
Find it on the home screen
The icon appears on the home screen or in the App Library. If this is your first sideloaded app, do not open it yet: iOS needs the two settings below.
Turn on Developer Mode
On iOS 16 and later, iOS blocks development apps until Developer Mode is on. The switch only appears after a development app has been installed, so do this after your first install. iOS 15 and earlier skip this step.
- 1
Open the Developer Mode setting
On the iPhone or iPad, open Settings and follow this path.
- Settings
- Privacy & Security
- Developer Mode
- 2
Switch it on and restart
Toggle Developer Mode on. iOS asks you to restart. Tap Restart.
- 3
Confirm after the restart
When the device comes back, an alert asks whether to turn on Developer Mode. Tap Turn On and enter your passcode.
Trust the developer certificate
Each Apple ID's development certificate has to be trusted once on the device. The phone needs internet access for this.
- 1
Open device management
Open Settings and follow this path. On iOS 14 and earlier the last item is called Device Management or Profiles & Device Management.
- Settings
- General
- VPN & Device Management
- 2
Trust the certificate
Under Developer App, tap the entry that starts with Apple Development, tap Trust, then tap Trust again in the confirmation.
- 3
Open the app
Go back to the home screen and open the app. It launches normally from now on.
Keep apps signed
Apps signed with a free Apple ID expire after 7 days. ByteLoader shows the exact date and a countdown for each app it installed.
- 1
Reinstall before the countdown ends
Drop the same IPA onto ByteLoader and press Install on device again. The bundle ID stays the same, so the app's data is kept.
- 2
What is coming
Version 0.1.1 adds a one-click Reinstall button. Version 0.2.0 re-signs apps automatically before they expire, from the system tray.
Troubleshooting
The most common issues and what fixes them.
- 1
Device not detected
Make sure Apple Mobile Device Service is installed (iTunes or the Apple Devices app). Reconnect the cable, unlock the device and accept Trust This Computer. Try another cable or USB port.
- 2
Windows blocks the installer
SmartScreen flags unsigned installers. Click More info, then Run anyway. Only download from the official releases page.
- 3
"Unable to Verify App" when opening
The certificate is not trusted yet, or the phone is offline. Connect to the internet and follow the Trust the developer certificate section.
- 4
An app that worked has stopped opening
Either its 7-day signature expired, or another sideloading tool on the same Apple ID revoked the certificate. Drop the IPA onto ByteLoader and install again.
- 5
Developer Mode switch is missing
It only appears after a development app has been installed. Install from ByteLoader first, then look again under Settings, Privacy & Security.
- 6
Apple returns an error during install
Free Apple IDs are limited to three installed apps at a time and ten app IDs per seven days. Remove an app or wait, then try again.
- 7
The app installs but crashes on launch
Apps that need push notifications, iCloud, HealthKit or other special entitlements may not work in 0.1.0, and app extensions have limited support.
Still stuck?
Email us with your Windows version, device model, iOS version and the step you are on. We read everything.