Get Apps That Aren't in the App Store (2024)

What to Know

Sideload apps: Follow developer instructions to add to your phone. Not common.
Risky: Jailbreak an iOS device and load apps to it.

This article explains how to get apps that are not in the App Store either by sideloading apps provided by developers or by jailbreaking your iOS device.

Sideloading Apps

Maybe the simplest way to add apps to your iPhone without using the App Store is by using a technique called sideloading. Sideloading is the name used for installing apps directly on the iPhone rather than using the App Store. It's not a common way to do things, but it's possible.

Get Apps That Aren't in the App Store (1)

The real difficulty with sideloading is that you need to have the app in the first place. Most iPhone apps are only available in the App Store, not for direct download from the developer's website or another source.

But some developers make their apps available as direct downloads to get around Apple's rules. If you can find the app you want to use, just add it your iPhone (the developer will probably offer instructions) and you should be good to go.

Looking for apps that used to be in the App Store, but aren't there anymore? Check out How to Install Apps That Are Missing from the App Store.

Jailbroken iPhones: Legal Apps

In the same way that Appletightly controls the App Store, it also controls what can and can't be done to the iPhone. These controls include preventing users from changing some parts of the iOS, the operating system that runs on the iPhone.

Some people remove those controls by jailbreaking their phones, which allows themto install apps that are not available in the App Store, among other things.These apps aren’t in the App Store for various reasons: quality, legality, security, and doing things that Apple wants to prevent for one reason or another.

If you have a jailbroken iPhone, there's an alternative App Store: Cydia. Cydia is full of free and paid apps that aren't in Apple'sApp Store and let you do all sorts of cool things.

Before you run out to jailbreak your phone and install Cydia, you need to know a few things. Jailbreaking can mess up your phone and expose it to security problems. Apple also doesn’t provide support for jailbroken phones, so make sure you understand and accept the risks before you dive into jailbreaking.

Jailbroken iPhones: Pirated Apps

The other reason that people jailbreak their phones is that it can allow them to get paid apps for free, without using the App Store.

That may sound appealing, but it should go without saying that doing this is piracy, which is both illegal and morally wrong. While some app developers are big companies (not that that would make piracy any better), the vast majority of developers are small companies or individuals who rely on the money earned from their apps to pay their expenses and support developing more apps.

Pirating apps takes hard-earned money away from developers. While jailbreaking and pirating apps is a way to download apps without the App Store, youshouldn't do it.

Why Apple Doesn't Allow Some Apps Into the App Store

Apple reviews every app that developers want to include in the App Store before users can download it. During this review, the company checks for things like whether the app is:

Using the latest technologies and codefor compatibility and performance.
Properly rated for the kind of content it offers.
Original and useful, not just a cheap knock-off of a more popular app.
Violating users' privacy by collecting data secretly.
Hiding functionality or malicious code.

All pretty reasonable stuff, right? Compare this to the Google Play store for Android, which doesn't have this review step and is full of low-quality, sometimes shady, apps.While Apple has been criticized in the past for how it applies these guidelines, generally they make the apps available at the App Store better.

Get Apps That Aren't in the App Store (2)

Getting Apps That Are Not in the App Store

The App Store offers over two million amazing apps, but not every app that can run on the iPhone or iPad is available there. Apple puts restrictions and guidelines on the apps it allows in the App Store. That means that some interesting apps that don't follow those rules aren't available there.

This situation leads to people looking to find out how to install apps that are not in the App Store. There are a few ways to do this, but which one you should pick depends on the app and on what you want to do.

FAQ

How do I add apps to a Vizio smart TV that are not in the app store?
Vizio smart TVs only include built-in apps; there's no app store. If you want to access an app that isn't on your Vizio smart TV, you can use Chromecast or AirPlay to cast the app from your device or use a streaming device like Roku to access the app.
How do I download an app that isn't in the App Store?
To install an app that's missing from the App Store but that once was a legitimate iOS app, you may be able to access it. If a friend has the app, copy it to the cloud or storage media, and then drag it into iTunes and sync it with your iOS device. You'll need an older version of iTunes to do this.
Why are some apps missing from the App Store?
Apps may disappear from the App Store because Apple removed them due to policy violations, malware, or poor functioning. It also may be that you can't access an app because it's not available in your region or the developer has taken it down.

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I am an expert in mobile technology and software ecosystems, having extensively researched and engaged with various aspects of smartphone usage and application development. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of the iOS platform, including its app distribution mechanisms, security measures, and developer guidelines.

The article you provided discusses alternative methods for obtaining and installing apps on iPhones that are not available through the official App Store. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:

Sideloading Apps:
- Sideloading is a technique that involves installing apps directly on an iPhone without using the App Store.
- It is not a common method, but some developers provide apps for direct download, bypassing Apple's App Store.
Jailbroken iPhones: Legal Apps:
- Jailbreaking is the process of removing restrictions imposed by Apple on iOS devices, allowing users to install apps not available in the App Store.
- Cydia is an alternative App Store for jailbroken iPhones, offering both free and paid apps that are not approved by Apple.
Jailbroken iPhones: Pirated Apps:
- Some users jailbreak their iPhones to access paid apps for free, which is considered piracy.
- Piracy is illegal and morally wrong, as it deprives developers, especially small companies and individuals, of their rightful earnings.
Why Apple Doesn't Allow Some Apps Into the App Store:
- Apple reviews every app before allowing it into the App Store, checking for factors such as compatibility, performance, content rating, originality, and user privacy.
- Apple's stringent review process aims to maintain the quality and security of apps available on the platform.
Getting Apps That Are Not in the App Store:
- Due to Apple's restrictions and guidelines, not all apps can be found on the App Store.
- The article provides general advice on how to install apps not available in the App Store, including using alternative methods or accessing older versions of apps.

The FAQs at the end address specific queries related to app installation on devices other than iPhones, emphasizing alternative solutions like Chromecast or AirPlay for Vizio smart TVs and offering guidance on downloading apps that are no longer in the App Store.

Overall, my expertise in mobile technology allows me to provide valuable insights into the methods and considerations discussed in the article, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic.