How to Download Apps on iPhone Without App Store [5 Ways]

Sometimes, unforeseen errors may happen to Apple's App Store, preventing you from downloading and updating apps. Or you forget your Apple ID credentials and are unable to access the App Store to get apps for your iPhone. These reasons prompt you to search for an alternative method to install apps on your iPhone without using the App Store.

Can you download iOS apps without the App Store? Find the answers and solutions below.

Can I Install Apps on iPhone Without App Store?

The short answer is yes. You have several ways to bypass the official App Store and use apps on your iPhone or iPad from sources other than the App Store. However, installing apps on your iPhone without the App Store can be challenging. Apple tightly controls the iOS ecosystem by enforcing strict security and privacy measures on the apps installed on iOS devices.

If you are aware of the challenges and risks and want to download apps on your iPhone without the official App Store, the methods below will help you succeed. 

5 Ways to Download Apps on iPhone Without App Store

In this part, we will provide you with five ways to help you download iPhone apps free with the App Store. You can follow the methods below and find the most workable way for yourself:

1. Method 1. Access apps on iPhone directly from the Internet
2. Method 2. Use App Clips on iPhone without the App Store
3. Method 3. Install apps on iPhone from a third-party app store
4. Method 4. Get apps on iPhone without App Store by sideloading
5. Method 5. Jailbreak iPhone to download apps without the App Store

Method 1. Access apps on iPhone directly from the Internet

This is the most common way people use apps on an iPhone without using the App Store. If you can't download specific apps on your iPhone from the App Store, you can access similar web-based applications through a web browser. Even though they are not native apps and may provide fewer features, they can provide similar services.

Method 2. Use App Clips on iPhone without the App Store

App Clips or Mini Apps are not full apps but lightweight versions of apps. They don't require users to install anything and can be launched from inside an iPhone app, a QR code, an NFC tag, or a link. They are designed to provide a quick, limited experience for iPhone users without downloading the full apps.

You can search around to see if the specific app you would like to use on your iPhone has such a small, simplified edition. Then follow the instructions to open it on your iPhone without accessing the App Store.

Method 3. Install apps on iPhone from a third-party app store

Some third-party app stores like AltStore, Cydia, and AnyTrans exist. They can provide apps that are available in the App Store and applications that cannot be accessed in the App Store. You can download and install apps on your iPhone directly without the App Store. 

However, since they don't enforce strict security policies on apps and developers like Apple does, it is possible that you could install malicious apps and bring security vulnerabilities to your iPhone.

Method 4. Get apps on iPhone without App Store by sideloading

If you want to install apps on your iPhone without using the App Store but don't trust a third-party app store, you can bypass the App Store to download the desired software by sideloading. Sideloading allows advanced users and app developers to test apps in development and install apps that are not available in the App Store. 

🔎How to sideload an app on iPhone:

Step 1. Obtain the app from a source other than the App Store, be it a website, a developer's distribution site, or a forum.

Step 2. Make sure your iPhone is signed in with a developer's account.

Step 3. Use tools like Xcode to install the app on your iPhone device.

Method 5. Jailbreak iPhone to download apps without the App Store

The last method to download apps on an iPhone without the App Store is to jailbreak your iPhone. Jailbreaking your iPhone allows you to install apps from unofficial sources. However, it voids your warranty, makes your device more vulnerable to security threats, and is against Apple's terms of service.

🔎This method is not recommended. If you still decide to do so, follow the steps on how to download apps on your iPhone with the App Store.

Step 1. Back up your iPhone in case anything goes wrong during the jailbreaking.

Step 2. On your Mac computer, download Checkra1n.

Step 3. Connect your iPhone to your Mac.

Step 4. Open Checkra1n, follow the onscreen steps to jailbreak your iPhone, and then add the apps to your iPhone without Apple's App Store.

Bonus Tip:  Download Videos and Audio Without App Store

You have learned how to download and install apps on iPhone free with the App Store now. Actually, for your benefit, it is also possible to download videos and audio without it. You can try EaseUS Video Downloader to manage this goal with ease. With this downloading software, you can easily download videos from more than 1,000 streaming sites. 

Bottom Line

As of this writing, the options for installing apps on iPhones without the App Store mentioned in this article are still available. However, because Apple periodically updates its policies and security measures, some methods may not work over time.

Keep in mind that it can pose security risks to your iPhone device to download apps on iPhone from an unverified source. It is advised that you always install apps on your iPhone using the official App Store. 

FAQs

Here is more information regarding how to download apps on iPhones.

1. How do I download apps without Apple ID?

You can download apps without Apple ID in several ways:

1. Sideload apps onto your iPhone
2. Use an alternative app store to download apps
3. Jailbreak your iPhone

2. How do I download apps on my iPhone without a payment method?

In the App Store, if an app has a Get button instead of a price, the app is free to download on your iPhone. Even though some free apps provide in-app purchases and subscriptions, you don't need a payment method to be able to download free apps.

3. What is the website to download iOS apps?

App Store is the official platform to download iOS apps. You need to jailbreak your iPhone or iPad to be able to download free paid iPhone apps and unpublished iPhone apps. It is highly recommended that you get apps from the App Store.