Sideloadly & CydiaFree Web App
Discover the best ways to customize your device. Use our No-PC Web App directly on your iPhone, or download the Sideloadly desktop tool for advanced `.ipa` injection.
Need the desktop software? Get Sideloadly for PC/Mac
Which Method is Right for You?
When it comes to installing third-party tweaks, themes, and applications outside of the Apple App Store, users generally have two choices: a browser-based Web App or a Desktop Sideloading Tool. Neither requires a jailbreak, but they serve very different needs.
If your goal is to install original Cydia or system-level tweaks, read our guide to Cydia and jailbreak compatibility. Sideloading an IPA alone does not jailbreak an unsupported device.
| Feature | CydiaFree Web App (Recommended) | Sideloadly (Desktop Tool) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Required? | No (Directly from Safari) | Yes (Windows or Mac required) |
| App Expiration | No 7-day limit for web tweaks | Apps expire in 7 days (Free Apple ID) |
| Primary Use Case | Quick tweaks, themes, and repo access | Manually installing raw `.ipa` files |
| Setup Time | Instant (1 minute) | Moderate (Requires cables & Apple ID login) |
Why Choose the CydiaFree Web App?
For the vast majority of iPhone and iPad users, using a computer every 7 days to refresh applications is incredibly frustrating. The CydiaFree Web App is designed to bypass this headache entirely.
- Direct Installation: Access a curated list of non-App Store modifications straight from your mobile browser.
- No Revokes: Because you are not sideloading raw IPA files with a free Apple Developer certificate, you bypass the infamous "7-day revoke" issue.
- Safe Sandbox Environment: Everything operates within Apple's secure iOS sandbox. Your device's warranty remains 100% intact.
- Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly across older legacy devices and the absolute newest A-series hardware.
Still deciding which route to use? Compare Sideloadly and other Cydia alternatives to see how desktop IPA installation, on-device refresh tools and the CydiaFree web app differ.
Using the Sideloadly Desktop Tool
If you are an advanced user who has downloaded a specific `.ipa` file from a third-party source (like GitHub) and you need to push it to your device, Sideloadly is currently the best desktop utility available—replacing the discontinued Cydia Impactor.
Key Features of Sideloadly
- Apple Silicon Support: Install unsupported iOS apps directly onto your M1, M2, or newer Mac.
- Wi-Fi Sideloading: After the first USB connection, you can wirelessly refresh apps over your local network.
- Advanced Injection: Inject `.dylib`, `.deb`, or `.framework` files into IPAs before signing them.
- Bundle ID Modification: Install duplicate instances of the same app alongside the original.
How to Install an IPA using Sideloadly
- Download Sideloadly from the official website onto your Windows or Mac computer.
- Connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer via USB and tap "Trust This Computer".
- Drag your downloaded `.ipa` file into the Sideloadly interface.
- Enter your Apple ID email and password (this communicates securely with Apple to sign the app).
- Click Start. Once complete, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management on your iPhone and "Trust" your Apple ID.
- Note: If you are on iOS 16 or newer, you must also enable Developer Mode in Settings.
Having trouble with Sideloadly? If your iPhone is not detected, signing fails, Developer Mode blocks the app, or a sideloaded app will not refresh, see our Sideloadly errors and troubleshooting guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Sideloadly need a jailbreak?
No. Sideloadly works entirely without a jailbreak. It uses your Apple ID to sign the IPA file and pushes it to your device in its normal, secure state.
2. Can I use Sideloadly without a computer?
No. Sideloadly is a desktop application that must be run on a Windows PC or Mac. If you do not have a computer, you should use the CydiaFree Web App.
3. Why do my sideloaded apps expire after 7 days?
If you are using a standard, free Apple ID, Apple's developer policies restrict signed apps to a 7-day lifespan. You must reconnect to your computer and use Sideloadly to refresh the app before it expires. Using the Web App bypasses this PC requirement entirely.
4. Sideloadly does not detect my iPhone. What do I do?
Ensure your device is unlocked. If you are on Windows, you must install the web versions of iTunes and iCloud directly from Apple's website; Sideloadly struggles to detect devices if you use the Microsoft Store versions.
For USB connection, computer trust, iTunes/iCloud dependency and device-recognition checks, see our Sideloadly device-detection fixes.