How to Install .ipa Files on iPhone without Jailbreak

What is a .ipa file in iOS? A file that has a “.ipa” file extension refers to an iOS App file. An iOS App Store Package file or .ipa file stores iOS apps. These files can only be installed on iOS devices, and not on the computer. These files are usually saved in a compressed format and you can uncompress them by unzipping or renaming the extension to .zip. The official way to install the IPA files on iPhone without jailbreak is using iTunes.

However, iTunes 12.7 update canceled the Apps tab in Device option either so you can not manage your apps on iPhone/iPad. Here we will introduce 3 ways to install .ipa file without jailbreaking. Keep reading and you will find a suitable way to do.

Also Read: Why Tones/Ringtones Not Showing in iTunes >

Install .ipa Files on iPhone without Jailbreak with AnyTrans

There are a lot of tools available that allow users to install IPA files on the iPhone, but only a handful of them to do this without jailbreaking iPhone. AnyTrans is one of them that aid you to install .ipa App without jailbreak. The software is developed by iMobie to make it easy and fast for iOS users to manage and transfer their iDevice content to iPhone, Android device, and computer. Here are its main features:

• The software lets you install the IPA files without jailbreaking your iPhone and also, without using iTunes.
• It will allow you to download and install IPA files to your computer without any data loss. And then you can launch the app on M1 Mac.
• With it, you can easily transfer data such as images, apps, videos, etc between computer and iPhone or from iPhone to iPhone.
• The tool can also let you access notes, calendars, contacts, photos, etc from your iCloud backup without any hitch.

Now, here is the detailed guide about how to install IPA on iPhone without jailbreak with the help of AnyTrans. In the beginning, download and install AnyTrans on the computer.

Step 1. Firstly, you need to save the .ipa files on your computer, then, launch Anytrans and connect your iDevice to the computer using a cable and then, click on the “Apps” icon as shown below.

Step 2. Now, tap on the “+” button at the top-right and then, select the .ipa file you want to install on your iPhone and finally, click “Open” to begin the transfer process.

Tip 1: How to Export .ipa File on your Mac

AnyTrans can help you get .ipa file on your iPhone/iPad. Besides, with this professional iOS manager, you can export .ipa files on your Mac or Windows computer easily. Now, you can continue to follow the simple steps to export the .ipa file and launch the app on your M1 Mac:

Step 1: Go to App Download from the homepage of AnyTrans > Sign in your Apple ID and password first > Search any app you want to download. Here we take Youtube as an example. Then click the download icon.

Step 2: Click Download button, and when the process finished, click To Mac button. Then you can save the .ipa file on your computer.

Step 3: Next, you can view the .ipa file on your computer, and also you can launch the exported app if you’re own an M1 Mac.

Tip 2: Check if your Favorite Apps are M1 Compatible

After you get .ipa files on your computer, you may wonder if the apps are compatible for M1 Mac, which is the newly released silicon by Apple. Here is a free and professional M1 App Checker can help you, which can check if any one of the apps on your Mac/iPhone are M1 compatible. Then you can run the iOS apps on an M1 Mac by exporting .ipa files with AnyTrans.

Install .ipa Files on iPhone with iTunes

There is another choice for you to install .ipa files without jailbreak. This method doesn’t require any other software apart it to install the iOS app(.ipa) to a mobile device, just follow the steps below:

1. Open iTunes on your computer.
2. Find and click on “App Library”.
3. Drag and drop .ipa file that you already download and save on your computer(or you can click on “Open with iTunes” by right-click).
4. Then you can see the files on the “APP” section of iTunes, what you need to do is install it on your device.
5. Complete the process by clicking on “Done”.

Install .ipa File without Jailbreak with Online Tool

The third way that you can use to install .ipa files is an online tool – Install on Air. It is a tool that can help iOS and Android users to download apps. You can also drag and drop the .ipa file to get a link. Then open it using mobile browsers (Safari on iPhone) and you will be enabled to download and install the applications with a tap. Here are the detailed steps that you can use:

1. Choose your IPA file and drag it into the box.
2. Click on Submit to get the installation link.
3. Open it on your Safari.

Bonus tip: How to Solve iOS System/iTunes Issues With AnyFix

Some iPhone users have reported their iPhone got into trouble after install .ipa files without jailbreak. Like keeping restarting, stuck on the Apple logo, frozen, etc. But no worries! Here we’ll recommend a professional iTunes/iOS system issues troubleshooter, AnyFix – iOS system recovery, which is committees to getting iPhone/iPad/iPod users out of any system/iTunes issues. Give it a try, and you can successfully remove these annoying problems in just a few clicks.

Get the latest version of AnyFix and run it on your computer > connect your iPhone to the computer and then choose the System Repair or iTunes Repair.

The Bottom Line

The above there methods can help you installing .ipa files on iPhone without jailbreak. And with AnyTrans, you can also install .ipa files on iPad. Also, it is malware-free software and that’s why it is safe to use on your computer. You can manage your iPhone content on the computer if you are tired of using a small iPhone screen. Still, if you have any queries or doubts, feel free to leave your comment below.