ESign guide: import a P12 certificate and sign IPAs on iPhone
Complete ESign tutorial: install ESign, import your .p12 and .mobileprovision, sign IPA files on-device and install them — plus fixes for ESign errors.
Signing appsUpdated Sep 17, 2026·4 min read
ESign is one of the most popular on-device signers, with a built-in file manager and app store sources. Unlike Feather and KSign, ESign does not bundle your certificate automatically — you import it once in the app.
1. Install ESign
From your lemoncert account, choose ESign → Install. It's signed with your certificate so it installs without a computer. Trust the developer in Settings → General → VPN & Device Management on first launch.
2. Import your certificate
- Download the certificate zip from your order page and unzip it in Files (tap the zip).
- In ESign, open Settings → Certificate management → Import certificate.
- Select
cert.p12, thencert.mobileprovision, and type the password frompassword.txt. - Tap the imported certificate to make it active (a checkmark appears).
3. Sign and install an IPA
- Apps → Import — pick the IPA from Files, or paste a URL.
- Tap the app → Signature (leave defaults) → Install.
- Confirm the install prompt. The app appears on your Home Screen.
ESign error messages
| Message | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| *Certificate is not valid* | Wrong password or mismatched files | Re-import from the original zip |
| *Install failed* | VPN / ad-block DNS / low storage | Disable VPN, free 1 GB, retry |
| *App keeps crashing* | Certificate revoked | Re-sign with a fresh cert (guide) |
No certificate yet? Get a certificate.