How to use a P12 certificate with Sideloadly (no 7-day expiry)
Use your own developer certificate in Sideloadly instead of a free Apple ID: switch signing mode to .p12, pick the mobileprovision, and install IPAs that don't expire weekly.
Signing appsUpdated Sep 17, 2026·4 min read
Sideloadly (Windows & macOS) is best known for free Apple ID sideloading — with its 7-day expiry and 3-app limit. Fewer people know it also accepts a developer .p12 certificate, which removes both limits.
What you need
- Sideloadly installed, iTunes/Apple Devices drivers on Windows.
- Your certificate zip:
cert.p12,cert.mobileprovision,password.txt— Get a certificate. - The IPA you want to install, and a USB cable.
Steps
- Connect the phone and select it in Sideloadly's device dropdown.
- Drag the IPA into Sideloadly.
- Open Advanced Options.
- Set Signing Mode to Apple Developer / Enterprise (.p12) (wording varies slightly by version).
- Browse to
cert.p12, enter the password frompassword.txt, then browse tocert.mobileprovision. - Click Start. Sideloadly signs and pushes the app over USB.
- On the phone, trust the developer under Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
Because the signature comes from your certificate, Sideloadly does not need your Apple ID password in this mode.
Sideloadly vs. on-device signers
Sideloadly is convenient for large IPAs and for people who prefer a desktop. For day-to-day use, an on-device signer like Feather is faster: no cable, no computer, and re-signing after a revocation takes one tap.
Frequently asked
Does Sideloadly still expire apps after 7 days with a .p12?
No. The 7-day limit belongs to free Apple ID signing. With a developer certificate the app is valid until the certificate's expiry (up to a year).