How to sign iPA files easily and quickly for iOS without jailbreak?

As you know, Cydia Impactor can no longer be used to sign IPA files. Meanwhile, online signing via applications and websites is relatively complicated as it requires additional .p12 and .mobileprovision files. Therefore, today iOSGods will show you some of the fastest, simplest and most effective ways to sign IPA files. Just a few minutes and it’s done.

Why is it necessary to sign IPA files?

iOS treats unsigned files like shady downloads from a shadowy corner of the internet. By marrying IPAs to your developer credentials, signing validates to the OS that these apps are up-and-up. Failure to take this step results in installation failures for questionable .ipa files.

Luckily, a couple tools in our back pockets simplify app signing without a computer science degree. AltSigner and 3uTools both offer a one-click solution to give sideloaded software the official Apple seal of approval.

How to quickly sign iPA files? (updated 2024)

1. Use AltSigner

AltSigner is a free and open-source program that automates the signing process, making it incredibly simple. All you need to do is drag your unsigned IPA into the app window. AltSigner will then sign it using an Apple-trusted certificate without any other input required on your part. The signed IPA is output immediately, so you can sync and install it right away. No complex certificate configurations or code signing commands are needed.

AltSigner automates the entire process, just drag your IPA in and let this free Mac app do the cryptographic heavy lifting. With zero technical tax, AltSigner produces a signed binary within seconds. No code signing practices or certificates are required.

Advantages:

• Completely automated process
• No configuration is needed.
• Fast signing speed

What you’ll need:

• A Windows PC or Mac
• Your Apple ID and password
• The desired IPA file
• The latest version of AltSigner (downloadable online)
• iTunes (if using Windows) or Xcode (if using a Mac)

How-to:

• Install AltSigner on your computer from the official website.
• Connect your iOS device to your computer.
• Open iTunes to get your device’s UDID (note: don’t get it from the Microsoft Store. Instead, download directly from Apple).
  
• Open Altsigner and enter your Apple ID and password. Then copy your device UDID and paste it in the form.
  
• Import the IPA file and click “Start.”
  
• AltSigner will handle the signing process. It might prompt you to ‘trust’ the device (if you have open two-factor authentication verification). At this time, enter a verification code, and your device will pop up.
• Wait for it to sign.
• Find the newly signed IPA file. Install it on your iOS device through AltSigner.

Within a few seconds, AltSigner will output the signed IPA to your desktop, ready for installation.

2. Use 3uTools

3uTools provides two signing strategies. Using a developer certificate gets you the coveted one-year expiration, ideal for internal distribution. But you can also opt for zero-hassle signing via your Apple ID. Enter your credentials and 3uTools handles all cryptographic commands.

Method 1: Use the certificate signing

Advantages:

• Best for enterprise distribution
• Signed IPAs are trusted for 1 year

How-to:

• Requires a paid Apple developer account.
• Generate signing certificates and provisioning profiles through your Apple Developer account portal.
• Install 3uTools (download it here) and connect your iOS device to your computer.
• In 3uTools, navigate to “Toolbox” -> “IPA Signature“.
  
• Click “Import Certificate” to select the certificate and description file for signing, and enter the certificate password after adding.
  
• Choose the file save path after signing
• Click “Start Signing“.
  

Method 2: Signing with your Apple ID

For a simpler process, 3uTools lets you sign with your personal Apple ID credentials instead of a developer certificate. This method is free and only requires your Apple ID email and password.

If you don’t have a certificate file, you can sign an IPA file using this method. But it has similar limitations to AltSigner regarding sideloading restrictions. Once signed, your app can only operate within the first 7 days.

Advantages:

• Free to use
• Quick and easy process

How-to:

• Install 3uTools and connect your iOS device to your computer.
• Under “Toolbox,” go to “IPA Signature“.
• Choose “Sign with Apple ID” and click “Add Apple ID“.
• Enter your Apple ID and password.
  
• Enter your device’s UDID (or select it from a dropdown if 3uTools detects it) then click “Confirm“.
• Add the IPA file you want to sign.
• Click “Start Signing.”
• Install the app through 3uTools, and trust app  in “Settings > General > Profile” on your iOS device

Notes to remember when signing IPA files

• Apps signed with a free Apple ID will still expire after approximately 7 days, requiring you to resign them.
• 3uTools might have a limit on the number of applications you can sideload when you signed with a free Apple ID.
• Always source your IPA files from reliable locations (like iOSGodsiPA.com, for example).
• Make sure your IPA file is compiled correctly before attempting to sign. Signing won’t fix build issues.
• When using developer certificates to sign, be sure to keep them secure and their private keys private.
• For free Apple ID signing, avoid using credentials for an account with valuable content as there are revocation risks.