iPadn

iPadn allows users to search, download and install App Store applications directly from their iPhone or iPad.

A traditional jailbreak is not required.

However, you must sign and install the iPadn IPA before using it.

How to download iPadn IPA

1. Open the official mengangs/ipadn GitHub repository.
2. Select Releases.
3. Open iPadn v1.9.2.
4. Review the release notes.
5. Download the unsigned IPA.
6. Save the package in Files.
7. Open a compatible signing tool.
8. Import the iPadn IPA.
9. Complete the signing process.
10. Install the signed application.
11. Enable Developer Mode if required.
12. Open iPadn.

How to install iPadn using SideStore or AltStore

1. Open SideStore or AltStore.
2. Go to Sources.
3. Select Add Source.
4. Enter the official iPadn source:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mengangs/ipadn/main/altstore-source.json

1. Refresh the source.
2. Find iPadn.
3. Tap Install.
4. Complete Apple Account signing.
5. Open iPadn from your Home Screen.

The developer also lists Feather and other installers supporting AltStore sources.

How to sign in to iPadn

1. Open iPadn.
2. Select Account.
3. Choose the sign-in option.
4. Enter your Apple Account details using the application's authentication flow.
5. Complete two-factor authentication if requested.
6. Wait for your account information to load.

Apple Account credentials are sensitive. Only sign in after checking that the application comes from the original developer, and consider the security implications of entering credentials into an unofficial client.

How to download an older iPhone app version

1. Open iPadn.
2. Select Search.
3. Enter an app name or App ID.
4. Open the application details.
5. Select Version History.
6. Review the available previous versions.
7. Choose the version you want.
8. Tap Download.
9. Open Downloads to monitor progress.
10. Install the completed package using a suitable method.

Apple must still make the selected version available, and the account must have the necessary app license.

How to download removed App Store apps

1. Open iPadn.
2. Sign in to the Apple Account that previously acquired the app.
3. Find the removed application's App ID.
4. Enter it in Search.
5. Check whether the application is available.
6. Choose an available version.
7. Download the app.
8. Export or install it using a supported method.

This does not work for every removed app. Apple can permanently withdraw downloads, and a valid prior acquisition is required.

How to install downloaded apps

iPadn provides several installation methods.

One-tap installation

The developer recommends this as the simplest method.

1. Download an app in iPadn.
2. Open Downloads.
3. Select the completed package.
4. Tap Install.
5. Approve the iOS installation prompt.
6. Keep iPadn open until installation finishes.

This method does not require you to configure a separate signing certificate for the downloaded app, but the installation depends on the supported system installation channel and your app license.

Native installation

Native installation uses the device's installation service.

It is useful when you want the App Store to recognize the installed application or update an existing App Store installation without deleting its data.

Requirements include LocalDevVPN and a valid pairing record.

How to enable native installation on iOS 27

1. Install LocalDevVPN from the App Store.
2. Open iPadn.
3. Go to Account → Settings → Installation Settings.
4. Select Native Install.
5. Tap Pair on This Device.
6. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode.
7. Select Pair with iPadn.
8. Enter the pairing code shown by iPadn.
9. Return to LocalDevVPN and tap Connect.
10. Open iPadn and select Check Connection.
11. Install the downloaded application.

The pairing code may also appear on the Lock Screen, in Dynamic Island or as a notification.

How to enable native installation on iOS 17.4–26

1. Prepare a computer with a compatible pairing utility.
2. Connect your iPhone or iPad by USB.
3. Unlock the device and trust the computer.
4. Create an RPPairing file using idevice_pair.
5. Save the pairing file securely.
6. Transfer it to Files → On My iPhone → iPadn.
7. Open iPadn's Native Install page.
8. Import the pairing file if it is not detected automatically.
9. Open LocalDevVPN and tap Connect.
10. Return to iPadn.
11. Tap Check Connection.
12. Start native installation.

A computer is required for this initial pairing process on the documented iOS 17.4–26 workflow, but not for every later installation.

How to compare App Store prices

1. Open iPadn.
2. Search for an application.
3. Open the app details.
4. Select the regional price comparison feature.
5. Choose countries or regions.
6. Select the preferred display currency.
7. Review the available regional prices.

Regional pricing does not guarantee that an account is eligible to purchase through another country's storefront.

How to back up purchased apps

1. Open Purchased.
2. Allow your purchase history to load.
3. Search or filter available applications.
4. Tap Select.
5. Choose the apps you want.
6. Tap Download Selected.
7. Wait for the downloads to finish.
8. Export the packages or your purchased-app list as needed.

How to download Mac applications

1. Open Search.
2. Switch the platform to Mac.
3. Find the application.
4. Select Get PKG.
5. Download the installer.
6. Share it to your Mac using AirDrop or Files.
7. Install it on a compatible Mac with the appropriate license.

The first Mac package download may require additional components.

Safety information

Use iPadn only for applications you legally own or have permission to install.

Do not share Apple Account tokens, pairing records or passwords.

Avoid unknown modified builds.

Downloaded App Store applications may remain tied to the account that acquired them.

Back up important app data before replacing any installed version.

iPadn provides several tools for managing App Store applications, version history, prices, downloads and installation.

App Store Search

Search applications by name, App ID or App Store link.

Multiple Platforms

Search for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac applications.

Older Version Downloads

View and download available previous application versions.

Version History

Check version numbers, release dates and available update descriptions.

Manual Version ID

Enter a specific version ID when supported.

Removed App Downloads

Find certain apps removed from sale if your account acquired them previously.

Purchased Apps

Browse applications linked to your Apple Account.

Batch Downloads

Download several eligible purchased apps.

Purchased-App Export

Export the purchase list as a spreadsheet.

Download Manager

Monitor downloads, including progress and remaining time.

Pause and Resume

Pause and continue supported downloads.

Download Retry

Retry failed transfers.

App Update Alerts

Receive alerts when a newer version of a downloaded app becomes available.

Keep This Version

Prevent update reminders for selected downloads.

Follow Applications

Follow apps to monitor releases and price changes.

Price Drop Notifications

Receive alerts for supported price reductions.

Free Promotion Alerts

Track apps temporarily offered without a purchase charge.

App Removal Alerts

Receive notifications when followed applications are removed from sale.

Price History

Review available historical pricing information.

Regional Price Comparison

Compare prices across supported countries.

In-App Purchase Prices

Compare supported in-app purchases.

Subscription Price Comparison

Compare available subscription prices.

Currency Conversion

Display prices using a chosen reference currency.

One-Tap Installation

Install eligible downloaded packages through the system's web installation channel.

Native Installation

Use LocalDevVPN and pairing to install through the native installation service.

App Store Recognition

Native installation can preserve App Store recognition for eligible application packages.

App Data Preservation

Native installation can replace a compatible App Store copy while preserving its data.

On-Device Pairing

Create the pairing relationship directly on iOS 27 and later.

Older iOS Pairing

Import a pairing record created on a computer for supported older firmware.

Local Certificate Installation

Use a local certificate method when one-tap installation fails to display a prompt.

Proxy-Based Installation

Advanced users can use supported proxy and manifest configurations.

Apple Account Management

Save and switch between multiple Apple Accounts.

Two-Factor Authentication

Supports Apple's trusted-device verification code flow.

Apple Arcade Downloads

Download games available to an account with the appropriate Apple Arcade subscription.

Mac PKG Downloads

Download eligible Mac App Store package installers.

Pro Mode

Browse and extract files from downloaded packages.

App Store-Style Interface

Use an interface inspired by the Apple App Store.

iPad Sidebar

Provides an iPad-optimized navigation layout.

Custom App Icons

Select alternate icon themes.

Multiple Languages

Supports 11 interface languages.

Diagnostic Information

Export or copy diagnostic information when troubleshooting errors.

Improved Download Permissions – v1.9.2

Automatically switches to in-app downloading when a signing method prevents access to a background-downloaded temporary file.

Expired Account Detection – v1.9.2

Shows a more useful sign-in message when Apple returns an HTTP 401 response.

Icon Preference Fix – v1.9.2

Keeps custom app icon selections consistent after updating.

Supported iOS versions

iOS 16

The README lists iOS 16 as a minimum, but the latest v1.9.2 release notes specify iOS 17+. Verify the installed build before advertising iOS 16 support.

iOS 17

Within the latest release's documented target range. Native installation requires iOS 17.4 or later.

iOS 18

Within the stated supported range. Native installation requires LocalDevVPN and pairing.

iOS 26

Within the stated range. Native installation uses a pairing file from a computer.

iOS 27

Supported by the documented on-device pairing workflow.

iPadn vs App Store

The official App Store focuses on downloading the current version offered for the device.

iPadn adds version history, historical downloads, purchased-app backups and regional price comparison.

iPadn vs AltStore

AltStore signs and installs compatible IPA files.

iPadn searches for and downloads eligible applications from Apple's App Store services. AltStore can be used to install iPadn itself.

iPadn vs SideStore

SideStore provides an IPA sideloading and refreshing workflow.

iPadn focuses on downloading owned App Store applications and managing those downloads.

iPadn vs Tetherless

Tetherless is primarily an on-device IPA signer.

iPadn is primarily an App Store package downloader with additional installation options.

Important limitations

iPadn cannot unlock paid apps without ownership.

Some older app versions are no longer available.

Apps removed from sale may be unavailable despite previous ownership.

Downloaded apps may still contain Apple's FairPlay protection.

Native installation requires additional setup.

The developer's current iOS minimum is inconsistent between the README and the latest release notes.

Sign-in uses an unofficial client, so users must consider Apple Account security.

If iPadn cannot sign in, download apps, install packages or connect to LocalDevVPN, review these common problems.

iPadn IPA Is Not Installing

Check the signing certificate, iOS version and IPA file.

iPadn Is Not Opening

The signing certificate may be expired or the installation may be incomplete.

Apple Account Sign-In Fails

Check the credentials, network connection and verification requirements.

Apple Returns HTTP 401

The account session may have expired. Sign in again.

Verification Code Does Not Arrive

Check a trusted Apple device signed in to the same account.

Older App Versions Are Missing

Apple may no longer offer those versions, or the selected version source may not have complete records.

Removed App Cannot Be Downloaded

The account must previously have acquired the app, and Apple must still make it available.

App Is Not Owned

iPadn cannot download an app requiring a license that the account does not have.

Download Stays at Zero

Check the network and allow the application's initial signing component to load.

Download Is Stuck

Pause and resume, or retry the task.

Download Reaches 100% and Starts Again

Some signing methods prevent background downloads from saving into the app.

Version 1.9.2 handles this by switching to an in-app download.

CFNetworkDownload Permission Error

Update to v1.9.2. It includes a fix for temporary download files that cannot be opened under certain signing methods.

Download Stops in the Background

Keep iPadn open when it uses in-app downloading.

Install Button Does Nothing

Try Install in Safari or review the installation settings.

Already Installed Error

One-tap installation cannot replace certain existing App Store copies.

Use native installation when appropriate.

App Store Does Not Recognize Installed App

Use native installation, which is designed to preserve the proper App Store installation record.

LocalDevVPN Is Not Connecting

Check the VPN connection and disable conflicting VPN or proxy configurations.

Native Installation Cannot Connect

Verify LocalDevVPN, pairing and local network availability.

Pairing File Is Invalid

Create a new pairing file using the trusted device.

Pair with iPadn Is Missing

On-device pairing requires iOS 27+, Developer Mode and the correct pairing workflow.

Pairing Code Expired

Restart pairing. The developer documents a five-minute pairing window.

No Native Install on iOS 17.0–17.3

The documented native installation method requires iOS 17.4 or later.

Mac PKG Download Fails

Check the app license, storage and network. The first Mac download may require extra components.

Price Comparison Is Incorrect

Regional storefront availability and currency conversions can change.

No In-App Purchase Prices for Other Countries

Apple may redirect the selected storefront based on the network region.

App Icon Theme Does Not Match

Update to v1.9.2 and select the preferred icon theme again.

LiveContainer Cannot Show Share Sheet

Use the Copy Diagnostics option introduced in v1.9.2.

Downloaded Files Use Too Much Storage

Open Account → Settings → Storage and remove old packages you no longer need.

Safety Tips

Use the official iPadn build.

Protect Apple Account credentials and tokens.

Never share pairing files.

Only download applications you are licensed to use.

Keep backups before replacing installed apps.