How to Install Sideloadly on Linux (Step-by-Step Guide)

Sideloadly has become one of the most popular tools for installing unsigned IPA files on iOS devices without jailbreaking. Although it was originally designed for Windows and macOS, many Linux users still want access to its functionality. With the right setup and a bit of preparation, it is entirely possible to install and run Sideloadly on a Linux system in a stable and reliable way. This guide walks you through the process step by step, explaining each stage clearly so you can avoid common pitfalls.

TLDR: Sideloadly does not have a native Linux version, but you can install and run it using compatibility tools such as Wine or a virtual machine. The most efficient method for most users is installing Wine and configuring it properly before running the Windows version of Sideloadly. You will also need libimobiledevice and proper USB permissions to ensure your iPhone or iPad is recognized. Follow the steps carefully to avoid driver or device detection issues.

Understanding the Basics

Sideloadly is primarily developed for Windows and macOS. Since there is no official Linux release, you must rely on compatibility layers or virtualization techniques to execute it. The most common methods include:

Wine – A compatibility layer for running Windows applications on Linux.
Virtual Machines – Installing Windows inside a VM like VirtualBox or VMware.
Dual Boot – Installing Windows alongside Linux (less flexible, but reliable).

For most users, Wine is the preferred solution because it is lightweight and does not require installing a full Windows environment.

System Requirements

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

A modern Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, etc.)
At least 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
Stable internet connection
iPhone or iPad with USB cable
Apple ID credentials

You will also need administrative (sudo) privileges to install required packages.

Step 1: Update Your Linux System

Before installing any compatibility tools, update your system packages. Open your terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

If you are on Fedora, Arch, or another distribution, use the corresponding package manager (such as dnf or pacman).

Step 2: Install Wine

Wine allows Linux to interpret Windows system calls. This is essential for running Sideloadly.

On Ubuntu or Debian-based systems, install Wine using:

sudo apt install wine64 wine32

After installation, verify it by running:

wine --version

If installed correctly, you should see the Wine version number.

Important: Some distributions require enabling 32-bit architecture support:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update

This ensures compatibility with more Windows applications.

Step 3: Install Required Dependencies

Sideloadly interacts with iOS devices, so Linux must properly detect your iPhone or iPad. Install the required libraries:

sudo apt install libimobiledevice6 libimobiledevice-utils usbmuxd

These tools allow Linux to communicate with iOS hardware.

You may also need to start and enable the usbmuxd service:

sudo systemctl enable usbmuxd
sudo systemctl start usbmuxd

Connect your device and confirm detection:

idevice_id -l

If the command returns your device ID, the connection is working correctly.

Step 4: Download Sideloadly (Windows Version)

Visit the official Sideloadly website and download the Windows installer (.exe file). Save it to an easily accessible folder, such as your Downloads directory.

Do not download Sideloadly from unofficial sources. Always use the official website to avoid security risks.

Step 5: Install Sideloadly Using Wine

Navigate to the directory where the Sideloadly installer is located. For example:

cd ~/Downloads

Then launch the installer with Wine:

wine SideloadlySetup.exe

The installation wizard should appear similarly to how it does on Windows. Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Once installation is complete, you can launch Sideloadly using:

wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Sideloadly/Sideloadly.exe

You may also create a desktop shortcut for convenience.

Step 6: Configure USB Permissions

If your device is not recognized inside Sideloadly, it is often a permissions issue. Add your user to the plugdev group:

sudo usermod -aG plugdev $USER

After running this command, log out and log back in.

You may also need custom udev rules. Create a rule file:

sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/39-ios.rules

Add the following line:

SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="05ac", MODE="0666"

Then reload rules:

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules

This grants proper USB access to Apple devices.

Step 7: Test Sideloading an IPA

Now that Sideloadly is installed, test it:

Connect your iPhone or iPad.
Open Sideloadly through Wine.
Enter your Apple ID credentials.
Select an IPA file.
Click Start.

If correctly configured, you should see a progress bar indicating installation.

On your device, you may need to trust the developer profile:

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
Select your Apple ID profile
Tap Trust

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device Not Detected:

Ensure usbmuxd is running
Reconnect your cable
Try a different USB port

Wine Crashes:

Reinstall Wine
Use a stable Wine version instead of development branch
Try running Wine with a clean prefix

Apple ID Errors:

Ensure two-factor authentication is properly handled
Use an app-specific password if necessary

Alternative Approaches

If Wine does not work well on your system, consider these alternatives:

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages	Recommended For
Wine	Lightweight, no full Windows install	Possible compatibility glitches	Most Linux users
Virtual Machine	High compatibility	Needs more RAM and disk space	Users with powerful hardware
Dual Boot	Native Windows performance	Requires reboot to switch systems	Frequent sideloaders

For stability, a Virtual Machine running Windows 10 or 11 may offer the best compatibility. However, for occasional use, Wine is usually sufficient.

Security Considerations

Always keep in mind:

Download software from official sources only.
Use strong Apple ID credentials.
Enable two-factor authentication.
Regularly update your system.

Running Windows software through Wine does introduce some risk. However, if you maintain updated packages and avoid unauthorized downloads, your system should remain secure.

Final Thoughts

While Sideloadly does not offer an official Linux version, running it on Linux is entirely achievable with the right tools. The Wine method strikes a practical balance between convenience and functionality, allowing most users to sideload apps without switching operating systems.

It is important to follow each configuration step carefully—especially when setting up USB communication and device permissions. Once properly installed, Sideloadly behaves similarly to its Windows counterpart and can reliably install IPA files to your iOS device.

If you depend heavily on sideloading, consider testing both Wine and a virtual machine to determine which environment is most stable on your hardware. With proper setup, Linux can be just as capable for iOS sideloading tasks as Windows or macOS.