Introduction
Sideloading has become an increasingly practical way for iOS users to install applications outside the constraints of Apple’s official App Store. For Delta emulator users specifically, sideloading via third-party signing tools remains a relevant and widely used method particularly for those in regions where the App Store version is unavailable, those who prefer specific IPA builds, or those who want greater control over their installation environment.
Three tools dominate the sideload Delta IPA iOS sideloading conversation: eSign, Scarlet, and AltStore. Each takes a meaningfully different approach to certificate management, installation workflow, and ongoing maintenance.
Understanding how they differ and which one suits your specific device, iOS version, and technical comfort level is essential before beginning the process.
Quick Facts about Sideload Delta IPA
- eSign, Scarlet, and AltStore are three distinct iOS sideloading tools that allow installation of IPA files including Delta emulator outside the App Store
- AltStore is a desktop-assisted sideloading tool requiring a Mac or Windows companion app and is the most widely documented and community-supported option
- eSign is an on-device sideloading tool that eliminates the need for a desktop computer after initial setup, using imported certificates for signing
- Scarlet is an on-device app installer that uses enterprise or developer certificates to sign and install IPA files directly on the iPhone or iPad
- Free Apple ID sideloading via AltStore requires re-signing Delta every 7 days; eSign and Scarlet depend on the type of certificate used and its validity period
- No jailbreak is required for any of the three methods on supported iOS versions
- Who should use AltStore: Users who want the most stable, well-documented, and community-supported sideloading experience
- Who should use eSign: Users who want an entirely on-device workflow without relying on a desktop computer for signing
- Who should use Scarlet: Users who want a streamlined on-device installer with a clean interface and broad IPA compatibility
- Always download Delta IPA from the official Delta GitHub repository or AltStore’s verified source never from third-party mirror sites
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Sideloading Method
Selecting the right sideloading tool before starting saves significant time and avoids the frustration of mid-process compatibility issues. Each of the three tools has distinct requirements that affect which is appropriate for your situation.
Comparing eSign, Scarlet, and AltStore at a Foundational Level
The three tools differ most significantly in where the signing process occurs on the device itself or on a connected desktop computer and in what type of certificate they use to authorize the installation.
AltStore uses your personal Apple ID to generate a developer signing certificate, which it applies to the Delta IPA either through the desktop companion app or through AltStore’s own servers when using AltStore PAL or premium features. The signing process is tied to Apple’s official developer certificate infrastructure, which means it is the most legitimate of the three methods from Apple’s perspective but is also subject to Apple’s 7-day free tier limitation.
eSign is an on-device signing tool that works by importing a signing certificate directly onto your iPhone or iPad.
The certificate used can be a personal developer certificate exported from Xcode, a purchased third-party certificate, or in some configurations a free certificate with associated limitations.
Once the certificate is installed and trusted, eSign signs IPA files directly on the device without requiring a connected computer for individual app installations.
Key practical differences at a glance:
- AltStore requires an active desktop companion for re-signing; eSign and Scarlet do not once initially set up
- AltStore is open-source with a transparent development history; eSign and Scarlet are closed-source tools with less public development documentation
- AltStore’s free tier is limited to 3 simultaneously installed sideloaded apps; eSign and Scarlet do not impose this specific limitation but are subject to certificate-level restrictions
- eSign and Scarlet certificates sourced from unofficial providers carry revocation risk if Apple identifies and invalidates the certificate
- AltStore’s signing is the most stable long-term method; eSign and Scarlet can experience sudden certificate revocation that makes all signed apps non-functional simultaneously
Critical warning: eSign and Scarlet installations that rely on enterprise certificates purchased from third-party providers are subject to sudden revocation by Apple without notice. When Apple revokes an enterprise certificate, every app signed with that certificate stops functioning immediately on all devices that used it. This is one of the most significant practical risks of these methods compared to AltStore.
Device and iOS Version Requirements Across All Three Tools
Before downloading any of the three tools, confirm the following for your device:
For AltStore, iOS 12 or higher is supported for basic functionality. The companion desktop application requires macOS 10.14.6 or later for Mac users, or Windows 10 or later for PC users. iTunes and iCloud must be installed from Apple’s website directly on Windows not from the Microsoft Store.
For eSign, iOS 13 and above is generally required for stable operation. The tool itself is installed via a configuration profile or through a signed IPA depending on the distribution method being used.
Confirm the specific iOS version compatibility for the eSign build you are installing, as this can vary between releases. For Scarlet, iOS 13 and later support the majority of configurations. Scarlet is typically installed by visiting the developer’s website from Safari on your iPhone, which triggers a profile-based installation.
Compatibility with the very latest iOS versions can lag behind updates, so checking community reports for your specific iOS build is advisable before proceeding.
Common Problems and Solutions at the preparation stage:
- AltStore desktop companion not detected by iPhone → Use a certified Apple cable rather than a third-party cable, ensure iTunes recognizes the device first, and confirm the iPhone has trusted the computer by tapping Trust on the device prompt
- eSign certificate not trusted after import → Navigate to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and manually trust the certificate profile associated with eSign
- Scarlet installation profile blocked by iOS → Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management immediately after Safari prompts installation and tap Install before the profile expires from the pending state
- Delta IPA not appearing in file picker within eSign or Scarlet → Ensure the IPA file is saved to your iPhone’s local storage via the Files app before attempting to import it into the signing tool
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Delta IPA Using AltStore
AltStore is the recommended starting point for users with access to a desktop computer who want the most stable and well-supported sideloading experience available.
Setting Up AltStore on Desktop and iPhone
Step 1: Download and install the AltStore desktop companion
Open a browser on your Mac or Windows computer and navigate to altstore.io. Download the AltStore desktop application for your operating system. On Mac, open the downloaded DMG file and drag AltStore to your Applications folder. On Windows, run the installer executable and follow the on-screen prompts.
On Windows, before opening AltStore, ensure iTunes and iCloud are installed from Apple’s official website at apple.com/itunes.
The Microsoft Store versions of these applications use a different installation architecture that prevents AltStore from communicating correctly with connected iOS devices.
Launch the AltStore desktop companion. On Mac it will appear as a small icon in the menu bar. On Windows it will appear in the system tray. The companion runs silently in the background and does not open a visible window during normal operation.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone and install AltStore onto the device
Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer using a USB cable. If your device prompts you to trust the computer, tap Trust and enter your device passcode to confirm. Open iTunes or the Apple Devices application to confirm your device is recognized by the computer before proceeding.
Click the AltStore icon in the menu bar or system tray and select Install AltStore from the dropdown menu. A list of connected devices will appear select your iPhone or iPad. Enter your Apple ID email address and password when prompted.
AltStore uses these credentials to generate a developer signing certificate for your device.
Wait for the installation to complete. Once finished, AltStore will appear as an application on your iPhone home screen.
Step 3: Trust the AltStore developer certificate on iPhone
Open Settings on your iPhone. Navigate to General → VPN & Device Management. Under the Developer App section, find the entry associated with your Apple ID email address. Tap it and select Trust followed by confirming the trust prompt. AltStore will now open correctly when tapped.
Installing Delta IPA Through AltStore
Step 4: Install Delta directly through AltStore
Open AltStore on your iPhone and navigate to the Browse tab. Delta is listed as a featured application in AltStore’s default app source. Tap the Delta listing, then tap Free to initiate the installation. AltStore will download the verified Delta IPA, sign it with your Apple ID certificate, and install it automatically. No manual IPA file handling is required through this method.
If you have a specific Delta IPA file downloaded from the official GitHub repository that you want to install manually, navigate to the My Apps tab, tap the plus icon in the upper left corner, and select the IPA file from your device storage through the file picker.
Step 5: Manage re-signing and automatic refresh
With a free Apple ID, AltStore must refresh Delta’s signing certificate every 7 days. To enable automatic re-signing, ensure the AltStore desktop companion is running on your computer and that your iPhone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Enable background app refresh for AltStore by navigating to Settings → General → Background App Refresh on your iPhone and toggling AltStore to enabled.
AltStore will silently re-sign Delta in the background when the certificate approaches expiry, provided the desktop companion is active and the Wi-Fi condition is met. Monitor the expiry countdown in AltStore’s My Apps tab to confirm re-signing is occurring as expected.
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Delta IPA Using eSign
eSign provides a fully on-device workflow that removes the desktop dependency after the initial certificate setup. It is particularly suited to users who do not have reliable access to a computer for ongoing maintenance.
Setting Up eSign and Importing a Signing Certificate
Step 1: Install eSign on your iPhone
eSign is distributed through its official website. Open Safari on your iPhone and navigate to the eSign developer’s official distribution page.
Tap the Install button presented on the page. Safari will prompt you to allow the installation of a configuration profile. Tap Allow and then navigate to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management to install and trust the profile.
Once the profile is trusted, eSign will be installed on your device. Trust the associated developer certificate in VPN & Device Management before launching the application.
Step 2: Import a signing certificate into eSign
eSign requires a valid signing certificate to function. Certificate options include:
- A personal developer certificate exported from Xcode on a Mac as a .p12 file paired with a provisioning profile
- A certificate obtained through a paid Apple Developer account
- Community-sourced certificates available through verified eSign user communities these carry higher revocation risk and should be approached with caution
To import a certificate, open eSign and navigate to the Certificate section. Tap Import and select your .p12 certificate file and its associated provisioning profile from your device storage.
Enter the certificate password when prompted. Once imported, the certificate will be listed as active within eSign.
Step 3: Import and sign Delta IPA
Download the Delta IPA file from the official Delta GitHub repository or AltStore source and save it to your iPhone’s Files app local storage.
Open eSign, navigate to the IPA import section, and select the Delta IPA file. eSign will present signing options confirm the active certificate is selected and tap Sign.
eSign will process the IPA and sign it with the imported certificate. Once signing is complete, tap Install to push the signed application to your device. Trust the certificate in Settings → General → VPN & Device Management if prompted after installation.
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Delta IPA Using Scarlet
Scarlet offers an on-device experience with a more curated interface than eSign, making it accessible to users who find eSign’s certificate management process overly technical.
Installing Scarlet and Using It to Sideload Delta
Step 1: Install Scarlet from the official source
Open Safari on your iPhone and navigate to the official Scarlet distribution website. Tap the Install or Get Scarlet button.
Safari will prompt a configuration profile installation tap Allow immediately as this prompt has a limited acceptance window before it expires. Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and install the profile.
Scarlet will appear on your home screen once the profile is installed. Open Scarlet and allow it to complete its initial configuration. Depending on the version, Scarlet may prompt you to select a certificate source during first launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the signing certificate Scarlet will use.
Step 2: Import Delta IPA into Scarlet
Download the Delta IPA from a verified official source and save it to the Files app on your iPhone. Open Scarlet and navigate to the import or sideload section of the interface, typically accessible through a plus icon or an Import IPA button. Select the Delta IPA from your Files app storage.
Scarlet will process and sign the IPA using its configured certificate. Tap Install when the signing process completes. Delta will install directly to your home screen without requiring a separate desktop step.
Step 3: Certificate management in Scarlet
Scarlet’s certificate validity depends on the certificate source it is configured to use. If Scarlet is operating on an enterprise certificate from a third-party provider, be aware that Apple periodically identifies and revokes these certificates.
When revocation occurs, Delta and all other Scarlet-signed apps will stop launching simultaneously until a new certificate is configured.
Monitor community channels associated with your Scarlet installation for certificate status updates. When revocation is announced, act promptly to re-sign apps using a replacement certificate before the current one expires.
Who should prioritize Scarlet over the other two methods:
- Users who want an on-device installer with a more visually organized interface than eSign
- Users who do not have access to a desktop computer and find AltStore unavailable for their setup
- Users comfortable with the certificate revocation risk that comes with enterprise certificate-based signing
Post-Installation Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regardless of which method you use to install Delta IPA, certain post-installation practices apply universally to maintain stable long-term operation.
Keeping Delta Functional Across iOS Updates and Certificate Changes
iOS updates are among the primary disruptions to sideloaded application stability. Apple’s iOS updates can invalidate existing developer certificates, change the behavior of VPN & Device Management trust settings, or introduce sandboxing changes that affect how sideloaded apps operate.
After any significant iOS update, verify the following:
- Open Delta immediately after updating to confirm it still launches correctly
- Check Settings → General → VPN & Device Management to confirm the signing certificate is still listed as trusted
- If Delta fails to launch after an iOS update, check your sideloading tool’s community channel for reports of update-related issues and available fixes before attempting to reinstall
For AltStore users, check whether the desktop companion application needs an update following major iOS releases, as AltStore updates its companion app to maintain compatibility with iOS changes.
For eSign and Scarlet users, confirm that the imported or configured certificate remains valid and has not been revoked. Re-import a replacement certificate promptly if revocation is confirmed.
To protect game saves across reinstallation events, enable Delta’s iCloud sync feature in Delta’s settings menu.
This syncs save states, game saves, and controller skin configurations to iCloud, ensuring your progress is preserved even if Delta needs to be fully reinstalled following a certificate or iOS issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sideloading method is safest for installing Delta IPA eSign, Scarlet, or AltStore?
AltStore is the most stable and transparent option. It uses Apple’s own developer certificate infrastructure, is open-source, and has the most comprehensive community documentation.
eSign and Scarlet carry additional risk from potential certificate revocation, particularly when enterprise certificates from third-party providers are involved.
Do I need a computer to use eSign or Scarlet?
No. Both eSign and Scarlet are on-device tools that do not require a desktop computer for individual app installations once they are set up. AltStore does require a desktop companion application for installation and re-signing.
How often does Delta IPA need to be re-signed with each method?
With AltStore using a free Apple ID, re-signing is required every 7 days. With eSign or Scarlet, the re-signing interval depends on the type of certificate used. Personal developer certificates from a paid account are valid for 12 months.
Enterprise certificates from third-party providers have no fixed expiry but are subject to sudden revocation by Apple at any time.
What happens when Scarlet’s certificate gets revoked by Apple?
All applications installed through Scarlet using that certificate will stop launching immediately. You will need to reconfigure Scarlet with a new valid certificate and reinstall the affected apps.
Game saves within Delta are preserved through this process if iCloud sync is enabled.
Can I use eSign without purchasing a certificate?
Some eSign configurations allow the use of free personal developer certificates or community-shared certificates. Free personal certificates carry the 7-day re-signing limitation. Community-shared certificates carry revocation risk.
Purchasing a personal Apple Developer account at $99 per year provides the most reliable certificate for eSign use.
Is AltStore free to use for sideloading Delta IPA?
The core AltStore functionality for sideloading personal apps using a free Apple ID is available at no cost. AltStore PAL, available in the European Union following regulatory changes, operates on a different model.
The free tier limits the number of sideloaded apps to three, which is sufficient for most Delta users.
Will sideloading Delta with any of these methods void my iPhone warranty?
Sideloading using developer certificates does not void the iPhone hardware warranty. Apple’s warranty covers hardware defects and is not affected by software installation choices.
However, using these tools does not receive support from Apple, and any software issues arising from sideloading are outside the scope of Apple’s support coverage.
What should I do if Delta disappears from my home screen after a few days?
This typically indicates the signing certificate has expired. For AltStore users, open AltStore and check the My Apps tab for an expired certificate indicator, then trigger a manual refresh.
For eSign and Scarlet users, return to the tool and re-sign the Delta IPA using the current active certificate to restore the application.
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