How to add ipa files to your iPhone

Sebastien, Aug 4, 2008

It’s not a secret anymore… many iPhone games and applications have been cracked (and still are). Basically, you can get 2 types of files. The “normal” .app file, and the cracked ipa file. We already covered the method to install .app files on your iPhone. Now here is the other method, the most popular one, to install cracked .ipa files such as games and applications on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

As a reminder, this is illegal! I do not encourage anyone to hack or crack iPhone games. Some developpers spend quite some time working on them and they don’t want to see their work ripped off. If you see an iPhone game or application that you like, download it legally through the App Store.

This method works for all firmwares from 2.0 to the current firmware available. The only thing that changes is the MobileInstallation file that you have to install. Each device (iPhone/iPod Touch) has its own MobileInstallation file for each version of the firmware. I started tracking these MobileInstallation files from iPhone 2.1. I do not have them for older firmwares and I do not have them for iPod Touch, although they might be the same as the iPhone’s. I don’t own an iPod Touch, thus I never tried this before on one but some users reported to me it worked great.

By the way, you may want to check my list of cracked iPhone games and applications.

How to install ipa files on an iPhone or iPod Touch?

Step 1: Make sure your iPhone is jailbroken. If it’s not, visit our jailbreak section to figure out how to jailbreak your iPhone.

Step 2: Once your iPhone is jailbroken, go to Cydia > Manage > Sources > Edit > Add http://cydia.hackulo.us/ as a source. Tap Done.

Step 3: Once Hackulo.us has been added as a source, search for “AppSync” in Cydia. Install the version of AppSync that matches your iOS. For example if you are on iOS 4.0.2, you want to install AppSync for OS 4.0.

Step 4: Still in Cydia, search for Installous. Download and install the app. Installous is like an App Store for cracked apps.

Step 5: Reboot your iPhone.

Step 6: Go to Installous and search for cracked apps. Download and install them.

Done!

Old way to install cracked apps

1. You need to be on jailbroken iPhone with Cydia installed. For this, you may use QuickPwn, PwnageTool, or WinPwn. See my tutorials for on how to jailbreak your iPhone or iPod Touch using any of these tools.

2. Install OpenSSH from Cydia on your iPhone. Click on Cydia and then click Install (Sections)>Networking>OpenSSH then click Install>Confirm (if you get a running out of disk space error click “ok”).

3. Log into WinSCP. The first time you try to login you may get a connection timeout error, click retry several times (up to 20 times!) and it should work. If you still get an error, reboot your iPod/iPhone and try again.

4. Navigate to /private/var/mobile/ folder

5. Set the permission of the Applications folder to 777 (make sure reclusive is checked).

6. Stay in the /private/var/mobile/ folder.

7. Create a folder called “Documents” in the /private/var/mobile/ folder. Make sure to spell “Documents” correctly, with a capital “D”.

8. Set the permission to 777.

9. Navigate to the root level and open the /Applications folder.

10. Create a folder called “Documents” inside the /Applications folder and set permission to 777.

———Note: You will only need to create these two Documents folders once———

11. Go to <root> /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileInstallation.framework

12. Rename the file “MobileInstallation” to “MobileInstallation.bak”

13. Download this patched MobileInstallation file from HERE. Note that you have to download the patched file for the firmware you are running. ie. if you are running 2.1, you need the MobileInstallation 2.1 patched file.

14. Place the patched file into the /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileInstallation.framework folder and set the permissions 775 for the patched MobileInstallation file. If there is some type of extension (ie .dylib), then you need to remove that extension.

15. Reboot your iPhone/iPod Touch

16. Download cracked ipa Games and apps from Here.

17. Download at least one App from Apple App Store (Free or Paid). What I do is I download one app from the App Store using iTunes, then I sync my iPhone and reboot it. Then I download one app from the App Store on the iPhone and reboot the phone. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: Otherwise you will get an error! [Only need to do this once]

18. Drag and drop the .ipa file you downloaded into the iTunes Application library.

19. Sync your iPhone/iPod Touch and enjoy!

Errors:

The application “XXXXXXX” cannot be opened
Fix: Reboot your iPhone or iPod

0xE800001 Error:

FIX: Change usb port and reboot your iphone/ipod Touch.
If this doesn’t work try going into: Control panel->System->Device Manager->Universal Serie Bus Controller->Right click Apple Mobile Device USB Driver and update driver.

0xE800013 Error:

You get this error when you already have the app
FIX: Simply delete the .app folder that u have ssh’d and reboot.

 
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  • BOLO

    DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE & RE-NAME THE “MobileInstallation.framework” “FOLDER” to “MobileInstallation.bak”

    RE-NAME THE “MobileInstallation” “FILE” ALREADY IN THE IPHONE TO “MobileInstallation.bak” BEFORE U MOVE THE “MobileInstallation” “PATCH” OVER.

    IF U DID MAKE THE MISTAKE, U CAN STILL SSH INTO THE IPHONE IF UR STUCK AT THE APPLE LOGO, TO RE-NAME THE FOLDER BACK & CLEAR THE FREEZE.

    & FOR THE IDIOT THAT MOVED THE “PATCH” BEFORE UNZIPPIN IT USE UR BRAIN & UNDO IT.

  • BOLO

    DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE & RE-NAME THE “MobileInstallation.framework” “FOLDER” to “MobileInstallation.bak”

    RE-NAME THE “MobileInstallation” “FILE” ALREADY IN THE IPHONE TO “MobileInstallation.bak” BEFORE U MOVE THE “MobileInstallation” “PATCH” OVER.

    IF U DID MAKE THE MISTAKE, U CAN STILL SSH INTO THE IPHONE IF UR STUCK AT THE APPLE LOGO, TO RE-NAME THE FOLDER BACK TO”MobileInstallation.framework” & CLEAR THE FREEZE.

    & FOR THE IDIOT THAT MOVED THE “PATCH” BEFORE UNZIPPIN IT USE UR BRAIN & UNDO IT.

  • fucker

    fuc ku i always downlaod from hakulous(instalous and it alwys works)

  • ata

    thank you for this instructions, it work for me perfect :)

  • that dude

    this did not work for me either, do not use these instructions they are crap. Just follow everyone else's instructions in the commments and they work great

  • jt

    there’s no mobileinstallation in private frameworks. only mobilesync. what should be done???

  • Lulu

    Umm, is there a way I can download the app into the iphone without the use of appsync or this really long process posted on top of the website??

    Many Thanks

  • seagull

    First a jailbreak. afterthat I installed all my cidia app’s.

    Then the next chapter: SSH works fine, but then?

    There is no mobileinstallation file on my iphone 3GS (no simlock). In the folder mobileinstallation.framework there is only a file info.plist. Afterthat i used a appsync 3.1. After rebooting it works all fine.

    So afterall a piece of cake.

  • M.Hannema

    Hoi;
    Tried to follow your ‘tutorial’ but came across some broken links, like the one referring to ‘patched mobilinstaliation from here” so i could not follw trough.
    Is there another link you can give me ?

    Mirko.

    • http://www.iphonedownloadblog.com Sebastien

      Search for “MobileInstallation” on the blog and you’ll find what you need.

  • Iphone Developer

    I can’t believe how many jerks have tried this. You fools, BUY THE DAMN GAMES!

  • Jackson

    Hello, I can’t find the MobileInstallation thing in the the MobileInstallation.framework folder
    my firmware is 3.1.2, tethered jailbroke. what should i do?

  • Poop

    I recently downloaded N.O.V.A. ipa cracked app
    I synced it to my ipod, but every time I click the icon
    it sais “The application “N.O.V.A.” cannot open”
    I’ve tried deleting it and reinstalling a bunch of times
    and restarting my ipod, but it still keeps happening
    I tried to buy a free app and still keeps happening
    This also happens on the app AVATAR and SkateNation
    has this happened to anyone else?
    and does anyone have a solution?

  • Franky

    Use BLACKRAIN thats the answer it will recover you plus jailbreak and keep all your setting the way they are. you dont loose a thing ……….yea yea no problem

  • frankyz

    OH and to add .ipa files use appsync works great . You can add right through itunes once installed

    YEa yea no prob noobie

  • 3K4peikos

    @Poop.. same thing here.. also can’t open NFS shift. Searched for a cure everywhere.. but it only say’s “instal free app from itunes” or “change permission to 775″ or “through BossPrefs click “fix user dir permissions” ” but nothing works.. please can somebody help? e-mail 3K4peikos@gmail.com

  • Vykis

    I have 3.1.3 firmware and have jailbraked using blackrain . Your manual tells us to reboot, but blackrain doesn’t allow rebooting.
    Can u help us with the new firmware ?

  • http://www.twitterevolutions.com Ognjen Knaus

    For all those lost at step 3:
    http://winscp.net/eng/docs/faq_iphone

  • John

    Where can you find WinSCP

  • Amit

    After installing Appsync from source: http://cydia.hackulo.us I restarted my iPhone. But since then it wont start, it freezes at the Apple logo. Help Please

  • Karma

    I find it somewhat amusing that you’ve all screwed up your phones while trying to steal apps that cost form .99 to 6.99

    Hope it was worth it.

  • URSC

    ooooohhhhh Karma you are sooooo clever

  • franky

    AMIT just run blackra1n again it should work great.

    And Karma just because you have no answer you shouldn’t dis people who are willing to get one.

  • franky

    Amit you may need to do a manual reboot first. Hold home button and lock button till you see usb logo. Let me know

  • franky

    Amit after manual reboot run blackra1n. Your phone is not screwed up .

  • SammyBoii

    hii, i need a little bit of help. im stuck on step 12 atm.
    the problem i am having is that i navigate to the correct folder (MobileInstallation.framework) but inside of MobileInstallation.framework there is NO file named MobileInstallation???

  • yhe2x

    sammyboii, you have install appsync…after u install it you will see the mobilestation file

  • TONE

    “Karma said:

    I find it somewhat amusing that you’ve all screwed up your phones while trying to steal apps that cost form .99 to 6.99

    Hope it was worth it.”

    Keep telling yourself that, ya little frig. I’ve had my phone jailbroken since November and have absolutely no regrets. The iPhone was nice before, but now it is straight up dominant. There is more to jailbreaking ones phone than getting free apps, dingbat. Hope you are enjoying getting bent over by Apple/AT&T!

  • joe

    Do not use this tutorial. Link is dead for step 13.

  • Carl

    When I install an api, where abouts in the iphone directory does it go?

  • jeremiah data

    if you are smart then this should be verry easy…

    my way of installing cracked .ipa’s to my ipod touch is:
    (make sure installous is installed)
    1. connect ipod to the net
    2. make sure “openssh” is installed
    3. get an ssh client. (winscp)
    4. download an ipa through the net.
    5. open ssh client.
    6. go to //var/mobile/library/downloads
    7. drag the cracked .ipa files on that folder
    8.go to installous
    9. go to downloads
    10. finally install the .ipa files from there

    there shouldn’t be anymore problems. no changing permissions etc. only do this if you have a hard time doing the long ssh thing.

  • jeremiah data

    the above 10 step tutorial is so easy.. you dont have to make any folders, no changing permissions, no going to other folders to make new folders. try it.!! im sure its easier.. because thats how i install cracked .ipa’s into my iphone… this tutorial doesnt even mess up your iphone or itouch. only say yes to all the replacement prompts asked to you. it doesnt change anything.

  • josepfdc

    I did with Filezilla.

    my way of installing cracked .ipa’s to my ipod touch is:
    (make sure installous is installed)
    1. connect ipod to the net
    2. make sure “openssh” is installed
    3. download an ipa through the net.

    4. get and install FILEZILLA and then open it
    4.1 HOST: add ipod touch/iphone IP (eg. 192.168.1.140)
    4.2 Server type: SFTP
    4.3 logontype: Normal
    4.4 user: root
    4.5 password: alpine
    4.6 press connect.

    5. go to //var/mobile/library/downloads (Filezilla / right side)
    7. drag the cracked .ipa files on that folder (Filezilla / from left side to right side)
    8.go to installous
    9. go to downloads
    10. finally install the .ipa files from there

  • jeremiah data

    thats my idea josepfdc but only with WINSCP good one though it is easier people are still trying to do the long thingy. but i salute you!!! Our steps are the best, easiest, and safest way to install apps. which we would not encounter even a single error. or a single iphone/ itouch problem. ( one more thing mine is shorter than yours. **, GOOD LUCK to all who will try our methods. i hope it gives you guys a good idea to install ipa files from installous because it takes care of everything even the permissions and other stuff.

  • John Rogers

    So why would you do this at all, if you encourage people to buy the iPhone apps? Why would anybody ever need to do this? I’m a developer and paid about $10K to come up with an app I sell for $0.99 and for 3 months have only sold about $500 a LONG way from getting back the invested cost. These don’t sell themselves, you have to market, advertise, etc.

    Maybe I should write an app that you can download for free, which takes over your iPhone and makes phone calls for me on your bill? It’s no different than stealing the way all these people are stealing. It’s stealing. Eventually you’re going to get busted one way or another, even if it’s just your karma, it’s coming for you. Pwning your phone is your right to customize it, but stealing software is not.

    Any good developers are going to stop wasting their time, so you’ll be left with a bunch of crappy apps or apps full of ads like the Internet is full of. Thanks a lot, cheapass! spend a buck! Or you think you’re “cool” or a “hacker” following a 8-step documented procedure, then write a better app, make a ton of money and buy whatever you want!

  • macplugx

    I done that procedure which you mentioned in the tutorials.when i trying to add ‘ipa’ files in iTunes library it was working fine ….but after the sync one error is showing ( error given bellow )

    ” The application xxxxxx was not installed on the iphone xxxxxx because an unknown error occurred (0xE8008001).”

    plz help me

  • http://www.etak.tk karel-willem

    It sounds all a bit complicated. I did this:

    —-
    Open Cydia
    Add this source: http://cydia.hackulo.us or http://iphone.org.hk/apt
    Still in Cydia install MiPatch (By Hackulo) or Mobileinstallation (by iPhone.org.hk)
    in iPhone OS 3.o you have to install AppSync or installd
    Restart iPhone
    Connect iPhone to your PC/Mac by USB-Cable
    Copy cracked ipa files into your iTunes Library (just drag and drop to the iTunes Window)
    Tell iTunes to install applications that you want
    Start Syncing iPhone!
    —-

    It’s all done with iTunes. No hassle with FTP or SSH, or whatever.

  • macplugx

    After the error i have installed the Appsync from source: http://cydia.hackulo.us. I restarted my iPhone again it is working like a toy. Now i can install any 3rd party softwares without using Cydia

    Drop .ipa files in user/music/iTunes/Mobile Application/

    Then go to application stack on iTunes click Sync……….After Sync check u r iphone desktop,it is there

    Enjoy

    Thanks Cydia team,Sebastien.

  • sdseadfsd

    All works great, but with some apps (some releases) which is normaly synchronized into my iPod (apears on springbord) I got popup “Aplication can`t be opened”. It is happening just with some ipas, others works fine…
    Its quite annoying, can anyone help me out please?

  • Robben

    ITS STUCK AT THE APPLE SIGN AND MY COMPUTER WONT RECOGNIZE IT!!!! HELP!

  • jupiter jones

    cannot open openssh on cydia. any idea?
    cydia says cannot find package

  • MEEE2

    i am a noob so can you please tell me how to do

    “5. Set the permission of the Applications folder to 777 (make sure reclusive is checked).”

    step by step

  • Tyler soomdat

    Hey yea I have that same Problem with that thing in my pants. I have like a big red ball thing that is bothering me and now there’s some kind of red bump coming out on my lip like a really big pimple. I’m scared and don’t know what to do. My shadokadonk isn’t doing so hot either, it hurts and stuff and when I take a shit I bleed from my asshole. Could this be because I have a cracked app? Idk what to do I’m Guyanese hope tut helps.

  • Yalir

    Hello world

  • DreamHarvest

    * better jailbreak with Spirit
    1.)Install appsync in ur iphone (from cydia)(choose the one with ur firmware version number, if 3gs 3.1.3 then appsync 3.1)

    2.)Install ifile in ur phone (u know from where to get it for paid /free)
    3.)download ipa or deb apps to ur computer

    4.)download iFunbox or iPhoneExplorere to ur computer (i like iFunbox, its portable)
    5.)connect iPhone-Computer

    6.)Open iFunbox drag and drop ur apps into any folder ( I choose – private/var/root)
    (Now u can disconnect phone)
    7.)In ur iphone open iFiles, navigate to the folder where u put the new app.

    8.)click the app, choose install…
    Congrats, u r done!

    But the easiest way: download the ipa file (will not work with deb) to ur computer> double click it (iTunes will open that)> sync ur iPhone (no error if u have appsync in ur iPhone)!

    Not happy that the author of this blog is not paying any attention to those followed his advise and got screwed up.

  • harsh

    its taking too much time too much time to load cydia on

    http://cydia.hackulo.us

    plz suggest how much time it takes
    tnx

  • matt

    Unfortounately I was not able to install apps with iFiles.

    But I could manage it by using iFunbox and Installous:

    1. Open iFunbox

    2. Find the installous download directory in the Raw-Filesystem by searching for one of your downloaded apps.

    3. Copy the .ipa file to the installous download directory

    4. install the app with installous under downloads

    Worked for me with big apps like TomTom Europe almost 2 GB although Installous does
    not display the correct file size/icon.

  • plaguedbyiphone

    I don’t have wi-fi. Is there any other way to install .ipa files (cracked or otherwise) without SSH-ing?

  • matt

    you don’t need wifi to copy .ipa files with iFunbox.

  • Plaguedbyiphone

    @ Matt. Thanks but if I use ifunbox where, in what folder etc, do I paste the .ipa file lying on my desktop

  • Yeay C=

    Hope that this will be useful but here’s what I did and it worked 100% .

    1. Use Spirit to jailbreak ur iPod or iPhone ( it’s an untethered one so u could turn it off )
    2. Go to Cydia and add http://cydia.hackulo.us as a source ( Manage > Sources > Edit > Add > type http://cydia.hackulo.us > click Add Source )
    3. After all the process , go to Sources again and tap the link http://cydia.hackulo.us . You will see AppSync for OS 3.1 AppSync for OS 3.2 . Install the one that matches your type ( I chose the 3.1 )
    4. After all the process again , you may need to restart your iPod / iPhone .
    5. Download a free or paid app from the App Store .
    6. Connect your iPod / iPhone to the computer then open iTunes . Download any app you like in the .ipa format . If you get in WinRAR zip archive , extract it then you will get a file . Drag and drop that file to the “iTunes Library” !!!
    7. It will automatically be installed . Then all you need to do now is sync your iPod / iPhone and you’re a happy camper =P

    Attention : You’ll need wi-fi connection .

    I made the instructions so easy because at first , a newbie like me can’t understand all the hard things needed to be done so I hope this instructions can help all the newbies out there =X ..

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