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kyrielie edited this page Sep 12, 2026 · 3 revisions

Installing Nectar

Nectar isn't on the App Store — it's distributed as a sideloaded IPA through AltStore. This page walks through getting it installed and keeping it updated.

Nectar is not affiliated with AltStore, SideStore, Apple, or Archive of Our Own. It's an independent project; see the README for details on what it does and doesn't do with your data.

What you'll need (because Apple is terrible, support sideloading!)

  • An iPhone or iPad on iOS/iPadOS 17 or later.
  • Classic AltStore + AltServer on a computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Get either from altstore.io. OR AltStore PAL (Available only in the European Union, Japan, & Brazil. — no Mac/PC required, works entirely on-device)
  • An Apple ID.
    • Apps installed this way re-sign and expire after 7 days — AltStore will re-sign it automatically if you open the AltStore app (or AltServer, on the classic flow) at least once in that window with your device online.
    • A free account can only have 3 sideloaded apps installed at once.

1. Install AltStore

Follow AltStore's own setup guide for your platform — it covers pairing your device and installing the AltStore app itself, which this page doesn't duplicate:

Once AltStore is installed and your Apple ID is signed in inside it, continue below.

2. Add the Nectar source

  1. Open AltStore and go to the Browse (or Sources) tab.

  2. Tap the + button to add a new source.

  3. Paste this URL:

    https://kyrielie.github.io/nectar/source.json

  4. Confirm adding the source. Nectar should now show up in AltStore's source list with its icon, description, and screenshots.

3. Install

  1. Find Nectar under the source you just added.
  2. Tap Install (or Get) and sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.
  3. Wait for AltStore to finish signing and installing — this can take a minute or two, especially the first time.
  4. If iOS shows an "Unable to Verify App" error on first launch, go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, find your Apple ID under "Developer App," and tap Trust.

4. Keep it working

  • Open AltStore itself at least once a week (free accounts) so it can refresh Nectar before the 7-day signature expires. AltStore can background-refresh automatically if you leave it running, but manually opening it is the reliable fallback.
  • Updates: when a new Nectar version is released, AltStore will show an update badge next to it in the My Apps tab the next time you open AltStore. Tap Update the same way you'd install.

Troubleshooting

Problem Fix
Source won't add / "could not be added" Double-check the URL was pasted exactly, with no trailing space. If it still fails, the source may be temporarily down — check the repo for an open issue before reporting a new one.
"Unable to Verify App" on launch Trust the developer certificate: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
App just disappeared / won't open Its 7-day signature likely expired. Open AltStore (device online, connected to the internet) to let it re-sign, then relaunch Nectar.
AltServer can't find my device (classic AltStore) Confirm the device and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, and that Wi-Fi sync is enabled for the device in iTunes/Finder at least once.
Install fails with "maximum app limit reached" Free Apple IDs cap out at 3 sideloaded apps. Remove one, or switch to a paid developer account.

If none of that resolves it, open an issue on the main repo with the error message and whether you're on AltStore PAL or classic AltStore.

Advanced

Use SideStore + LocalDevVPN and set up a shortcut to refresh the app every week! This is the most convenient way to run Nectar. If you need more than 3 apps (2, since the SideStore/AltStore takes one of the slots) use LiveContainer.

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