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Scarlet iOS app installer displayed on an iPhone home screen with no jailbreak required
You want to install apps that Apple does not allow. The App Store blocks them, and you have no idea where else to go.
Scarlet iOS fixes that. Download and install IPA files directly on your iPhone, no jailbreak needed, no technical skills required. Setup is free and takes under 3 minutes.
Everything you need is in this guide. You will learn what Scarlet is, how to install it step by step, and what to do if it stops working. One thing before you start: use Safari throughout, not Chrome or any other browser.
What is Scarlet iOS?
What is Scarlet iOS?
Scarlet iOS is a free third-party app installer that lets iPhone users install apps outside of Apple's App Store. Signing IPA files with a certificate is how apps are put directly on your device. No jailbreak is needed.
Most people use it to get things that the App Store simply does not allow. That means tweaked apps like YouTube++ and Spotify++, emulators like Delta and PPSSPP, modded games, and apps Apple has pulled or restricted by region.
According to its official site, Scarlet has over 1 million active users, which gives a clear picture of how widely it has been adopted across iOS devices.
Quick clarification before moving on. IPA is the correct file format for iPhone apps. APK belongs to Android. Searching for "Scarlet APK" means you were after the right tool but the wrong term. Scarlet runs on IPA files exclusively.
Step-by-step infographic showing how Scarlet iOS signs and installs IPA files on iPhone
How Scarlet Works on iPhone
How Scarlet Works on iPhone
Scarlet works by using a signing certificate to have iOS treat a third-party app as trusted. Apple already uses this same system for business and developer apps. Scarlet simply uses it to install apps that were never submitted to the App Store.
The basic process in plain terms:
You download an IPA file. Think of it as the iPhone version of a setup file.
Scarlet signs the file with a certificate, which tells iOS the app comes from a trusted source.
iOS accepts it and installs the app like any normal download.
No system files are modified. No core security layer is bypassed. Everything happens within a process Apple already permits, just not one they designed for public use.
The catch is that Apple monitors these certificates and revokes them when misuse is detected. Once that happens, any app signed with that certificate stops opening. This is called revocation, the most common problem Scarlet users face. A dedicated section further down explains exactly how to fix it.
What Can You Do With Scarlet?
What Can You Do With Scarlet?
Scarlet lets you install any compatible IPA file on your iPhone, opening up 5 main use cases that the App Store does not allow.
Tweaked Apps
Tweaked Apps
Modified versions of popular apps with extra features built in. Common examples include YouTube++ (no ads, background play), Spotify++ (no ads, unlimited skips), and Instagram++ (download photos and videos). Original developers never authorize these, which is exactly why they never appear on the App Store.
Modded Games
Modded Games
Games like Minecraft, Roblox, and PUBG Mobile with unlocked features or removed paywalls fall into this category. None of these modified versions is available through official channels.
IPA Files From GitHub and Repos
IPA Files From GitHub and Repos
Many developers publish IPA files directly on GitHub or through community repos rather than going through Apple. Scarlet installs these without any extra steps. Reliable sources include repos referenced on Reddit (r/sideloaded) and Discord servers focused on iOS sideloading. Before trusting any repo, confirm it is actively maintained and backed by real community discussion. Anything anonymous or freshly created with no track record should be skipped.
Emulators and Retro Games
Emulators and Retro Games
Game emulators like Delta (Nintendo), PPSSPP (PlayStation Portable), and GBA4iOS (Game Boy Advance) are among the most popular installs through Scarlet. Load up ROM files stored on your device and play classic games directly on your iPhone.
Region-Locked and Removed Apps
Region-Locked and Removed Apps
Certain apps get pulled from the App Store or blocked in specific countries. Scarlet can install them as long as you have the IPA file.
Infographic showing 5 use cases of Scarlet iOS including tweaked apps, emulators, and modded games
Scarlet iOS Features
Scarlet iOS Features
Scarlet is built around one goal: getting apps onto your iPhone outside the App Store, cleanly and without jailbreaking.
IPA Installer
IPA Installer
Scarlet has a built-in IPA installer that lets you sideload any compatible IPA file directly on your iPhone—no computer or third-party tool required.
Certificate Management
Certificate Management
Scarlet handles certificate signing automatically during every installation. If a certificate is revoked, you receive a notification so you can switch to a valid one without manually tracking anything.
Multiple Install Methods
Multiple Install Methods
Scarlet offers 4 installation methods: Direct install, Computer install, Developer install, and TrollStore install. Each one suits a different type of user, all covered in full below.
Lightweight App
Lightweight App
Scarlet runs no unnecessary background processes and takes up minimal storage. Launch times are fast,t and neither battery life nor overall iPhone performance takes a hit.
Tweaked and Modded App Support
Tweaked and Modded App Support
Scarlet supports tweaked apps such as Spotify++, YouTube++, and Delta, as well as modded games and region-locked apps. Any IPA file compatible with your iOS version can be installed.
App Backup and Restore
App Backup and Restore
Scarlet includes a backup and restore feature that saves a local copy of your installed IPA files. When a certificate gets revoked, your sideloaded apps stop opening, but are not deleted. Restoring from a backup after a reinstall restores everything without re-downloading anything.
Is Scarlet iOS Free?
Is Scarlet iOS Free?
Scarlet iOS is completely free to download and use—no subscription, no Premium tier, no payment of any kind to install or sideload apps.
The only exception is the Developer install method, which requires a personal Apple Developer account at $99 per year. That is an optional path for advanced users specifically trying to avoid revocation. Every other method, including the standard direct install, costs nothing.
There are no hidden costs in the app either. Certificate management, app installs, and backup features are all included at no charge.
Is Scarlet iOS Safe to Use?
Is Scarlet iOS Safe to Use?
Scarlet iOS is safe to use as long as you download it from the official source and only install IPA files you trust. Nothing on your iPhone gets modified without your direct action. No root access is required, and no files are installed behind the scenes.
Here is what Scarlet does not do:
Jailbreak your device
Access your Apple ID credentials or personal data
Run hidden background processes
Modify core iOS system files
The real risks have nothing to do with Scarlet itself. They come from where people download it and what IPA files they install.
The 3 actual risks are:
1. Fake download sites. Clone sites that impersonate Scarlet are common. Many distribute modified or outright malicious versions. This is where most problems start.
2. Unverified IPA files. Scarlet installs whatever file you give it. A bad IPA from an unknown source poses its own risks unrelated to Scarlet.
3. Certificate sharing. Direct install certificates are shared across large numbers of users. Apple spots this pattern and revokes the certificate. Your device stays fine, but the app goes down temporarily.
How to Avoid Fake Scarlet Download Sites
How to Avoid Fake Scarlet Download Sites
Download Scarlet only from http://scarletiosdownload.com . Every other site offering a Scarlet download is unofficial and unverifiable. Any site asking for your Apple ID, password, or payment before the download is a red flag. Walk away immediately. Real Scarlet installation requires none of that.
Side by side comparison of the official Scarlet iOS download site versus a fake clone site
Which iPhones and iOS versions does Scarlet support?
Which iPhones and iOS versions does Scarlet support?
Scarlet supports iOS 15 through iOS 18 and works on every iPhone model that runs those versions.
Supported iOS Versions:
iPad support: Any iPad running iOS 15 or later works with Scarlet, including iPad Air and iPad Pro. The install process is identical to that of an iPhone.
Not sure which iOS version you are on? Go to Settings, tap General, then tap About.
How to Download and install Scarlet iOS
How to Download and install Scarlet iOS
The direct install method gets Scarlet on your iPhone in under 3 minutes with no computer involved. Open Safari before you start. Chrome and every other browser will fail at the install step.
Step 1 — Download Scarlet
Step 1 — Download Scarlet
Head to http://scarletiosdownload.com in Safari and tap the install button.
A pop-up will appear asking if you want to install Scarlet.
Tap install, then go to your home screen and wait for the icon to finish loading. Do not tap it yet.
Step 2 — Trust the Developer Certificate
Step 2 — Trust the Developer Certificate
Skipping this step means Scarlet will not open. Do not skip it.
Open Settings
Tap General
Tap VPN & Device Management
Find the Scarlet certificate and tap it
Tap Trust
Tap Trust again to confirm
After this, iOS treats Scarlet as a permitted app on your device.
Step 3 — Open and Use Scarlet
Step 3 — Open and Use Scarlet
Go back to your home screen and tap the Scarlet icon. From here, browse the available apps or install your own IPA files using the sideload option.
Is Scarlet still not opening after trusting the certificate? The certificate may already be revoked. Jump to the revocation section below.
iPhone screenshots showing how to trust the Scarlet developer certificate in iOS Settings
Scarlet Installation Methods Explained
Scarlet Installation Methods Explained
Scarlet offers 4 installation methods, each built for a different type of user. Most people stick with the direct method. The other 3 exist for those who want fewer interruptions or more long-term control.
Direct install is free, takes under 3 minutes, and requires no extra tools. The only downside is that Apple can revoke the certificate without warning.
Computer install eliminates the revocation problem by provisioning Scarlet through a computer. The initial setup takes more effort, but the result is far more stable over time.
The developer installs the certificate in your own Apple Developer account. Personal account certificates rarely get revoked. The cost is $99 per year through Apple's developer program.
TrollStore install delivers permanent installation with no revocation risk at all. The tradeoff is compatibility. TrollStore depends on a specific iOS vulnerability and only runs on certain devices and older iOS versions. Most people on iOS 17 or iOS 18 cannot use it.
Why Does Scarlet Stop Working?
Why Does Scarlet Stop Working?
Scarlet stops working when Apple revokes the signing certificate it uses, causing iOS to block the app entirely. This is not a Scarlet bug. Apple is actively turning off the certificate that made the installation possible.
Certificates used by Scarlet were originally designed for businesses that distribute internal apps to their employees. When Apple sees one being used across thousands of unrelated people, it pulls the certificate. Every single app tied to that certificate goes down at the same time.
Nothing on your device gets damaged, and your sideloaded apps are not deleted. The certificate simply expires,d and Scarlet needs a fresh one to run again. Backed-up IPA files stay completely intact.
How often does this happen? No fixed pattern exists. Some certificates survive a few days, others hold up for several weeks. The volume of users sharing the certificate is the main factor in how quickly Apple catches up to it.
Signs that revocation has happened:
Scarlet shows "Unable to verify app" on launch
The app crashes the moment it opens
iOS displays a message saying the developer is not trusted
Step by step infographic showing how to fix Scarlet iOS when the certificate is revoked
How to Fix Scarlet After Revocation
How to Fix Scarlet After Revocation
Delete Scarlet and reinstall it from the official site to get a working certificate.
Press and hold the Scarlet icon
Tap Remove App and confirm
Open Safari and go to http://scarletiosdownload.com
Download and install Scarlet again
Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
Trust the new certificate the same way you did the first time
Open Scarlet
The whole process takes under 3 minutes. Backed-up IPA files are available to restore the moment Scarlet is back up.
Tired of dealing with revocation? Switch to the Computer install or Developer install method instead.
Scarlet iOS vs AltStore vs TrollStore
Scarlet iOS vs AltStore vs TrollStore
Scarlet, AltStore, and TrollStore are the 3 most popular sideloading tools for iPhone, but each one works differently and fits a different type of user.
Scarlet installs directly from Safari, with no computer involved at any point. Easiest to get running, but certificates are shared across many users, which puts revocation risk at medium.
AltStore re-signs apps through your personal Apple ID, which makes it considerably more stable. A PC or Mac on the same WiFi network is required every 7 days to refresh the signing. Free Apple ID users also hit a hard cap of 3 active apps.
TrollStore carries zero revocation risk because it installs apps through a permanent iOS vulnerability. Apps stay put indefinitely once installed. The limitation is real, though: only specific devices on older iOS versions can run it. Anyone on current iOS 17 or iOS 18 hardware is most likely locked out.
Which one should you use?
Beginner who wants the fastest setup: Use Scarlet
Want more stability and do not mind using a PC: Use AltStore
On a supported older iOS version and want permanent installs: Use TrollStore
Want zero revocation and do not mind $99/year: Use Scarlet with a Developer certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Scarlet work on iOS 18?
Yes. All 4 installation methods work on iOS 18 and iOS 18+. Problems after an iOS update almost always trace back to a revoked certificate rather than a compatibility issue. A fresh install from the official site resolves it.
Does Scarlet work on an iPad?
Yes. Any iPad running iOS 15 or later can run Scarlet, including the iPad Air and iPad Pro. The install steps are identical to those of the iPhone.
Can Apple ban my account for using Scarlet?
No bans on personal Apple ID accounts have been reported from Scarlet's use. The direct install method does not touch your Apple ID at all, so the account risk is nearly zero. The Developer Install method connects to your Apple Developer account, which adds a small amount of risk if misused. Apple's standard response to tools like Scarlet is certificate revocation, not account action.
Is Scarlet the same as a jailbreak?
No. A jailbreak permanently rewrites iOS system files and strips out core security restrictions. Scarlet does not touch any of that. It runs inside a certificate framework that Apple already supports and leaves your iPhone completely stock.
Where do I get help if Scarlet stops working?
The Scarlet Discord server, the r/sideloaded subreddit, and the official GitHub page are the 3 best places to go. Working certificates are shared there, revocations are reported quickly, and real users help troubleshoot in real time.
Will Scarlet keep working in the future?
Most likely yes. Apple keeps revoking certificates, but has not managed to permanently shut down this method of sideloading. The EU's Digital Markets Act, which legally requires Apple to allow third-party app distribution across Europe, has also helped make sideloading more widely accepted globally. As long as valid certificates keep coming, Scarlet keeps working. That has held true consistently since launch.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, Scarlet iOS is a free, no-jailbreak app installer that puts tweaked apps, emulators, modded games, and restricted IPA files within reach on any supported iPhone. Certificate signing powers the whole thing, setup takes under 3 minutes, and iOS 15 through iOS 18 are all covered.
Stick to scarlet ios for every download. A Scarlet that stops opening is a certificate problem, not a broken app. Delete it, reinstall it, and you're running again in under 3 minutes. Persistent revocation issues disappear entirely with the Computer Install or Developer Install method.
Most users will never need anything beyond the free direct install. Anyone chasing more stability will find the right answer in the comparison section above.
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