One of the common hiccups that users have when using AltStore to sideload apps with the AltServer is the could not find AltServer error. This happens when your AltStore on your iPhone can not associate with AltServer, the mate application on your computer. The solution is a must for people who use AltStore to download or update applications which are not available in the official App Store. However, getting an issue like the ‘could not find AltServer’ can be quite troublesome. This article covers how to fix this error, and prevent it in future.
Understanding the “could not find AltServer” error
The error message ‘Could not find AltServer’ is an issue with the connection between your computer and your iOS device. AltServer is a lightweight app that runs on your Windows machine or on your Mac. Its primary purpose is to connect to AltStore on your iOS device, letting you sideload and update applications.
This issue with AltServer generally manifests itself in two cases. The first is when you tried to install AltStore on your iOS device for the first time. Second, on trying to refresh or update sideloaded applications. AltStore in both scenarios must connect with AltServer to finalize the procedure.
The error message indicates that AltStore cannot find AltServer locally by scanning the network. This may arise because of the network problems, wrong settings of the browser, or the security programs. The issue does not let you proceed with the sideloading and does not allow you to install or update apps until an underlying issue is fixed.
The issue is not a sign of a problem with your device or even AltStore itself. Rather, it points to a loss of communication between your iPhone or iPad and the computer that is running AltServer.
Resolve connectivity issues while keeping tabs on your child’s online interactions with ease.
Common causes of the error
There are various causes that can launch the error message, “could not find AltServer.” It is important to find the root cause so that the right fix can be deployed.
Network connection issues:
This error is most often caused by network configuration. AltServer and AltStore require an identical neighboring Wi-Fi signal to work together. Should you have a computer and your iOS device on separate networks, the two cannot detect each other.
As an example, some routers make wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks separate. In public Wi-Fi networks, including those in schools, offices, or cafes, the communication between the devices is usually suppressed due to security considerations. This prohibition prevents AltStore from locating AltServer.
On some routers, client isolation or AP isolation is set to enabled by default. These settings isolate the gadgets under the same Wi-Fi so that they do not detect each other. When this is enabled, it makes AltStore unable to detect AltServer, even when both devices use the same Wi-Fi network.
Service not started:
AltServer requires a number of Apple services. On Windows, the Apple Mobile Device Service should be on. iCloud and iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer) are required to be installed and set up on both Windows and Mac.
Another essential need is Wi-Fi sync. This is a capability to communicate your iOS device to the computer even without a connection. AltStore cannot connect to AltServer via Wi-Fi when Wi-Fi sync is not turned on, except using a USB cable.
AltStore will show the error of could not find AltServer in case none of these services are running or misconfigured. It is especially typical after updates or when Apple software is installed not officially.
Device settings:
One of the things that you need as part of the pairing between your iOS device and your computer is permissions. When you plug your iPhone and iPad into your PC or Mac for the first time, you are required to trust the device. Without this step, it is not possible to use secure communication.
Moreover, your device should grant the appropriate permissions to the AltStore. In case trust or security settings change or are revoked, AltServer may be unable to be detected within AltStore.
Firewall or security software:
Security software and firewalls are meant to prevent unauthorized network traffic. At times, such tools wrongfully block the AltServer, thus disallowing its communication with AltStore. This particularly occurs in Windows computers with a stringent firewall configuration or third-party antivirus software.
Without including AltServer in the list of permitted programs, your firewall might reject incoming or outgoing connections. This causes an error message stating that it could not find the AltServer, even when the rest of the settings are as they should be.
How to fix the could not find AltServer error?
The solution to the error not found in AltServer is systematic. To reestablish communication and continue side-loading apps, follow these steps.
Restart your devices
A basic restart will likely fix network issues.
Steps:
1. Turn off your iOS. Wait upwards of 10 seconds.
2. Restart your iOS device.
3. Reboot your computer (with AltServer installed).
4. After restarting both devices, try connecting again.
Restarts help by clearing temporary network caches and rebooting services. This usually solves the recognition problems between AltStore and AltServer.
Verify network connection
Your computer and iOS device should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Steps:
1. Access Settings > Wi-Fi on your iOS device.
2. Note the name of the network.
3. Find the WiFi or Ethernet connection on your computer.
4. Ensure the network name matches the one configured on your iOS device.
5. Assuming your computer is connected to an Ethernet network, try switching to Wi-Fi.
6. Where applicable, utilize an At-Home network or a personal hotspot.
Assuming that your router does indeed integrate “AP isolation”, deactivate it in the router configuration. The instructions can be found in the manual for your router.
Update software
Obsolete software may have compatibility problems.
Steps:
First, open AltServer on your computer.
Double-click on the AltServer icon in the system name (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
Then, choose Check for Updates.
If an update is available, install it.
You should have opened AltStore on your iOS device.
Next, open the section Settings > Updates.
Finally, apply all possible updates.
Remaining on top of AltServer and AltStore ensures that current bug fixes and compatibility changes are addressed.
Adjust firewall and security settings
AltServer can be blocked by your firewall or antivirus software.
Steps to Allow on Windows Firewall:
1. Open the Start menu, and type “Windows Defender Firewall.”
2. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
3. Tap on the button Change settings.
4. Locate the file AltServer.exe in the list. If you don’t have it, press the button labeled ‘Allow another app’ and navigate to the AltServer installation folder.
5. Select AltServer and check both the “Private” and “Public” boxes.
6. To save changes, click on OK.
Steps to Allow Third-Party Security Software:
First, launch your antivirus or security program.
Then, enter the settings or exclusions spot.
Include AltServer.exe in the list of permitted programs.
Finally, exit your settings and restart your computer.
On macOS:
Go to Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
Next, changes are made by clicking the lock.
Then, go to Firewall Options.
Add AltServer to the list of permitted applications.
Finally, save and exit the settings.
Additional Troubleshooting
In case you are not able to resolve the problem by using the above steps, you should then use the following:
- Reinstall iCloud and iTunes:
You should download iCloud and iTunes directly from the Apple website, not from the Microsoft Store. It is imperative to uninstall the existing versions.
- Restart Apple Mobile Device Service (Windows):
Press Windows + R keys and write services.msc.
Search for the term Apple Mobile Device Service in the list.
Right click and choose Restart.
- Enable Wi-Fi Sync:
Use a USB cable to connect your iOS device to the computer.
Click on iTunes (for macOS Catalina and later) or open Finder in Catalina and later operating systems.
Choose your device.
Select the option to sign up with this device through Wi-Fi.
Trigger the “Apply” or “Sync”.
- Reinstall AltServer:
Remove AltServer from your computer.
Install the pro version using the official site.
Install and configure AltServer once more.
How to prevent this error in the future?
The most effective way to avoid connectivity problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Keep AltServer running:
It is best to keep it running in the background on your computer using AltServer. By closing it, AltStore will not be able to communicate with it.
Enable Wi-Fi Sync correctly:
Ensure that iTunes or Finder has Wi-Fi sync turned on. This enables your iOS device to connect wirelessly to AltServer.
Set AltServer to launch on startup:
Adjust AltServer to start automatically each time the computer starts. On Windows, place AltServer in the Startup folder. In Mac, put it in Login Items under System Preferences.
Update regularly:
Check regularly if both AltStore and AltServer are up to date. The updates resolve bugs and make it compatible with new versions of iOS.
Set a stable private network:
Access a safe, wireless network. Similarly, public or restricted networks that can interrupt communications between devices must be avoided.
Monitor security software:
Check your firewall and antivirus settings periodically. Ensure that AltServer remains allowed even after the software has been updated.
FlashGet Kids tip: Monitor app sideloading on children’s devices
The sideloading of applications can also expose children to unvetted and potentially hazardous applications. FlashGet Kids is a parental control system designed to enable parents to monitor and manage the devices their children possess.
Key Features:
App sideloading alerts:
FlashGet Kids informs parents whenever third-party or sideloaded applications are installed on their children’s devices. This includes apps installed with the help of AltStore or similar tools.
Risk protection:
Sideloaded applications may not undergo legitimate security checks and may pose risks of malware or privacy issues. FlashGet Kids helps parents recognize and address these risks early on.
App restrictions:
FlashGet Kids allows parents to block access to AltStore or other sideloading tools. This prevents children from installing unverified applications without parental consent.
Comprehensive monitoring:
Along with app monitoring, FlashGet Kids features include screen time management, web filtering, and location tracking.
With the help of FlashGet Kids, parents can ensure a safe digital environment and avoid risks associated with downloading sideloaded apps that may be dangerous.
FAQs
Officially, we can install AltStore on a computer with AltServer and app refreshes. There are unofficial ways to set up AltStore that suggest doing so without a computer or using third-party services, but these methods are not the best.
AltStore can be unresponsive for various reasons. Most likely, the issue is because of an inferior Wi-Fi connection or a disabled service such as Wi-Fi sync. Ensure your computer and the iOS device are on the same network.
Sideloading does not go through the official app review process at Apple. This subjects them to threats of downloading applications with malware, privacy concerns, or indecent materials.
