It is officially forbidden to install applications from alternative stores. The only exceptions since 2023 are some EU countries.
Install the iMazing utility
The program acts as iTunes, but from another developer. It allows you to transfer files and data between iOS devices and computers with macOS or Windows. Through iMazing, you can download applications that are installed on another device with a valid Apple ID. This option can be considered reliable, because the installation file cannot be changed. But this method does not always work.
To get the app, you need to:
- Install iMazing .
- Connect iPhone to computer via cable.
- Open the program and select “Continue trial period” – the free version is enough for your purpose.
- Go to the side menu to the section “Application Management” – “Media Library”.
- Log in with your Apple ID.
- Find the app through search and download it.
- Click “Install” and the program should appear on your iPhone home screen or in the application library.
Check the Alstors
Alstor is not like a regular app store. You need to search for and download IPA files yourself — they are used by developers to test the functionality of programs. The disadvantage of this option is that you can download an application modified by scammers. However, fake programs of Russian banks appear even in the official App Store. Therefore, in any case, you should be wary if the application asks for unusual access — for example, to the camera . To be sure, you can go to the bank’s website and check if there is any information about the program there.
One of the popular alstores is AltStore. It uses a legal method to install applications through users’ personal certificates. Follow this algorithm:
- Install AltServer utility on MacOS or Windows.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer, unlock it, and grant trust permission if necessary.
- Turn on Wi-Fi sync .
- In the AltServer menu, click Install AltStore and select your iPhone.
- Sign in to your Apple ID. The app will appear on your desktop. If it doesn’t, restart your iPhone.
- In iPhone settings, select General – VPN & Device Management. Select the Apple ID account certificate and click Trust.
- In iOS 16 and later, additionally enable “Developer Mode” in the “Privacy & Security” section.
Detailed instructions for MacOS and Windows are available on the developer’s website.
To install the application, download the IPA file and save it to the standard Files manager. Then open AltStore and click on the downloaded file in the My Apps section. Applications installed this way will work for 7 days. You can set up automatic renewal of the certificate by selecting Background refresh in the AltStore. It is worth considering that Apple allows you to install no more than three left-hand applications.
There are other options for Alstores, such as Scarlet. You can install it directly on your iPhone . Then select “General” – “VPN and device management” in the settings, click on the Apple ID certificate and tap “Trust”. But it is better not to use such Alstores to download applications that use personal data.
Use the mobile version of the site
If you are not ready to take risks, you can turn to mobile versions – many banks have them. To enter your personal account, it is better to use browsers with increased security standards. For example, those that detect and block phishing sites created by fraudsters to steal data. Thanks to neural networks, for example, Yandex Browser has such a capability . If there are signs of danger, the user will receive a corresponding warning.
If you need a foreign application
Restore the program from Apple ID memory
If you previously installed the app and then deleted it, it will remain in your account memory. To re-download it, tap the Apple ID icon in the App Store, go to the Purchased tab → All. There you will see the deleted apps. Tap the cloud icon next to the name, and the program will reappear on your iPhone.
Use a foreign Apple ID
The application that was locally blocked can be found by using a new Apple ID . To do this, you need to log out of your account and create a new account. Specify a different country in the settings. As an address, you can add the location of the hotel or a random one obtained using an online generator. A Russian phone number can be used to confirm registration.
This option is convenient for downloading free applications. Russian cards are not accepted in the App Store, so you will have to look for other ways. For example, MTS and Beeline subscribers can top up their Apple ID account from their phone account. In addition, Apple gift cards still work. Before buying, study the reviews of other buyers and prices – sellers make a markup, and therefore the purchase may be unprofitable.