How to Install TrollStore on iPhone Without a Computer

What TrollStore is and why people use it

TrollStore is an app installer for iPhone that lets you put apps on your phone outside of Apple's App Store. It works by using a security gap in iOS that Apple has not fully closed, which means it only works on certain iPhone models and iOS versions. TrollStore itself is free and does not require a computer, but it does require your phone to be in a specific state first.

People use TrollStore to run apps that Apple has removed from the App Store, apps that never appeared there, or modified versions of existing apps. The catch is that TrollStore only works on iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and later models running iOS 14.0 through iOS 16.6.1, or on iPhone 15 and later running iOS 17.0 and above. If your phone is outside those ranges, TrollStore will not install.

Before you start, understand that using TrollStore means you are installing software outside Apple's review process. Apps installed through TrollStore do not get the same security checks as App Store apps, and Apple may patch the gap that TrollStore relies on at any time, which would break it.

Key Takeaways

TrollStore only works on iPhone XS, XR, and later models on specific iOS versions, so check your phone model and iOS version first.
You need to jailbreak your phone or use a computer-based method to install TrollStore the first time, because TrollStore itself cannot bootstrap from nothing.
Once TrollStore is installed, you can add new apps to it directly from your phone without a computer.
TrollStore apps stay on your phone even after iOS updates, but Apple may close the security gap that makes TrollStore work.

Check if your iPhone can run TrollStore

Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look at the Model name and the iOS version. TrollStore requires iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or any later model. If you have an iPhone X or earlier, TrollStore will not work on your phone.

Next, check your iOS version against the supported ranges. If you have an iPhone 15 or later, you need iOS 17.0 or above. If you have an iPhone XS through iPhone 14, you need iOS 14.0 through iOS 16.6.1. If your iOS version is 16.7 or later on an older iPhone, you are outside the supported range and cannot use TrollStore without downgrading, which is not possible for most people.

If your phone does not meet these requirements, TrollStore will not install, and attempting to force it will not work. In that case, you would need to explore other options for running unsigned apps, which are much more limited.

Install TrollStore using a jailbreak or computer method

TrollStore cannot install itself from scratch. You need to get it onto your phone using one of two paths: a jailbreak tool or a computer-based installation method. The jailbreak path is faster if you have the right iOS version, but not all iOS versions have a public jailbreak available.

If a jailbreak is available for your iOS version, search for "jailbreak [your iOS version]" to find current tools. Popular jailbreak tools include Palera1n and Unc0ver, but availability changes as Apple patches security gaps. Once you jailbreak, you can install TrollStore directly from within the jailbreak app.

If no jailbreak is available for your iOS version, you can use a computer-based method. On a Mac or Windows PC, read a tool like TrollInstaller or use Xcode (Apple's free development software) to sideload TrollStore onto your phone. This requires connecting your phone to the computer with a USB cable and following the tool's instructions. The process varies by tool, so follow the documentation for whichever method you choose.

Add apps to TrollStore after installation

Once TrollStore is on your phone, you can add apps without a computer. Open TrollStore and tap the plus icon. You will see options to browse apps from online sources or to select an app file from your phone's Files app.

Most people use TrollStore's built-in app browser, which connects to repositories of apps packaged for TrollStore. Tap Browse, select a repository, and search for the app you want. When you find it, tap it and then tap Install. TrollStore will read and install the app, and it will appear on your home screen like any other app.

If you have an app file already on your phone (an .ipa file), you can also install it directly. Open Files, find the .ipa file, tap it, and choose Open With TrollStore. The app will install from that file instead of downloading it.

Understand what happens to TrollStore apps during iOS updates

Apps installed through TrollStore stay on your phone after you update iOS, which is different from jailbreak apps that usually disappear. This is one reason TrollStore is more stable than older jailbreak methods. However, the security gap that TrollStore relies on may be closed in a future iOS update, which would prevent you from installing new apps through TrollStore, though existing apps would remain.

If Apple closes the gap, you would need to wait for a new jailbreak or computer-based method to become available, or you would need to downgrade iOS if that is possible. For now, TrollStore apps are persistent, but the tool itself is not may provide to work forever.

Manage and remove TrollStore apps

TrollStore apps appear on your home screen and behave like regular apps in most ways. You can delete them by long-pressing the app icon and tapping Remove App, just as you would with any App Store app. Deleting an app from TrollStore does not affect TrollStore itself.

To remove TrollStore entirely, open TrollStore, tap Settings, and look for an option to uninstall. The exact wording depends on your TrollStore version, but there will be a way to remove it. After you uninstall TrollStore, any apps you installed through it will remain on your phone, but you will not be able to install new ones or update existing ones through TrollStore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will TrollStore work if I update iOS?

Apps you installed through TrollStore will stay on your phone after an iOS update. However, you may not be able to install new apps through TrollStore after the update, because Apple may have closed the security gap. Existing apps will continue to work unless they depend on features that the new iOS version removed.

Can I use TrollStore without jailbreaking?

Yes, if you have a computer. You can use a computer-based tool like TrollInstaller or Xcode to install TrollStore onto your phone via USB. This does not require jailbreaking, but it does require a Mac or Windows PC and a USB cable.

What is the difference between TrollStore and the App Store?

The App Store is Apple's official app marketplace, and all apps are reviewed by Apple before release. TrollStore lets you install apps that Apple has not reviewed or has removed. Apps from TrollStore do not get Apple's security checks, so there is more risk if you install an app from an untrusted source.

Can I update apps installed through TrollStore?

Yes, but only if the app developer has released an update through the same TrollStore repository where you found it. TrollStore does not connect to the App Store, so you will not receive updates from Apple. You have to check TrollStore manually or wait for the repository to notify you of updates.

What happens if Apple patches the security gap?

If Apple closes the gap in a future iOS update, TrollStore will stop working for new installations, but apps you already installed will remain on your phone. You would need to wait for a new jailbreak or installation method to become available if you want to install new apps through TrollStore again.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.