Sources checked: 2026-11-11. Tested on a device by staff: not yet. This is compiled from the vendors' own pages, not from running it on a phone.
The AltStore troubleshooting page this is based on says it was last updated 2 years ago, before AltStore 2.3, so treat the list as a starting point.
For AltStore Classic, AltServer must be running on a computer on the same Wi-Fi network as your device. If it is, and the error stays:
- Public, work or school Wi-Fi can stop devices finding each other. Connect the computer to your phone's hotspot and try again.
- Tap Trust on both the computer and the device after plugging in.
- Windows: your firewall may be blocking incoming connections to AltServer. Allow it.
- Windows: if iTunes or iCloud came from the Microsoft Store, uninstall them and install the versions from Apple. Right-click AltServer and choose Run as Administrator.
- Keep iTunes and iCloud running while you use AltServer.
- Last resort: plug the device into the computer. This fixes connectivity but background refresh over Wi-Fi may stop working.
- If the Apple ID will not sign in, AltStore suggests another Apple ID, and says you can create a free one just for AltStore.
Since version 2.3, Remote AltServer exists as another route. If you keep seeing "The provisioning profile is banned", that is a different problem: see "'The provisioning profile is banned' on a free Apple ID".
Full guide: https://nabzclan.vip/threads/62/ and status https://nabzclan.vip/threads/67/
These steps can stop working when Apple or the tools change. The forum thread linked above is kept up to date; check it for the latest.