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The Impactor GUI makes it easy to install IPA and TIPA files to your iOS device. This guide walks you through the complete installation process.

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Prerequisites

Before you begin:
  • iOS device connected via USB
  • IPA or TIPA file ready to install
  • Apple account configured (for standard signing mode)
  • Device trusted and paired with your computer
If this is your first time connecting your device, you’ll need to trust it first. See the device utilities guide for pairing instructions.

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Installation workflow

1

Select your app package

Choose your IPA or TIPA file using one of these methods:
  • Drag and drop the file directly onto the main screen
  • Click Import .ipa / .tipa to open a file picker
The file picker filters for .ipa and .tipa extensions automatically.
2

Configure app properties

In the installer screen, you can customize the app before installation:Basic information:
  • Name: Change the display name shown on your home screen
  • Identifier: Modify the bundle identifier (useful for installing multiple copies)
  • Version: Update the version string
  • Icon: Replace the app icon with a custom image (PNG/JPG)
Click the app icon preview to set or clear a custom icon.
3

Add tweaks and bundles (optional)

Inject additional functionality:
  • Click Add Tweak to select .deb or .dylib files
  • Click Add Bundle to add frameworks, bundles, or app extensions (.framework, .bundle, .appex)
Added items appear in a scrollable list where you can remove them individually.
4

Configure features

Enable optional feature modifications:General features:
  • Support older versions (7+): Allow installation on iOS 7 and later
  • Force File Sharing: Enable iTunes file sharing
  • Force iPad Fullscreen: Use full screen on iPad
  • Force Game Mode: Enable Game Mode optimization
  • Force Pro Motion: Enable 120Hz refresh rate support
Advanced features:
  • Only Register Main Bundle: Register only the main app bundle (enables custom entitlements)
  • Force Liquid Glass (26+): Enable Liquid Glass effects on iOS 26+
  • Replace Substrate with ElleKit: Swap Substrate tweaks to use ElleKit
  • Auto Refresh [BETA]: Automatically refresh the app signature before expiration
5

Set custom entitlements (optional)

If you enabled Only Register Main Bundle, you can provide custom entitlements:
  • Click the + button next to “Entitlements”
  • Select a .plist or .xml entitlements file
  • The file name will display in gray when the feature is disabled
Custom entitlements are only available when “Only Register Main Bundle” is enabled.
6

Choose installation mode

Select how you want to handle the package:
  • Install: Sign and install directly to the connected device
  • Export: Sign and save the IPA without installing
The Install button is only enabled when a device is connected.
7

Select signing method

Choose your signing approach:
  • Pem: Use your Apple account certificate (requires login)
  • Adhoc: Ad-hoc signing without an Apple account
  • None: No signing applied
If you select Pem mode without being logged in, you’ll be prompted to authenticate before installation begins.
8

Start installation

Click Install (or Export if you chose export mode).The app will:
  1. Prompt for Apple login if needed
  2. Navigate to the progress screen
  3. Display real-time progress with status messages
  4. Show a completion dialog when finished
Do not disconnect your device during installation. The progress bar and status text show the current operation.

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Progress tracking

During installation, the progress screen displays:
  • Progress bar: Visual indicator from 0-100%
  • Status messages: Current operation details
  • Progress percentage: Numeric completion indicator

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Status indicators

  • 0-100%: Installation in progress
  • 100%: Installation complete
  • -1 (error): Installation failed - a dialog will show the error details
The Back button is disabled during active installation to prevent interruption.

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Auto-refresh feature

When you enable Auto Refresh during installation:
  1. The app is registered for automatic signature renewal
  2. Impactor monitors the device connection in the background
  3. When the device reconnects, apps are refreshed automatically before expiration
  4. Notifications appear on refresh success or failure

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Managing auto-refresh apps

Auto-refresh apps appear in the system tray menu:
  • Refresh now: Manually trigger an immediate refresh
  • Forget app: Remove from auto-refresh and delete cached files
Auto-refresh is a beta feature. Apps must remain on the device and the device must connect periodically for refresh to occur.

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Troubleshooting

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Installation fails with login error

If you see authentication errors:
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Add or re-authenticate your Apple account
  3. Return to the installer and try again

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Device not detected

  • Ensure the device is connected via USB
  • Trust the computer on your device when prompted
  • Try the Trust Device option in Utilities

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Custom icon not applied

  • Ensure the image is PNG or JPG format
  • The icon loads asynchronously - a loading indicator (⏳) appears while loading
  • Click the icon preview to reselect if needed

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Tweaks not working

  • Verify tweak compatibility with your iOS version
  • Check that ElleKit option matches your tweak’s injection framework
  • Some tweaks may conflict - try installing individually

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Next steps

Device utilities

Manage pairing files and view installed apps.

Settings

Configure accounts and application preferences.

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