Install guide

Helix on iPhone / iPad

From buying a license to your first encrypted message — sideloaded with AltStore. No App Store, no Apple Developer account, no approval from Apple.

Windows macOS Linux Android iPhone / iPad
iOS requires every app to carry some signature — Apple enforces that in the operating system, and no tool can bypass it. The honest workaround that needs no App Store and no paid Apple account is AltStore / SideStore: it re-signs the app on your device with your own free Apple ID. Apple never sees Helix.

Buy a license

Choose a tier on the pricing page and pay with BTC, ETH or USDT. Your license key appears the moment payment confirms.

Save the key like a seed phrase — no account, no reset.

Get your download + key

You receive the private link to Helix-ios-unsigned.ipa, its SHA-256, and your HELIX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX key. Download the IPA to a computer (or directly on the device if using SideStore).

Install AltStore (or SideStore)

  • AltStore — install AltServer on a Windows PC or Mac, plug your iPhone in once, and use AltServer to install the AltStore app onto the phone. (See altstore.io.)
  • SideStore — an on-device alternative that refreshes over Wi-Fi without keeping a computer running.

Sign in with your own free Apple ID when prompted — this is what signs apps locally. Use a throwaway Apple ID if you prefer.

Sideload the Helix IPA

  1. Open AltStore on the phone → My Apps → +.
  2. Select Helix-ios-unsigned.ipa. AltStore signs and installs it with your Apple ID.
  3. Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and trust your Apple ID developer profile.
  4. Launch Helix from the home screen.
Free Apple ID sideloads expire after 7 days. Keep AltStore/SideStore set to auto-refresh (it re-signs in the background) so it never lapses.

First run — set your unlock secret

No ordinary login. Set a private unlock secret that reveals the real app.

No recovery for the unlock secret. Not stored anywhere we can read.

Activate your license

Account → Activate, paste your HELIX-… key — claims the mobile seat.

Configure your protection

  • VPN & onion network — pick an exit country, fail-closed.
  • Physical Meeting — one tap stops Helix using the mic, camera and GPS. On iOS, also turn on Lockdown Mode (Settings → Privacy & Security) for device-wide hardening against Pegasus-class attacks.
  • Disappearing messages or Compliance mode.

Start using it

  • Add people by invite or QR — outsiders can't reach you.
  • Message, call & video, share files, use your self-custody wallet.

Troubleshooting

"Unable to verify app" / won't open

Trust your developer profile: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → tap your Apple ID → Trust.

App stopped working after a week

Free-Apple-ID signatures expire in 7 days. Open AltStore/SideStore and refresh, and enable background auto-refresh so it never lapses.

"Maximum number of apps" reached

A free Apple ID allows 3 sideloaded apps at once. Remove others, or use a dedicated Apple ID for Helix.

Do I need to jailbreak?

No. AltStore/SideStore work on a standard, up-to-date iPhone.

Get your license