Installation Guide

Follow this step-by-step guide to install StikDebug and set up iLoader for seamless on-device debugging and JIT on iOS 17.4+

?? Important Warning

If you update or reset your iPhone or iPad, your pairing file may expire and need to be replaced. The StikDebug 3.1 branch also requires a fresh pairing file on iOS 26.4 after the newer connection changes.

?? What is iLoader?

iLoader is the desktop companion that helps you create and manage the pairing files StikDebug needs to talk to your device. The current public iLoader release is v2.2.5, and it supports pairing file management, SideStore setup, and IPA sideloading from one app.

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Prerequisites

Before installing StikDebug, set up iLoader on your computer. Choose your operating system below:

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macOS

  1. 1
    Download the latest iLoader for macOS from the official download page
  2. 2
    Open the downloaded DMG file
  3. 3
    Drag iLoader to your Applications folder
  4. 4
    Launch iLoader from Applications
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Windows

  1. 1
    Download and install iTunes from Apple's website (required for device communication)
  2. 2
    Download the latest iLoader installer (MSI or portable EXE) from the official download page
  3. 3
    Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
  4. 4
    Launch iLoader from the Start menu
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Linux

  1. 1
    Install usbmuxd using your package manager:
    • Debian/Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install usbmuxd
    • Fedora: sudo dnf install usbmuxd
    • Arch Linux: sudo pacman -S usbmuxd
  2. 2
    Download iLoader for your distribution:
  3. 3
    Install or run iLoader:
    • For .deb: sudo dpkg -i iloader.deb
    • For .rpm: sudo rpm -i iloader.rpm
    • For AppImage: chmod +x iloader.AppImage && ./iloader.AppImage

?? Placing Your Pairing File

Once iLoader is installed, create and place the pairing file for StikDebug:

  1. 1
    Connect your device: For best results, connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer with USB. Wireless pairing can work later, but first-time setup is most reliable over cable.
  2. 2
    Launch iLoader: Open the iLoader application on your computer.
  3. 3
    Manage Pairing File: Open the pairing file tools in iLoader.
  4. 4
    Place Pairing File: Place the pairing file for StikDebug and any other supported apps you want to use.
  5. 5
    Wait for confirmation: Wait for the message: "Pairing file placed successfully!"

Your pairing file is now in place and StikDebug can communicate with your device.

Installing StikDebug

Now that iLoader is configured, you can install StikDebug on your iOS device:

  1. 1
    Download the latest StikDebug IPA from the Download page or GitHub releases
  2. 2
    Install the IPA using your preferred method:
    • Sideloadly - Popular Windows/Mac sideloading tool
    • AltStore - On-device sideloading solution
    • Xcode - For developers with Apple Developer account
    • Other sideloading tools that support IPA installation
  3. 3
    Trust the developer certificate in Settings -> General -> VPN & Device Management
  4. 4
    Launch StikDebug on your device

?? First Launch

When you first launch StikDebug:

  1. 1
    The app checks for the pairing file created by iLoader
  2. 2
    If the pairing file is found and valid, you'll see a connection status indicator
  3. 3
    You can now use all features of StikDebug
  4. 4
    Explore the features to get started

?? Troubleshooting

Pairing File Issues

  • Pairing file expired: If you see an expired or invalid pairing error, create a fresh pairing file in iLoader. This is common after device resets and is required after the iOS 26.4 connection update.
  • Device not detected: Make sure your device is connected via USB and trusted on your computer. Try unplugging and reconnecting.
  • iLoader not working: On Windows, ensure iTunes is installed. On Linux, verify usbmuxd is running: sudo systemctl status usbmuxd

Connection Issues

  • Cannot connect to device: Verify the pairing file was placed successfully in iLoader and refresh it after major iOS updates.
  • App crashes: Make sure you're running iOS 17.4 or later. Check the FAQ for compatibility information
  • Features not working: Ensure your device is properly paired and the pairing file hasn't expired

For more help, visit our Support page or check the FAQ.

? Next Steps

Now that StikDebug is installed:

What's Next? Enable JIT for Your Apps

Once StikDebug is set up, enable JIT for your favorite emulators and apps:

Need Help?

If you're experiencing issues during installation, check our Troubleshooting guide, FAQ, or visit our Support page for assistance.