# Alternative Installation Methods

**For advanced users who prefer alternatives to the App Store.**

***

## Why Use Alternative Methods?

**Most users should use the** [**App Store**](/getting-started/installing-provenance/app-store.md) - it's easiest and updates automatically.

**Consider alternatives if you:**

* Want Provenance completely free (no Provenance Plus subscription)
* Need custom builds or modifications
* Are in a region where Provenance isn't on the App Store
* Prefer open-source transparency (build from source)
* Want to contribute to development

***

## Installation Options

### 1. Sideloading (Easiest Alternative)

**Use AltStore to install Provenance IPA files without a computer (after initial setup).**

[📖 Full Sideloading Guide →](/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/sideloading.md)

**Best for:** Users who want free alternative to App Store without development setup.

**Pros:**

* No Xcode or development knowledge needed
* Can install on any iOS device
* All features unlocked (no Provenance Plus subscription)
* Updates available (manual re-sideload)

**Cons:**

* Initial setup requires computer
* 7-day limit with free Apple Developer account (AltStore auto-refreshes)
* Manual updates (not automatic like App Store)

***

### 2. Building from Source (Developers)

**Compile Provenance yourself from the GitHub source code.**

[📖 Full Building Guide →](/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/building-from-source.md)

**Best for:** Developers, contributors, or users who want maximum control.

**Pros:**

* 100% free and open-source
* Can modify code and customize
* Can contribute improvements back to project
* Latest features before official release

**Cons:**

* Requires macOS, Xcode, and development knowledge
* More complex setup
* Must rebuild for updates
* Requires Apple Developer account (free or paid)

***

## Comparison: Installation Methods

| Method          | Difficulty   | Cost                 | Updates        | Best For         |
| --------------- | ------------ | -------------------- | -------------- | ---------------- |
| **App Store**   | ⭐ Easiest    | Free (Plus optional) | Automatic      | Most users       |
| **Sideloading** | ⭐⭐ Moderate  | Free                 | Manual         | Free alternative |
| **Building**    | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | Free                 | Manual rebuild | Developers       |

***

## Feature Comparison

| Feature                | App Store         | Sideloading  | Building from Source |
| ---------------------- | ----------------- | ------------ | -------------------- |
| **All systems**        | ✅                 | ✅            | ✅                    |
| **Save states**        | ✅                 | ✅            | ✅                    |
| **Controllers**        | ✅                 | ✅            | ✅                    |
| **Auto updates**       | ✅                 | ❌ Manual     | ❌ Manual             |
| **iCloud sync**        | Plus only         | Custom setup | Custom setup         |
| **Beta access**        | Plus only         | Manual IPA   | Latest code          |
| **No subscription**    | ❌ (Plus optional) | ✅            | ✅                    |
| **Code modifications** | ❌                 | ❌            | ✅                    |

***

## Switching Between Methods

You can switch between installation methods, but note:

**Data is NOT automatically shared:**

* App Store version stores data separately
* Sideloaded/built versions use different directories
* Manual backup/restore needed when switching

**To migrate:**

1. Backup library and saves from current installation
2. Install new version via preferred method
3. Restore backup to new installation

[See backup guide →](/advanced/restoring-files.md)

***

## Recommendation

**For 90% of users:** Use the [**App Store version**](/getting-started/installing-provenance/app-store.md)

* Easiest installation
* Automatic updates
* Official support
* Optional Plus features

**For power users:** Try [**sideloading**](/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/sideloading.md) if you want free alternative

**For developers:** [**Build from source**](/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/building-from-source.md) to contribute or customize

***

## Next Steps

**Choose your method:**

* [📱 App Store Installation](/getting-started/installing-provenance/app-store.md) - Recommended for most users
* [🔧 Sideloading Guide](/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/sideloading.md) - Free alternative
* [💻 Building from Source](/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/building-from-source.md) - Developers

**After installation:**

* [Import ROMs](/using-provenance/importing-roms.md)
* [BIOS Requirements](/getting-started/bios-requirements.md)
* [Controller Setup](/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls.md)

***

{% hint style="info" %}
Need help? Check the [Advanced Installation FAQ](/advanced/faqs-advanced.md) or ask on [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance).
{% endhint %}


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