# App Store (Recommended)

**The easiest way to get Provenance on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.**

***

## ✅ Installation Steps

### 1. Open the App Store

On your iOS device:

* Tap the **App Store** icon
* Search for **"Provenance"** or **"Provenance Emulator"**
* Or visit directly: [Provenance on App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/provenance-app/id1596862805)

### 2. Download

* Tap **Get** (it's free)
* Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or password
* Wait for download to complete (\~2.5 GB)

### 3. Launch

* Tap **Open** from App Store, or find Provenance on your home screen
* Grant any permissions requested (Files access, notifications)
* You're ready to add games!

***

## 📱 Supported Devices

**Provenance works on:**

* ✅ iPhone (iOS 16.0+) — iPhone 8 or newer, including iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd generation)
* ✅ iPad (iPadOS 16.0+) — iPad 5th gen, iPad Air 3rd gen, iPad mini 5th gen, or any iPad Pro
* ✅ Apple TV (tvOS 16.0+) — Apple TV HD (4th gen) or Apple TV 4K
* ✅ Apple Vision Pro (visionOS 1.0+)
* ✅ Mac (macOS 13.0+ with Apple Silicon)

**Note:** Some systems (like 3DS, PSP, Dreamcast) require more powerful devices for good performance.

***

## 🆓 Free vs Provenance Plus

**Free (App Store version):**

* All 38+ systems supported
* Full emulation features
* On-screen controls and controller support
* Save states and battery saves
* Local library management

**Provenance Plus ($3.99/month, $39.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime):**

* ☁️ **iCloud Sync** - Library, saves, and settings across all devices
* 🧪 **Beta Access** - Test new features early via TestFlight
* 🎯 **Priority Support** - Get help faster
* ❤️ **Support Development** - Keep Provenance improving

**You decide:** The free version is fully functional. Plus supports the project and adds convenience features.

***

## ⬆️ Automatic Updates

**App Store version updates automatically:**

* New features arrive seamlessly
* Bug fixes applied without manual work
* Just keep "Automatic Downloads" enabled in Settings → App Store

**Manual update:**

1. Open App Store
2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
3. Scroll to Provenance
4. Tap **Update** if available

***

## ❓ Troubleshooting

### "This app is not available in your region"

Provenance may not be available in all App Store regions due to Apple's policies. **Alternatives:**

* Use a different Apple ID with a supported region
* [Sideload](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/sideloading) using AltStore (no region restrictions)
* [Build from source](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/advanced/building-from-source) (developers)

### "Cannot download - not enough storage"

Provenance is \~2.5 GB and needs additional space for games:

* Free up space by deleting unused apps/files
* Move photos/videos to iCloud or computer
* Recommended: 10+ GB free for comfortable use

### Installation stuck or won't complete

1. Force-close App Store app
2. Restart your device
3. Try downloading again
4. If still stuck, check Apple's [System Status](https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/) for App Store issues

### App crashes on launch

1. Ensure your device is on iOS 16.0+ (Settings → General → About)
2. Restart your device
3. Delete and reinstall Provenance
4. If still crashing, [report the issue](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/issues)

***

## 🎮 Next Steps

**After installing:**

1. [Import ROMs](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/importing-roms) - Add games to your library
2. [BIOS Requirements](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/bios-requirements) - Some systems need BIOS files
3. [Controllers](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls) - Connect a gamepad for best experience

**Optional:**

* Subscribe to **Provenance Plus** for iCloud sync
* Join the [Discord community](https://discord.gg/provenance)
* Follow [@provenanceapp](https://twitter.com/provenanceapp) for updates

***

## 🔄 Switching from Sideloaded Version

**Already using a sideloaded version?** You can switch:

1. **Backup your data** (library, saves) - see [Restoring Files](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/advanced/restoring-files)
2. Delete the sideloaded app
3. Install from App Store
4. Restore your data

**Note:** App Store and sideloaded versions use different data directories. Manual migration needed.

***

## 🆚 App Store vs Sideloading Comparison

| Feature             | App Store                                    | Sideloading                               |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Installation**    | One-tap from App Store                       | Requires AltStore or computer             |
| **Updates**         | Automatic                                    | Manual re-sideload                        |
| **Revocation risk** | None (official app)                          | Possible (7-day limit with free AltStore) |
| **Provenance Plus** | $3.99/month, $39.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime | Not available (all features free)         |
| **iCloud Sync**     | Requires Plus subscription                   | Requires custom setup                     |
| **Best for**        | Most users (easiest)                         | Power users, free alternative             |

**Recommendation:** Use App Store unless you specifically need free alternative or custom builds.

***

{% hint style="info" %}
Need help? Check the [Troubleshooting Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/help-and-community/troubleshooting) or ask on [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance).
{% endhint %}