Complete Scarlet iOS FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Scarlet iOS: Every Question Answered

Questions about how Scarlet iOS works, whether it is safe, and how to solve common problems come up again and again. This FAQ collects the most common ones and their answers, creating a single reference that covers everything from first installation to advanced troubleshooting.

Whether you are considering Scarlet iOS for the first time or have been using it for years and need answers to specific questions, this guide has you covered.

If you are new to it, you can get the app from our Scarlet iOS install page.

General Questions

What is Scarlet iOS?

Scarlet iOS is a third-party app installer for iPhone and iPad that allows users to install IPA files (iOS application packages) outside of the official App Store. It signs with a shared certificate instead of your Apple ID and installs apps without a jailbreak or a computer. Apple can revoke that certificate, which stops the apps signed with it from opening. For a detailed explanation, read our guide on what Scarlet iOS is and how it works. Terms like IPA, provisioning profile and revocation are defined in our Scarlet iOS glossary.

Is Scarlet iOS free?

Yes. Scarlet iOS is free to download and use, including IPA installation and repository browsing. For the other reasons people pick it, and the trade-offs, see top 10 reasons to use Scarlet iOS.

Does Scarlet iOS require a jailbreak?

No. Scarlet iOS works on completely stock, unmodified iPhones. It does not require or cause a jailbreak. You do have to trust its enterprise developer in Settings, which lets apps signed with that certificate run on your device.

What is the difference between Scarlet iOS and the App Store?

The App Store is Apple’s official marketplace with a review and curation process. Apps must meet Apple’s guidelines to be listed. Scarlet iOS is a third-party installer with no such review process, allowing apps that Apple would not accept (including tweaked apps, emulators, and developer tools) to be installed on your device.

Who created Scarlet iOS?

Scarlet’s own website names MEG ENTERPRISES LLC as its copyright holder. It does not publish much more about who builds the app or how often it is updated.

Installation Questions

How do I install Scarlet iOS?

Installation involves visiting the official Scarlet iOS website in Safari, tapping the Install button, and then trusting the developer under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > Enterprise App. Apple notes that this needs an internet connection, because iOS checks the developer’s certificate with Apple. The entire process takes under five minutes and requires no computer. Full instructions are in our installation guide.

Which iOS versions does Scarlet iOS support?

Scarlet is confirmed on iOS 14 through iOS 26; iOS 27 support is reported by third parties but not officially confirmed. Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, 2026.

Which devices does Scarlet iOS support?

Scarlet does not publish a device list. What matters is the iOS version: any iPhone or iPad on iOS 14 through iOS 26 is in the confirmed range. You can check your version in Settings > General > About.

Why does Safari redirect me away from the install page?

Ensure you are using Safari and not Chrome, Firefox, or another browser. iOS certificate installation only works through Safari. If you are already in Safari and being redirected, disable any content blockers or VPNs temporarily, then try again.

Why does the app show “Untrusted Enterprise Developer” after installation?

This is normal for enterprise-signed apps until you trust their developer. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, tap the developer under Enterprise App, and tap “Trust.” Apple notes that the device must reverify the developer’s certificate periodically, which needs an internet connection.

Safety and Security Questions

Is Scarlet iOS safe to use?

No sideloading tool is risk-free. When downloaded from the official Scarlet iOS website, the main risks are that Apple can revoke its certificate at any time and that the apps you install through it are not reviewed by Apple. Always download from the official source and be cautious about apps you install through it. Our detailed guide on iOS sideloading safety covers this thoroughly.

Will using Scarlet iOS void my Apple warranty?

Scarlet iOS does not jailbreak your device or modify iOS itself. Apple’s own warranty terms decide what is covered, so if you are unsure, delete Scarlet and the apps you installed with it before a repair visit.

Can Apple detect that I have Scarlet iOS installed?

iOS checks an enterprise app’s certificate with Apple, which is how a revoked certificate stops apps from opening. We cannot verify what data Scarlet itself sends. Scarlet signs with a shared certificate instead of your Apple ID, but enterprise certificates are meant for a company’s internal apps, which is why Apple revokes certificates used for public distribution.

Is it legal to use Scarlet iOS?

Laws differ by country, and this is not legal advice. In the EU, Apple allows alternative app marketplaces under the Digital Markets Act, and it now allows them in Japan and Brazil too. The legality of specific apps you install may vary, so make sure you have the right to any content or software you install.

App Installation Questions

What types of apps can I install with Scarlet iOS?

You can install most IPA files, including tweaked versions of popular apps, emulators, developer builds, enterprise tools, and apps not available in your regional App Store.

Why does an installed app crash immediately after opening?

This is usually a certificate issue. The app’s signing certificate may have been revoked by Apple. If Scarlet iOS itself still opens, reinstall the app through it. If Scarlet does not open either, the shared certificate was revoked: install the newly signed Scarlet first, then reinstall the app. If only this one app keeps crashing, the IPA file itself may be corrupted or may not support your iOS version.

Why does an installed app say “Unable to Install” during installation?

This can occur for several reasons: insufficient storage space, an incompatible iOS version, a corrupted IPA file, or a certificate problem. Check your available storage first, then try downloading the IPA again.

How many apps can I install with Scarlet iOS?

Scarlet iOS does not publish an app limit. In practice, your device storage is the main limit.

Why do my installed apps stop working after a few days?

Usually because Apple revoked the shared certificate the apps were signed with. Scarlet iOS cannot prevent that. When it happens, install the newly signed Scarlet, then reinstall your apps through it.

Emulator-Specific Questions

Which emulators can I install with Scarlet iOS?

Delta, PPSSPP and RetroArch are now in the App Store, so you may not need a sideloaded copy. Emulators that are not in the App Store are usually distributed as IPA files you can install with Scarlet iOS. See our full guide to the best emulators for Scarlet iOS.

Are emulators legal?

Emulator software itself is legal in most jurisdictions. The legality of ROM files depends on your location and whether you own the original game. Consult local law for specifics.

Troubleshooting Questions

What do I do if Scarlet iOS itself stops opening?

Reinstall Scarlet iOS from the official website. You can install over the existing copy; delete it first only if the install does not go through. If Apple revoked its certificate, you need a newly signed copy. Reinstalling Scarlet does not remove the apps you installed with it, but after a revocation those apps need reinstalling too.

What do I do if the install does not start?

Ensure you are using Safari, disable any VPN, clear Safari’s cache in Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data, and try again. If the issue persists, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.

My sideloaded apps disappeared after an iOS update. What happened?

An iOS update does not remove apps by itself. If apps stopped opening around the same time, a certificate revocation is the more likely cause, or the app does not support the new iOS version yet. Reinstall the affected apps through Scarlet iOS.

Still Have Questions?

This FAQ covers the most common Scarlet iOS questions, but the iOS sideloading ecosystem evolves constantly. Sideloading communities on Reddit and Discord can help with niche questions not covered here, but treat advice and download links shared there with care.

Ready to start your sideloading journey? Download Scarlet iOS for free and experience what your iPhone is truly capable of.