---
title: Install Empo
description: Requirements for Empo, how to sideload the app, and how to get update notifications.
sidebar:
  icon: download
---

Empo is pre-release, so it is not on the App Store. Each tagged release ships an unsigned
`.ipa` file that you install yourself.

## Requirements

An iPhone or an iPad with iOS 26 or newer, a sideloading tool, and a game to play. Empo ships
no games. [Requirements](/requirements) has the full list.

## Install the app

1. **Download the IPA**

    Open the [Releases page](https://github.com/mateo-m/empo-app/releases). Download the `.ipa`
    file from the newest release.

2. **Sideload it**

    Install the `.ipa` file with AltStore, SideStore, or Sideloadly. Each tool documents its own
    steps.

3. **Trust the developer**

    If iOS refuses to open the app, go to **Settings → General → VPN & Device Management**.
    Trust the profile that signed the app. This step applies to Sideloadly installs.

4. **Open Empo**

    The library is empty at first. Import a game to fill it.

## Get update notifications

AltStore and SideStore can watch Empo for new releases. Add this source:

```text
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mateo-m/empo-app/main/altstore-source.json
```

After you add the source, the store shows Empo updates with the rest of your apps.

## Update the app

Install the new `.ipa` file over the old one. Your games, your saves, and your settings stay in
place, because Empo keeps them in its own sandbox and not in the app binary.

:::warning
Do not delete Empo before you update it. iOS deletes the app sandbox with the app, and your
imported games and saves go with it.
:::