Installation Guide

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

⚠️ Important Warning

If you update or reset your iDevice, your pairing file will expire and you will need to replace it. This also occurs at random times due to Apple's software architecture.

🔧 What is iloader?

iloader allows us to create a pairing file for programs like StikDebug to talk to your device remotely. This pairing file is device-specific and required for core functionality.

⚙️

Prerequisites

Before installing StikDebug, you need to set up iloader on your computer. Choose your operating system below:

🍎

macOS

  1. 1
    Download and install iloader for Mac from GitHub
  2. 2
    Open the downloaded DMG file
  3. 3
    Drag iloader to your Applications folder
  4. 4
    Launch iloader from Applications
🪟

Windows

  1. 1
    Download and install iTunes from Apple's website (required for device communication)
  2. 2
    Download the iloader installer (exe or msi) from the GitHub repository
  3. 3
    Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
  4. 4
    Launch iloader from the Start menu
🐧

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, you need to create and place the pairing file for StikDebug:

  1. 1
    Connect your device: For best results, connect your iDevice to your computer via USB. Wireless may work if the device appears in iloader.
  2. 2
    Launch iloader: Open the iloader application on your computer.
  3. 3
    Manage Pairing File: Click the "Manage Pairing File" button in iloader.
  4. 4
    Place Pairing File: To the right of "StikDebug" (and any other apps you wish), click "Place".
  5. 5
    Wait for confirmation: Wait for the message: "Pairing file placed successfully!"

Your pairing file is now set up 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 StikDebug IPA file 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 will check 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 error about an expired pairing file, you need to create a new one using iloader. This can happen after iOS updates or device resets.
  • 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
  • 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:

Need Help?

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