How to Install Tachiyomi on iOS (iPhone & iPad Guide)
Tachiyomi is one of the most popular manga reader apps for Android. It’s free, open-source, and lets you add many manga sources in one place. iPhone and iPad users often want the same experience, but Tachiyomi APK isn’t available in the App Store.
The only way to use Tachiyomi on iOS is through unofficial iOS builds made by the community. These work, but they come with limits. Some features may not run smoothly, updates can break the app, and you need to install it through a different method than normal apps.
This guide shows the simplest way to install Tachiyomi on iOS, what you should expect, and safe alternatives if the installation doesn’t work.
Can You Get Tachiyomi on iOS? The Reality Check
Tachiyomi isn’t officially available for iOS. You won’t find it in the App Store, and the developers don’t offer an official iPhone or iPad version. This is mainly because iOS doesn’t allow apps with third-party extension systems like Android does.
Still, there are unofficial iOS ports created by independent developers. These versions let you install a similar app on iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking. They work, but they’re not perfect. Some extensions may fail, updates can break the app, and support is limited.
In short:
You can install Tachiyomi on iOS, but it’s not as simple or stable as using it on Android. This guide will walk you through the safest method currently available.
How to Install Tachiyomi on iOS (No Jailbreak Required)
Below is the simplest method based on current working iOS ports. Steps may change over time, so follow them carefully.
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- An iPhone or iPad running a recent iOS version
- A stable internet connection
- Enough storage space (the app is small, but manga downloads take space)
Step 1: Download the iOS Port
Unofficial iOS builds are usually shared through developer hosting platforms or GitHub releases.
You’ll download a signed version of the app from a trusted source.
(When drafting the final article, we won’t link to unsafe files. We’ll describe the process instead.)
Step 2: Install the App
Once you download the file:
- Tap the download link in Safari.
- Allow the installation when iOS asks for permission.
- Wait for the app to appear on your home screen.
If the app doesn’t install, try again or check if the signing certificate has expired.
Step 3: Trust the Developer Profile
iOS blocks apps from unknown developers until you approve them.
- Open Settings
- Go to General
- Tap VPN & Device Management
- Select the profile for the Tachiyomi build
- Tap Trust
After this, the app should open normally.
Step 4: Set Up Tachiyomi
Once the app opens:
- Add your preferred manga sources
- Adjust reader settings like themes or page style
- Create categories or organize your library
Some sources or extensions may not work exactly as they do on Android, so expect small differences.
What to Expect: Features and Limitations on iOS
Using Tachiyomi on iOS is possible, but it won’t match the full Android experience. Here’s what usually works and what may cause problems.
Features That Usually Work
- Adding manga sources
- Reading online and offline
- Basic library management
- Custom reader settings (themes, reading modes, brightness)
- Downloading chapters for offline reading
These give you most of what you need for everyday use.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
- Some extensions may not install or update
- App updates can break the build
- Unofficial ports may be slower or less stable
- iOS updates may cause the app to stop working
- No App Store support, so reinstalling isn’t always easy
If you want a smooth, guaranteed experience, Android still has the better version of Tachiyomi. But for iOS users, the community builds offer a workable option as long as you understand these limits.
Safety, Legality, and Things to Be Careful About
Installing Tachiyomi on iOS comes with a few risks because the app isn’t official. It’s important to understand these before you continue using it.
Safety Risks
- Unofficial builds may stop working without warning.
- Some downloads may come from unknown sources, which can be unsafe.
- Certificates used to sign the app often expire, causing installation issues.
To stay safer, only download from developers or sources you trust.
Legal and Ethical Points
Tachiyomi itself is legal. It’s just a reader.
The problem is how some users get manga from unofficial sources. Many of these aren’t licensed, which means creators don’t get paid.
If you want to support artists, use official sources whenever you can.
Good Practices
- Keep your iOS updated, but check if the app still works after big updates.
- Avoid giving the app unnecessary permissions.
- Use legal manga sources when possible.
- Reinstall only from trusted places.
Alternatives If Tachiyomi Doesn’t Work on iOS
If the iOS port doesn’t install or stops working after an update, you still have good options for reading manga on an iPhone or iPad. These apps are stable, safe, and built for iOS.
1. Shonen Jump
A simple app with a large library of popular titles.
Low-cost monthly plan and reliable reading experience.
2. Manga Plus
Free to read many chapters legally.
Great for new releases and official content.
3. Viz Manga
Wide range of licensed manga.
Clean interface and stable performance.
4. Tachiyomi Alternatives (iOS-friendly apps)
Some third-party manga readers exist for iOS, but they’re more limited than Tachiyomi. Still, they may work well if you only need basic reading features.
Why Consider Alternatives?
- They don’t break after iOS updates
- They’re safer and backed by official platforms
- They support creators and publishers
- Setup is quick and simple
If you just want a reliable manga reader, these apps may be easier than dealing with an unofficial Tachiyomi port.
Conclusion
You can install Tachiyomi on iOS, but it takes extra steps because the app isn’t officially supported on iPhone or iPad. The unofficial iOS builds work well enough for basic reading, but they come with limits. Some extensions may fail, updates may break the app, and you’ll need to reinstall it from time to time.
If you want full stability, official manga apps may be a better choice. But if you’re comfortable with a more hands-on setup, the iOS port gives you a closer experience to the Android version.
Use trusted sources, stay aware of risks, and choose legal manga options whenever you can. That way you get the most out of the app while keeping your device safe.
