GBA4iOS is a favorite among many retro game fans around the world. This emulator app has ensured many great Gameboy games do not fall into extinction in this era of huge technological advancement – especially in the gaming world. Having it installed on phones has turned many mobile devices into the ideal console.
Unfortunately for iOS users, Apple isn’t a big fan of third-party apps. Therefore, they try to make it virtually impossible to use such applications on their devices by revoking their certificates, and with every new OS update.
That’s why you are likely to encounter the error message “GBA4iOS not working.” Should you try to install the app afresh, a prompt will quickly inform you that you can’t download GBA4iOS.
Fixing the GBA4iOS not downloading problem
There are many different solutions to this issue. And chances are that you may have to try every one of them to solve your GBA4iOS download problem. Such a small price to pay for an amazing retro gaming experience.
1. Force restart your iPhone
Hard restarting your device is the simplest and fastest solution to most issues related to tech gadgets. “Can’t install GBA4iOS” is no different.
For iPhone 7 and previous versions, you will have to press and hold the volume down button and side power button until the iPhone logo appears. Wait a few minutes before turning the phone on using the side power button and try downloading GBA4iOS again.
For iPhone 8 and later versions, press and release volume up and volume down versions in quick successions, then press and hold the side power button until the Apple logo and black screen appear. Here is a detailed guide for restarting the iPhone.
2. Use a VPN
Sometimes it is hard to get GBA4iOS for iPhone because developers might have blocked the region from downloading and installing a new setup file (for a while) after receiving many requests from the area. Therefore, using a VPN to change your location could fix the problem.
3. Change the Date and Time
Go to “Settings”, select “general” then go to “Date & Time”. Turn off the “Select Automatic” option and set a date before 2014.
This should download GBA4iOS on iPhone XR or any previous and later versions. Be sure to allow access when it says the app is from “Untrusted Enterprise Developer”.
Follow the steps below:
Settings > General > Profile and Device Management > Select your GBA4iOS Profile > Select Trust
4. Download IPA
Other effective ways of solving the GBA4iOS download problem include downloading the app from cracked app stores and apps like TweakBox and AppValley or getting the IPA files from different platforms online.
Now, the challenge with the IPA files is that you will need the help of external apps and resources like BuildStore, AltStore, Cydia Impactor, or their alternatives to complete the download and installation process.
Furthermore, first-timers must log in with valid Apple ID credentials, and if you are using BuildStore or Cydia impactor, be prepared to part with a subscription fee.
5. Free Certificates
Having seen that GBA4iOS usually fails to work because of Apple revoking their certificate, you will be happy to learn that Alstore can activate a total of 3 apps on your iPhone using the free certificate. This lasts for 7 days after which you can reinstall the app and send it to the AltServer to enjoy another week of uninterrupted app usage.
This means that if you use AltStore to get GBA4iOS downloading on your iPhone, you can make use of the free certificate for as long as you please. Provided you re-sign the GBA4iOS app every 7 days.
AltStore will even help you prevent the expiration of the apps through background app refresh whenever you are using the same Wi-Fi network.
Conclusion
These solutions should help solve your GBA4iOS not downloading problem effectively. Try them out and let us know how it goes. Nothing should stand between you and your favorite retro games. Especially not something that can be fixed.
The entire process might take some time so you should exercise patience. In fact, if some solutions don’t work on the first trial give them a rest try after a few hours. GBA4iOS is one of the best emulators in the market today. It deserves more than a single try of download and installation.
Melvin is a senior writer at iMentality. A DIYer at heart, Melvin loves to craft things in the tech space. He has amassed over a decade of experience in tech writing with special focus on apps and tech guides.