Despite Apple’s stringent policies regarding the software available on the App Store, users of Apple devices can still access torrent trackers with relative ease. Here’s a guide on how to navigate this process on your iPhone and iPad.
What is a Torrent Tracker?
Torrents represent a method of file distribution via peer-to-peer (P2P) technology. The primary advantage of torrents lies in their decentralized nature; files are not stored on a single server but are instead distributed among users who share data with one another. This approach alleviates server load and facilitates high download speeds.
Key benefits of torrent programs include:
- A vast selection of diverse digital content, as copyright holders cannot completely block such file distributions;
- Independence from a single source: if the website from which you downloaded a file goes offline, you can still access the file through torrents, as it is shared among numerous users;
- High download speeds compared to other methods, as torrents download data simultaneously from multiple sources;
- The ability to resume downloads if the connection is interrupted.
The main challenge is that Apple does not support torrent tracker operations, leading to the blocking of relevant software in the App Store. However, there are workarounds.
How to Download Torrents Without a Torrent Tracker
Let’s explore an alternative method for downloading files via torrents without needing to install a dedicated client. For this, you will need the “Documents: File Manager & Web” app and a cloud service. Here’s the first hack:
- Download the “Documents: File Manager & Web” app from the App Store.
- Open the app and access the built-in browser to navigate to a torrent site.
- Locate the desired torrent, such as for downloading a series, but do not download it immediately. Instead, copy the magnet link typically provided alongside the torrent.
- Visit a torrent downloading service like ZbigZ or a similar platform. Paste the copied link into the designated field on the service’s homepage and wait for it to upload the files from the torrent to its servers.
- Download the required files from the ZbigZ service.
Using the “Documents: File Manager & Web” app, you can send video files to the “Photos” app or a video player for viewing.
Using the iTorrent Program
iTorrent is a free, open-source client available through GitHub. This client offers a comprehensive set of features typical of a full-fledged torrent program—it supports background downloads, multi-segment downloads, simultaneous management of multiple downloads and uploads, and allows both .torrent files and Magnet links. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Downloads are saved in the native “Files” app, from where they can be opened in any application on your device or transferred to another device via AirDrop or cable. Since iTorrent is not available in the App Store, you will need to use the AltStore service.
- Download AltStore to your computer and launch it. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
- Click on the AltStore icon in the menu near the clock, select “Install AltStore,” and choose your iPhone or iPad.
- For Mac users: open the “Mail” app and activate the AltPlugin.mailbundle plugin. For Windows users: download the latest versions of iTunes and iCloud from the Apple website (not from the Windows Store). During installation, you will need to enter your Apple ID credentials.
- The AltStore icon should now appear on your iPhone’s home screen.
After installing AltStore, you can proceed with downloading and installing iTorrent from GitHub directly onto your device. This method ensures that you can enjoy all the benefits of torrenting without violating Apple’s App Store policies.