[GH-ISSUE #895] [BUG] The folder "Payload" doesn't exist: error while installing ipa #805

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opened 2026-03-03 15:36:28 +03:00 by kerem · 4 comments

kerem commented

2026-03-03 15:36:28 +03:00

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Originally created by @SoCuul on GitHub (Oct 12, 2025).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/LiveContainer/LiveContainer/issues/895

Describe the bug

When trying to install an ipa, frequently it will display an error with the message "The folder "Payload" doesn't exist.".

If the ipa is located locally on the iPhone it seems to do this every time, but if it's loaded from a network location (eg. smb server) it will only sometimes do it. To get the app to install in LiveContainer, I have to go through the "install app" process multiple times before it actually gets to the installation part.

Instructions to reproduce

I've experienced this issue with any ipa file I've tried to install, including ones I know are perfectly fine and install properly through AltStore.

What version of LiveContainer and iOS are you using?

LiveContainer 3.6.1 - iOS 26.0

Other info

No response

Originally created by @SoCuul on GitHub (Oct 12, 2025). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/LiveContainer/LiveContainer/issues/895 ### Describe the bug When trying to install an ipa, frequently it will display an error with the message "The folder "Payload" doesn't exist.". If the ipa is located locally on the iPhone it seems to do this every time, but if it's loaded from a network location (eg. smb server) it will only sometimes do it. To get the app to install in LiveContainer, I have to go through the "install app" process multiple times before it actually gets to the installation part. ### Instructions to reproduce I've experienced this issue with any ipa file I've tried to install, including ones I know are perfectly fine and install properly through AltStore. ### What version of LiveContainer and iOS are you using? LiveContainer 3.6.1 - iOS 26.0 ### Other info _No response_

kerem

2026-03-03 15:36:28 +03:00

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kerem commented

2026-03-03 15:36:29 +03:00

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@hugeBlack commented on GitHub (Oct 17, 2025):

Please provide us with an IPA with this issue as I cannot reproduce this issue with IPAs I have. I highly suspect that the ipa you are trying to install is broken and cannot be decompressed.

@hugeBlack commented on GitHub (Oct 17, 2025): Please provide us with an IPA with this issue as I cannot reproduce this issue with IPAs I have. I highly suspect that the ipa you are trying to install is broken and cannot be decompressed.

kerem commented

2026-03-03 15:36:29 +03:00

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@SoCuul commented on GitHub (Oct 18, 2025):

It seems that installing local ipa files have now solved themselves somehow.

However, when I try to install an ipa from a network share (over smb), it gives this error no matter which ipa I use, until I do it enough times where it just installs properly?

@SoCuul commented on GitHub (Oct 18, 2025): It seems that installing local ipa files have now solved themselves somehow. However, when I try to install an ipa from a network share (over smb), it gives this error no matter which ipa I use, until I do it enough times where it just installs properly?

kerem commented

2026-03-03 15:36:29 +03:00

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@hugeBlack commented on GitHub (Oct 18, 2025):

Still can't confirm. You might need to wait for iOS to fully download the ipa before installing.

@hugeBlack commented on GitHub (Oct 18, 2025): Still can't confirm. You might need to wait for iOS to fully download the ipa before installing.

kerem commented

2026-03-03 15:36:29 +03:00

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@lonely0712 commented on GitHub (Feb 7, 2026):

I also get the same error while installing an ipa "https://stikdebug.xyz/index.json" in sidestore + livecontainer app

@lonely0712 commented on GitHub (Feb 7, 2026): I also get the same error while installing an ipa "https://stikdebug.xyz/index.json" in sidestore + livecontainer app