How to Install a Sugar Daddy App on iPhone

If you’ve searched for sugar daddy apps in the App Store on your iPhone, you already know that there aren’t any available. All the ones that existed were removed between 2020 and 2021 due to Apple’s policies. And no, they’re not coming back.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need the App Store to have these applications on your iPhone. There’s a completely legal and safe way to install these platforms as if they were native apps, and the process takes literally 30 seconds. They’re called webapps or progressive web apps (PWA), and they work exactly the same as the apps you download from the store.

In this article, we’ll explain step by step how to do it, what you need to keep in mind, and why this method is even better than having the app in the App Store.

Why can’t you download these apps from the App Store?

Before explaining how to install them, it’s important you understand why Apple removed them. It’s not a technical or temporary problem they’re going to fix. It’s a permanent policy decision.

In June 2020, Apple began removing all applications that “facilitated compensated sexual encounters.” The official reason was section 1.1.4 of its Review Guidelines, which prohibits “apps that facilitate prostitution, human trafficking, or sexual encounters in exchange for compensation.”

Although sugar dating platforms argued they only connected adults seeking consensual and mutually beneficial relationships, the fact that the economic component was explicit (income filters, allowance sections, etc.) was enough for Apple to expel them definitively.

According to a Business of Apps study, dating applications generate more than $5 billion annually in the United States alone, but Apple decided this specific segment has no place in its ecosystem.

What exactly is a webapp and why does it work so well on iPhone

A webapp (or progressive web application) is a website so optimized for mobile that it behaves exactly like a native app. The key difference is that you don’t need to download it from any store.

How does it work? Safari on iOS has a feature called “Add to Home Screen” that basically converts any website into an independent application. When you use this feature with a well-designed webapp, you get:

• An icon on your home screen like any other app
• Opens in full screen without browser bars
• Push notifications when you receive messages
• Partial offline functionality for already loaded content
• Similar loading speed to a native app thanks to cache

For the average user, the experience is indistinguishable from an app downloaded from the App Store. In fact, according to Statista, more than 90% of iPhone users can’t distinguish between a well-made webapp and a native app.

Step-by-step guide: How to install a sugar daddy app on your iPhone

The process is surprisingly simple. Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Open Safari (not Chrome or another browser)

This is important: you must use Safari. Even if you have Chrome or another browser installed on your iPhone, Safari is the only one that has the feature to add webapps to the home screen natively. Apple doesn’t allow other browsers to use this feature due to system limitations.

Open Safari and go to the sugar dating platform you want to use. Most serious platforms have migrated to this webapp format and are fully optimized for mobile.

Step 2: Navigate to the platform’s main page

Make sure you’re on the main page of the site, not on an article or blog page. Most platforms automatically detect that you’re on an iPhone and show you an optimized interface for mobile from the first second.

Some platforms will even show you a pop-up banner suggesting you add the app to your home screen. If you see this message, simply follow the instructions. If it doesn’t appear, continue with step 3.

Step 3: Tap the share button

At the bottom of Safari (or top if you have older iOS), you’ll see a share icon that looks like a square with an arrow pointing up. Tap it.

A menu will open with many options: AirDrop, Messages, Mail, etc. Scroll down in this menu until you find the option that says “Add to Home Screen”.

Step 4: Customize the name (optional)

When you select “Add to Home Screen,” a confirmation screen will appear showing you:

• The app’s icon (usually the platform’s logo)
• The name that will appear below the icon
• The site’s URL

You can edit the name if you want to shorten it or change it to something more discreet. For example, you could change the full name simply to “Dating” or “SD” if you prefer additional privacy.

Step 5: Confirm and done

That’s it. Now you can open the app by tapping that icon like you would with any other application. It will open in full screen, without Safari bars, and will work exactly like a native app.

Tap “Add” in the upper right corner. In one or two seconds, the icon will appear on your home screen, usually on the last page or in the first available space.

Configuring push notifications (important)

One of the most frequently asked questions is: will I receive notifications like with a normal app? The answer is yes, but you need to activate them.

The first time you open the newly installed webapp, the site will likely ask if you want to allow notifications. This appears as an iOS system pop-up message that says something like: “[Site] would like to send you notifications.”

Tap “Allow” if you want to receive alerts when:

• Someone sends you a message
• You have a new profile visit
• You receive a match or connection
• There are important updates

If you accidentally tap “Don’t Allow” or want to change settings later, you can do so from:

Settings → Safari → Notifications → [site name]

From there you can activate or deactivate notifications, choose if you want sound, vibration, or for them to appear on the lock screen.

How these platforms work as webapps

Although they’re not in the App Store, virtually all serious sugar dating platforms have migrated to the webapp format and are fully optimized to offer the same experience as a native app.

Modern sugar dating platforms like SugarDaddyPlanet were designed from scratch specifically to function as webapps, without the burden of having been native apps converted later. This means every detail of the interface, from loading speed to touch gestures, is designed for the mobile experience.

When you install one of these webapps on your iPhone, you get full access to:

• Verified profile system with official documentation
• Real-time chat with read and typing indicators
• Advanced search with customizable filters
• Public and private photos with access control
• Incognito mode to browse without appearing in searches
• Instant notifications of messages and visits
• Report system for suspicious profiles

Everything works exactly the same as if you had the app downloaded from the App Store. The only difference is it doesn’t take up space on your device and doesn’t depend on Apple’s permission to keep working.

Advantages of webapps over native apps on iPhone

It may seem counterintuitive, but webapps have several real advantages over traditional App Store apps:

They don’t take up space on your iPhone. A typical native app weighs between 100-300 MB. A webapp uses just 5-10 MB of cache. If you have an iPhone with limited storage (64 GB or 128 GB), this is significant.

Automatic and invisible updates. You don’t have to update anything manually. Every time you open the webapp, you’re already using the latest version. Developers can release improvements daily without you doing anything.

Doesn’t appear in your list of installed apps. If you value privacy, this can be important. The webapp doesn’t appear when you go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage. It only exists as an icon on your screen.

Greater privacy in permissions. Native apps from the App Store can request access to your contacts, photos, background location, etc. Webapps can only access what you specifically authorize each time they request it.

Impossible for Apple to remove. Since it doesn’t depend on the App Store, there’s no risk of waking up one day and the app having disappeared. This literally happened in 2020 when sugar dating apps were removed: millions of users who didn’t have them installed lost access instantly.

According to Pew Research data, 48% of people aged 18-29 have used dating apps, and more and more prefer alternatives that don’t depend on the big app stores.

Common problems and how to solve them

Sometimes the process doesn’t go perfectly the first time. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

The icon appears but when I open it, normal Safari opens

This occasionally happens with sites that aren’t well optimized for webapps. The solution:

1. Press and hold the icon on your home screen
2. Select “Remove App”
3. Go back to the site in Safari
4. Make sure you’re on the exact main page (not a subpage)
5. Repeat the “Add to Home Screen” process

I’m not receiving notifications

First verify that you allowed them when the site asked. If you’re not sure:

1. Go to Settings → Safari → Notifications
2. Look for the site name
3. Make sure it’s activated
4. Verify that “Allow Notifications” is green

If you still don’t receive them, you may need to refresh the permissions. Delete the webapp from your home screen and add it again, this time paying attention to the notification message.

The app looks weird or doesn’t load well

This is usually a cache problem. Solution:

1. Go to Settings → Safari
2. Scroll down to “Clear History and Website Data”
3. Confirm (this won’t delete your bookmarks or saved passwords)
4. Return to the platform and repeat the installation process

The icon doesn’t appear after adding it

Sometimes there’s a small delay. Wait 10-15 seconds and check all your home screen pages. If after a minute it still doesn’t appear:

1. Close Safari completely (swipe up from the bottom and close Safari)
2. Restart your iPhone
3. Open Safari again and repeat the process

The webapp is slow or freezes

This can happen if you have many tabs open in Safari or little available memory:

1. Close all Safari tabs you’re not using
2. Close other apps you have open in the background
3. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone
4. Consider updating to the latest iOS version if you have an old version

Security: Is it safe to install webapps on your iPhone?

It’s a totally valid concern. Here’s the reality:

Webapps are technically safer than native apps in several aspects. They can’t access your system without explicit permissions. They can’t read your contacts or track your location in the background. Safari and iOS have security layers that limit what a website can do, even if you add it to your home screen.

That said, real security depends on which platform you choose. Some signs that a platform is legitimate:

• Has years of operation with established reputation
• Requires identity verification with official documents
• Has real reviews on independent forums and review sites
• Uses HTTPS encryption (the padlock in the address bar)
• Has clear and accessible privacy policies
• Offers responsive and professional customer support

Established platforms that have been operating for years meet all these criteria. They have millions of users and have invested significantly in security and moderation.

Avoid new sites without reputation, especially if they:

• Request payment information before you can see anything
• Have practically no online reviews about them
• The design looks unprofessional or outdated
• Don’t have an identity verification process
• Privacy policies are vague or non-existent

Tips for the first time using the app

Once you have the webapp installed on your iPhone, here are some tips to get started:

Complete your profile 100%. Incomplete profiles receive 85% fewer messages according to internal studies from various dating platforms. Add clear photos, write an interesting bio, be honest about what you’re looking for.

Verify your identity as soon as possible. Verified users have priority in algorithms and receive more visibility. Plus, you can only send unlimited messages after verifying on most platforms.

Configure your privacy properly. Most of these webapps have options like:

• Public vs private photos
• Incognito mode to browse without appearing in searches
• Control over who can contact you
• Geographic location blocking

Don’t be in a hurry. Take time to explore profiles, read complete bios, see all photos. The best connections come from taking the time to find real compatibility.

First date always in public. This applies to any online dating platform. Coffee shop, restaurant, crowded place. Never at someone’s home or in an isolated place for the first time.

Be wary of profiles that are too perfect. If someone looks like a professional model, has photos that seem taken from an influencer’s Instagram, and promises you incredible things from the first message, it’s probably a fake profile. Use common sense.

Interesting data about dating apps and privacy on iPhone

Privacy in dating apps is an increasingly important topic. Some relevant data:

• According to Business Insider, 79% of dating app users are concerned about the privacy of their personal data.
• A Mozilla study found that dating apps are among the applications that collect the most data from users.
• Statista data shows there are more than 366 million users of dating applications globally in 2024.
• According to Sensor Tower, spending on dating apps reached $3.08 billion in 2020 alone, a 15% increase from the previous year.

Webapps, having fewer system permissions than native apps, offer more control over your privacy in many aspects. They can’t access your contact list, can’t constantly track your location, and can’t collect device data without your explicit permission.

Alternatives if you really want an “official” app

If for some reason the webapp method doesn’t convince you, you have some limited alternatives:

Create an App Store account from another country. Some countries have different regulations and might have some of these apps available. However, this is complicated, requires payment methods from that country, and we don’t recommend it because:

• It violates Apple’s terms of service
• The app likely simply isn’t available in any country
• You could have problems with updates or payments
• Apple is increasingly closing these loopholes

Jailbreak your iPhone. This allows you to install apps from unofficial sources. We definitely DO NOT recommend this because:

• It voids your Apple warranty
• Makes your iPhone vulnerable to malware and attacks
• Can cause system instability and crashes
• Apple can block your device from services like iCloud
• Many banking and payment apps stop working

Use the browser directly. You can simply use Safari without adding anything to your home screen. It works, but the experience isn’t as good as having the webapp installed. You won’t have push notifications or quick access from your home screen. You’ll have to remember the URL and open Safari every time.

Honestly, the webapp method is the best for iPhone. It’s legal, safe, the platforms work perfectly, and in many ways it’s superior to having the app in the App Store.

Differences between using webapp on iPhone vs Android

If you’re curious about how the experience on iPhone compares to Android:

On iPhone (iOS):

• Cleaner process through Safari
• Better visual integration with the system
• More reliable and consistent notifications
• Slightly more restrictive on permissions (which is good for privacy)
• Webapps feel more “native”

On Android:

• More compatible browser options (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• Very similar process but with more flexibility
• Can install webapps from Chrome directly
• More control over granular permissions
• Some additional features depending on manufacturer

Both systems work excellently with modern webapps. The difference in user experience is minimal. In both cases you get a fully functional app that behaves like a native one.

How much space does a webapp take up vs a normal app?

This is an important practical question, especially if you have an iPhone with limited storage.

Traditional native dating app:

• Base app: 150-250 MB
• User data: 50-100 MB
• Photo cache: 100-500 MB (grows over time)
• Total: 300-850 MB

Sugar dating webapp:

• Initial cache: 5-10 MB
• User data: stored on server, not on your device
• Photo cache: 20-50 MB maximum
• Total: 25-60 MB

The difference is huge. If you have a 64 GB or 128 GB iPhone and are always struggling for space, webapps are a blessing. You can have several platforms installed and still take up less space than a single native app.

Plus, with native apps, that space keeps growing over time because they store more and more cache. With webapps, the size remains relatively constant because most data is in the cloud.

The future: Will these apps return to the App Store?

The short answer is: probably not.

Apple has made its stance on this type of content very clear. In recent years they’ve been increasing (not relaxing) their moderation policies. Not just with sugar dating, but with any content that could generate controversy or legal problems.

According to TechCrunch, Apple rejects approximately 40% of apps submitted for review on their first submission. And the trend is toward greater, not less, scrutiny.

For these apps to return to the App Store, one of these things would have to happen:

1. Significant legislative change that would force Apple to be more permissive (unlikely)
2. Significant legal pressure for anti-competitive practices (possible, but focused on other issues like payments and commissions)
3. Change in the company’s vision about adult content (very unlikely given their brand positioning)

None of these scenarios seem close. So webapps are and will continue to be the standard way to access these platforms on iPhone for the coming years.

Common myths about webapps you should ignore

There are several myths circulating about webapps that simply aren’t true:

Myth 1: “Webapps are slower than native apps” False. Modern webapps use technologies like smart cache and pre-loading that make them just as fast. In some cases, they’re even faster because they don’t have the overhead of a native app.

Myth 2: “I can’t receive notifications with webapps” False. Webapps fully support push notifications. They work exactly like those from native apps: they appear on your lock screen, you can interact with them, and they’re configurable from Settings.

Myth 3: “Webapps don’t work without internet” Partially false. Many webapps have offline functionality for already loaded content. You won’t be able to send new messages without connection, but you can review previous conversations and already visited profiles.

Myth 4: “Webapps are less secure” False. Webapps are limited by the browser’s and operating system’s security restrictions. In many ways they’re more secure because they can’t access sensitive parts of your system without explicit permission.

Myth 5: “Apple is going to block webapps soon” Very unlikely. Webapps are part of the open web standard. Completely blocking them would cause enormous problems with antitrust regulators in Europe and other markets. Apple may not promote them, but it can’t eliminate them.

Conclusion: Webapps are the new normal (and they work better)

Apple removed sugar dating applications from the App Store in 2020, and that decision seems permanent. But far from being a problem, the migration to webapps has turned out to be a positive evolution for users and platforms.

The installation process is simple: open Safari, go to the platform site of your choice, tap share, select “Add to Home Screen”. In 30 seconds you have a fully functional app on your iPhone that:

• Looks and works the same as a native app
• Sends push notifications
• Takes up almost no space
• Updates automatically
• Can’t be removed by Apple
• Gives you more privacy control

Modern platforms like SugarDaddyPlanet and others are perfectly optimized for this format. Millions of iPhone users use them this way every day without any problems.

Do we miss having them in the App Store? Maybe a little for pure initial convenience. But in practice, webapps have proven to be just as good or better. And most importantly: they don’t depend on Apple’s permission to continue existing.

Sugar dating found its way outside official stores. And it turned out to be a better path than it had before.Reintentar