![[FIX] "The data is not in the correct format" error when refreshing apps](https://preview.redd.it/ge4iopi8j5jh1.png?auto=webp&s=1d3ec6ddc1e078457846af0177b6f1f99d9aa25b)
[FIX] "The data is not in the correct format" error when refreshing apps
Hey everyone,
I was recently getting the "The data is not in the correct format" error every time I tried to refresh my apps in AltStore. I did some searching and noticed quite a few people on here were asking for help with the same exact issue.
After some debugging, I finally figured out what was causing it
For me, the issue was being caused by my AdGuard DNS (though this likely applies to other DNS adblockers like NextDNS or Pi-hole). The DNS filter was blocking AltStore from properly communicating with the servers it needs to refresh the apps.
The solution is super simple:
- Disable your custom DNS: (Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > DNS) and temporarily switch your DNS from AdGuard to "Automatic". (If you use a VPN app for AdGuard, just pause it).
- Refresh AltStore
- Turn your DNS back on
Note: If you don't want to toggle this off and on every 7 days, you can check your AdGuard query logs while trying to refresh AltStore and whitelist the specific domains that are being blocked.
Hope this helps save someone a headache :D