General: Can I Jailbreak My iOS Device?

[Dwalls90]

Step 1: Save Your SHSH Blobs

Regardless of your firmware or device, download Redsn0w. Open the program, click extras, click SHSH blobs, click new. Then, select the IPSW iOS Package for that particular firmware and device, and click click "Yes", which will submit these blobs to Cydia's server for safe keeping.

Saving blobs will permit you to later downgrade to a firmware when Apple stops signing it, which means authorizing your device to install that firmware. You shold always save them for every firmware, because it's always anticipated that a downgrade method using blobs will be made available, even if there isn't one at present. This is crucial, in case you need to restore your device's firmware where a jailbreak is available, because sometimes the most up-to-date firmware doesn't have a jailbreak.

Blobs are specific to each firmware and device and are non-transferable. Sometimes Cydia will automatically save blobs for your device, but you should never count on this, as there is no guarantee it always will - it's simply better to do it yourself to be completely sure.


Step 2: Restore your iPhone

NOTE: Before restoring, triple check that the firmware you wish to restore to, has a jailbreak available for your device (check below)
NOTE: Before restoring, make sure you backup your device to either your computer or iCloud

Before jailbreaking, it's a good idea to restore to a clean install of iOS. You may only restore your device to a certain firmware if it meets one of the following requirements:

- Apple is currently signing it
- Your device has blobs saved for that firmware, and there is a downgrade method provided.

At present, the following devices can use blobs to downgrade:

Any Firmware:

- iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4
- iPod Touch 4
- iPad 1

iOS 5 Only:

- iPhone 4S
- iPad 2 & 3

To utilize saved blobs to restore to a firmware that Apple is no longer signing visit iClarified.

Otherwise, to restore to the latest firmware that Apple is signing, plug your device into your computer, open iTunes and click restore. You may then restore from a backup on your computer or iCloud, depending on how you backed up your device.

After restoring, it is advised you run through Step 1 again, to ensure that you saved your blobs properly.


Step 3: Jailbreak

Now that you've prepared, click on the following links for the pertinent device and firmware you have installed. There are often various methods for different devices and firmwares, but I highly suggest you use the links presented here as they are confirmed to work and often the easiest methods. These links below provide the program and method required, along with instructions.

iPhone 3GS (Old Boot-Rom)

5.0.0 -> 6.1.3: YES, Untethered (Use Redsn0w)

iPhone 3GS (New Boot-Rom) / iPhone 4 / iPod Touch 4
5.0.0: YES, Tethered (Use Redsn0w)
5.0.1: YES, Untethered (Use Redsn0w)
5.1: YES, Tethered (Use Redsn0w)
5.1.1: YES, Untethered (Use Redsn0w)
6.0.0 -> 6.1.2: YES, Untethered (Use evasi0n)
6.1.3: YES, Tethered (Use Redsn0w)

iPad 2 / iPhone 4S

5.0.1: YES, Untethered (Use Redsn0w)
5.1.1: YES, Untethered (Use Redsn0w)
6.0.0 -> 6.1.2: YES, Untethered (Use evasi0n)
6.1.3: NO

iPad 3

5.1.1: YES, Untethered (Use Redsn0w)
6.0.0 -> 6.1.2: YES, Untethered (Use evasi0n)
6.1.3: NO

iPhone 5 / iPod Touch 5 / iPad Mini / iPad 4

6.0.0 -> 6.1.2: YES, Untethered (Use evasi0n)
6.1.3: NO


FAQ

How much should I pay for a jailbreak?

Absolutely NOTHING. Anyone that is charging for a jailbreak, is NOT legit. Do NOT waste your money. The real jailbreaks have always been free. Please consider a donation to the developers for their efforts though. They spend countless hours and are not compensated.

What's an old boot-rom versus new boot-rom?

In simple terms, early production 3GS shipped with a boot-rom similar to that of the 3G, which in essence makes the device easier to jailbreak and untether. To determine the boot-rom of a 3GS, click here. Old: 359.3, New: 359.3.2

What's an untethered jailbreak versus a tethered jailbreak?

An untethered jailbreak will apply the jailbreak automatically when the phone is restarted. A tethered jailbreak, will require the "just boot" function of redsn0w to be applied via a USB cable on a computer, every time an iOS device is restarted. Tethered jailbreaks are usually widely available soon after new firmware and device releases, whereas the untethered version takes the jailbreak developers some time to develop.

When will there be a jailbreak/untethered jailbreak available for my device?

No one knows, except for the jailbreak developers. There are a few out there on various teams and most have twitters and will sometimes give status updates. Once it's out, it will be posted here!

How come I don't see a certain firmware above? (i.e. 5.1.0 for the iPhone 4S)

First, firmwares are only displayed if they are for iOS 5 and supported devices or newer. Then, firmwares are only displayed if a jailbreak exists for that given firmware for that device. If a jailbreak doesn't exist on that firmware (except for the most recent firmware, for which a status is always shown), then there is no entry for it.

What should I use to jailbreak this beta iOS software?

Sorry, but due to the fact that only developers have access to this software, and because there are many beta versions before a final release, I will not be writing this guide to support beta software. When a new version of iOS is released, I will add it here, along with any jailbreak solutions when they arrive.

I have no SHSH blobs for my device, can I use my friends? Can I still downgrade?

Sorry, but no! No exceptions. If you have no blobs for a given firmware, you cannot downgrade to it.


If you have other questions, post them below and I will try to answer them, and then post them here.

[OceanView]

For us iPhone 4S owners, how long do you think we have to wait for a JB and Unlock?

[nfl46]

Thanks. This post should be a sticky!

[Dwalls90]

Originally Posted by OceanView

For us iPhone 4S owners, how long do you think we have to wait for a JB and Unlock?

Unlock may be a while ... newer base bands don't seem to receive much attention nowadays.

The JB is always a mystery, hopefully soon.

[Pez555]

nice thread.

cant wait for an untethered JB for iPhone 4.....any day now surely?!

[ritmomundo]

Thank you for this thread! I'm eagerly awaiting the iPhone 4 iOS5 untethered jailbreak. I bookmarked this thread, and I hope the OP keeps it updated

[Dwalls90]

Originally Posted by ritmomundo

Thank you for this thread! I'm eagerly awaiting the iPhone 4 iOS5 untethered jailbreak. I bookmarked this thread, and I hope the OP keeps it updated

Absolutely will!

[srf4real]

Great thread, worthy of the top spot where it is seated currently. There will still be sixteen other directly related threads per day at least.. asking these questions, (because I am the most important person on MacRumors and my thread is different so I don't need to do a search first or try viewing any current discussions) but I'll be watching this one for the answers.


Thanks!

[Riptide62]

Excellent thread. Thank you.

I have a iPhone 3GS which I jailbroke once before using Redsnow. My 3GS was replaced by Apple last June in an out of warranty deal so I guess it would have a more recent Boot-ROM (is there any way to know?)

I recently restored my iPhone to try out the new features in iOS5.0 and really miss LockInfo (vastly superior) and BiteSMS (again, so much better in every way to the stock Messages app). I'd like to Jailbreak again for those apps and for SBSettings.

Am I correct in thinking that there is no way to know if I can have an untethered jailbreak until I actually jailbreak? I'd prefer to wait until there is a proven untethered jailbreak for the iPhone 3GS on iOS5.0, but is that likely to happen given the emphasis on 4 and 4s iPhones?

Thanks to the regular posters on this forum who have made exploration of this device possible for all the countless owners that are less technically advanced like me.

[Dwalls90]

Originally Posted by Riptide62

Excellent thread. Thank you.

I have a iPhone 3GS which I jailbroke once before using Redsnow. My 3GS was replaced by Apple last June in an out of warranty deal so I guess it would have a more recent Boot-ROM (is there any way to know?)

I recently restored my iPhone to try out the new features in iOS5.0 and really miss LockInfo (vastly superior) and BiteSMS (again, so much better in every way to the stock Messages app). I'd like to Jailbreak again for those apps and for SBSettings.

Am I correct in thinking that there is no way to know if I can have an untethered jailbreak until I actually jailbreak? I'd prefer to wait until there is a proven untethered jailbreak for the iPhone 3GS on iOS5.0, but is that likely to happen given the emphasis on 4 and 4s iPhones?

Thanks to the regular posters on this forum who have made exploration of this device possible for all the countless owners that are less technically advanced like me.

Check the FAQ above, there's a link for determining your boot-rom

[Riptide62]

Thank you. I determined that I have the newer Boot-Rom.

I will await an untethered jailbreak.

[Dwalls90]

Hopefully not too long now, let us know how it works.

[Polo2883]

I am hoping for jailbreak soon. It would make switching from Android to iOS much better

[Dhelsdon]

Nice thread, should be stickied!

[Invincibilizer]

LOL

this thread got stickied and then un-stickied!

[Dwalls90]

Originally Posted by Dhelsdon

Nice thread, should be stickied!

Originally Posted by Invincibilizer

LOL

this thread got stickied and then un-stickied!

I agree, but the mods disagree. Feel free to send annk a PM. I'm sure if enough of the community voice their opinion they will reconsider.

[vong]

Very nice, thanks for this!!

[Dwalls90]

Originally Posted by vong

Very nice, thanks for this!!

[labman]

for what it's worth I sent a request to the mods. We could use it stickied for sure. Even though most people don't seem to bother with them. I also think the hack section doesn't get the attention of some of the other forum sections. the number of multiple threads we have here is ridiculous.

[shortys408]

might want to add in there that the ipad 2 has untethered for 4.3.3

[labman]

Originally Posted by shortys408

might want to add in there that the ipad 2 has untethered for 4.3.3

Ipad has it's one hack section as well as Ipod and Apple TV. Not all of us a versed on all Apple products. people are better off getting info in the appropriate sections. of course this is my opinion the OP might agree. but if that's the case all JB devices should be added.

[shortys408]

Originally Posted by labman

Ipad has it's one hack section as well as Ipod and Apple TV. Not all of us a versed on all Apple products. people are better off getting info in the appropriate sections. of course this is my opinion the OP might agree. but if that's the case all JB devices should be added.

ipad is up there, and it says there is no jb which is not true.

[Dwalls90]

Originally Posted by shortys408

might want to add in there that the ipad 2 has untethered for 4.3.3

Originally Posted by labman

Ipad has it's one hack section as well as Ipod and Apple TV. Not all of us a versed on all Apple products. people are better off getting info in the appropriate sections. of course this is my opinion the OP might agree. but if that's the case all JB devices should be added.

Originally Posted by shortys408

ipad is up there, and it says there is no jb which is not true.

I edited that to make it more clear as to the state of JB for these devices. Instead of putting iPad 2/iPhone 4S together I separated them.

Thanks!

[ritmomundo]

Thanks for updating! I can't believe the mods un-stickied this. At least for the time being (as everyone is waiting for stable untethered iOS5 jailbreaks), this kind of thread is incredibly helpful.

[Dwalls90]

Okay folks, gave it a major overhaul, it should be more accurate, detailed, ect.