Here's How You Can Jailbreak An iOS Device Running iOS 5
by Joe White
October 13, 2011
If you're a jailbreak fan, you'll be pleased to know that it is possible to jailbreak Apple's recently released iOS 5 mobile operating system. However, the bad news is that the only solution available is a tethered solution, meaning you'll need to boot your iOS device while plugged-in to a computer in order to regain jailbreak functionality if it powers down.
For this reason, some of you may wish to hold off on jailbreaking (and updating to iOS 5) until an untethered jailbreak solution is available. Both the iPhone Dev-Team and the Chronic Dev Team are working on developing such a solution, meaning it shouldn't be too long until one launches. Alternatively, you can apply the tethered jailbreak now and then apply the untethered solution once it becomes available - the choice is yours.
Furthermore, the below method can not jailbreak an iPhone 4S or an iPad 2. If you want to jailbreak an iPad 2, head over to JailbreakMe (though the website does not yet support iOS 5). Unfortunately, a jailbreak solution for the iPhone 4S is not yet available.
If you do decide to jailbreak via the tethered solution, here's how to do it.
1 - Downloads
You'll need to have downloaded the latest version of redsn0w (links: Mac, PC) and the iOS 5 IPSW firmware file for your iOS device. Below, we've included links to the firmware files (which are hosted by Apple). You'll also need to have installed iOS 5 onto your iOS device. However, if you're hoping to unlock your handset following the update, do not install iOS 5 yet. Because if you do this, you'll update your handset's baseband, potentially making the iPhone un-unlockable.
Here are the iOS firmware file links:
2 - Select the IPSW and jailbreak your iOS device Next, you'll need to launch redsn0w on your computer. Then switch off your iPhone and plug it in (the best way to do this is to plug your iPhone in first then switch it off). Now in redsn0w, click "Extras" and select your iOS 5 .ipsw file. Once you've selected the firmware file, redsn0w will process it. After redsn0w has processed the firmware file, return to the main screen (by clicking "Back"), and click "Jailbreak." On the next screen, ensure that the "Install Cydia" box is ticked, and then continue. The next step involves putting your iOS device into DFU mode. In reds0w, instructions are provided. However, just to give you a heads-up, putting an iOS device into DFU mode involves holding the Lock button for three seconds, the Lock and Home button together for 10, and then just the Home button for a further 10-15 seconds. If you manage to put your iOS device into DFU mode when prompted, redsn0w will take care of the rest. The application will jailbreak your iOS device, and all you'll have to do is sit there and watch the lines of code whiz past on your mobile device's screen (also, be sure to leave your iOS device plugged-in until the process is finished). 3 - Boot tethered Because this jailbreak method can only provide a tethered solution, users must boot their iOS device tethered before they can use Cydia. Furthermore, if your mobile device powers off, you'll need to repeat the process. Here's how to do it. Connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to your computer, turn it off and launch redsn0w. Like before, navigate over to the "Extras" section of the app, select the appropriate IPSW file and wait for redsn0w to process it. Now, in the "Extras" menu, select "Just boot." You'll be asked to put your iOS device into DFU mode like before, only this time redsn0w will boot-up your mobile device instead of jailbreaking it. The boot process will restore jailbreak functionality (unless you do this, you'll be unable to use Cydia on your jailbroken iOS device), and shouldn't take long. 4 - You're done! Once you've completed this, your jailbroken iOS device should be ready to use. Have fun, and remember - if it powers off, or if Cydia isn't working properly, just boot tethered and this should fix the issue. Furthermore, don't forget that you can easily remove the jailbreak by restoring in iTunes - just remember to sync first! Here's a video walkthrough courtesy of iPodUplink. ------- If you enjoyed this article, make sure to download the AppAdvice app. It brings you daily updates on the world of iOS, iPhone, iPad and jailbreak free of charge right to your iDevice - On the App Store now.