The iPhone Dev team releases a software utility called redsn0w for Mac and PC which you can use to jailbreak your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Once you download, and run redsn0w it will optionally install Cydia on your device along with the jailbreak so you can install 3rd party apps. If you want to unlock your iPhone and use a non-supported carrier using redsn0w you will have to use the Extras feature and build a custom ipsw file. There are also others apps including ultrasn0w for unlocking your device. As of now the latest supported jailbreak using redsn0w is iOS 5.0.1 for all devices running the A4 chip. Jailbreaks for the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 with the A5 chip using redsn0w are coming soon.
What is tethered vs. untethered? Generally, an untethered jailbreak is the better option. A tethered jailbreak is less desirable, and should only be used if absolutely necessary. With a tethered jailbreak you will need to connect your device to your computer using the sync cable if you ever need to restart it or if the battery dies. Then while rebooting you will choose “just boot tethered” from the options.
How to jailbreak iOS 5.0.1 with redsn0w (untethered)
Fresh iOS 5.0.1 Use these steps if you have just upgraded to iOS 5.0.1 and have not tried to jailbreak before. If you need to unlock, read all the steps before you proceed.
Connect your device and open iTunes. Upgrade to the new 5.0.1 firmware. Keep your device connected to your computer.
Select the file you downloaded above and let redsn0w build a custom firmware for you.
Now go to Extras > Pwned DFU
Restore your device using the custom firmware in iTunes.
Now you can unlock your iPhone using Gevey SIM, or the updated Ultrasn0w.
Previously Tethered iOS 5.0.1 Jailbreak If you have jailbroken to a tethered iOS 5.0.1 before (as described in the steps below) then follow these simple steps.
Search for and install a new package called Corona 5.0.1 Untether
You will now convert your tethered jailbreak to an untethered jailbreak
Supported Devices with A4 chip
iPhone 4 (GSM)
iPhone 3GS
iPod touch 3G
iPod touch 4G
iPad 1
iPad 2 (not yet, coming soon)
AppleTV 2G (PwnageTool only for now)
Unsupported Devices with A5 chip
iPad 2
iPhone 4S
How to jailbreak iOS 5 with redsn0w (tethered)
Note: This is a tethered jailbreak. This means you will need to connect your device to a computer and use redsn0w as shown below in the last step, each time you want to reboot your device.
Tip If you’ve already upgraded to iOS 5 and have the latest iTunes software, you can jump to step 3.
Unlock notice: If you want to unlock your iPhone don’t upgrade to the latest iOS 5 via iTunes. Read the last step first for details.
Download and install iTunes 10.5 on your Mac or PC
Connect your device and open iTunes. Upgrade to the new 5.0 firmware. Keep your device connected to your computer.
Run redsn0w while your device is connected to your computer.
Click the Jailbreak button labelled: Jailbreak and Install Cydia. Good news! Starting with this release, redsnow just downloads the .ipsw file automatically from Apple for you. No more messing around with ipsw files.
Turn off your device and keep it connected to your computer, then click the Next button.
Follow the steps on the screen to put your device into DFU mode. Here’s how
Hold the power button for 2 seconds
Hold the home button without releasing the power button.
Release the power button but keep holding the home button until installation starts
Wait while the jailbreak completes. You’ll see a series of commands and screens on your device. After a few minutes this process will be complete, your device will restart and you will see the Cydia app icon on your HomeScreen.
Go into DFU mode, from the redsn0w Extras section pick Just Boot and redsn0w will boot your device as tethered.
Steps for Unlock user only
Don’t update to the latest iOS 5 version from iTunes.
Run redsn0w while your device is connected to your computer.
Click Browse and select the .ipsw file you downloaded from step 3. Wait while redsn0w processes & successfully identifies the IPSW file, then click the Next button.
Check the box for “Install Cydia” and click Next.
Turn off your device and keep it connected to your computer, then click the Next button.
Follow the steps on the screen to put your device into DFU mode. Here’s how
Hold the power button for 2 seconds
Hold the home button without releasing the power button.
Release the power button but keep holding the home button until installation starts
Wait while the jailbreak completes. You’ll see a series of commands and screens on your device. After a few minutes this process will be complete, your device will restart and you will see the Cydia app icon on your HomeScreen.
Here is a video demo of using redsn0w on the iPhone with Windows
Use iPhone mods and hacks at your own risk! Installing 3rd Party iPhone apps requires you to jailbreak the iPhone before installing the native software and apps. Browse the full list of all iPhone and iPod touch native 3rd party apps filed under the software category.
App reviewed by Joe Seifi on June 21st, 2009 and filed under Cydia Apps (Viewed 5205 times, 10 so far today). Need help on using these apps? Please read the Help Page.
has anyone had problems with bluetooth on the redsn0w iPhone 2G 3.1.3 upgrade. Mine doesn’t seem to want to pair anymore.
Other problems:
my tmobile prepaid sim is the only one that “works” now. however, when i go to Sbux, my Vonage Mobile no longer works. I have to reset the network settings to get it to work at home.
my att gophone sim won’t work at all anymore.
at least I can make VOIP calls and prepaid calls, so I’m not complaining. but i had all of these features with blackra1n. do you think redsn0w will release a patch or update? anyone know of fixes on cydia that i can try?
I have the Ipod Touch 2G (2.2.1).
Using redsn0W 7.2 and it only stay at the hard drive picture for a long time then when it reboots, it asks me to connect to Itunes to restore the firmware.
Tried 4 times with no luck.
How can I upgrade to 3.0 and jailbreak the same time?
Hey adlantagor, if you notice the file you download has an extention ipsw.zip All you need to do is delete the zip extention and leave it as .ipsw and that’s it.
hey dude, why after download finished (iphone 2g), it cant be opened by redsn0w? i think because of the application format is not ipsw. right? and my question is, how can be opened? please help me mates.
i have an iphone 3g that is unlocked. i used cedia to load a game which i later uninsalled. now i can only recieve calls, since all the menu items are lost. what can i do.
can i ask you something.? i foloow the instructions but i face one problem.. when i go to the file itunes show me 2 folders tha none of them call iphone software updates.. the one called iphone carrier suport and the other itunes plugs in.. and non of them show me the file i should browse.. if you can help me thnx
@Ando redsn0w will not unlock iPhone 3G, as it says above. you have to revert back to 2.2.1 or something for now and unlock using QuickPwn for now until ultrasn0w comes out
Hi i was wondering what OS are u using, looks like vista but the wallpaper is very nice. If your using vista what kind of add on did u use to achieve that desktop ?
I HAVE A 3G IPHONE. IT ALREADY BEEN JAILBROKEN AND UNLOCKED BUT THAN I USED ITUNES 8.2 TO UP DATE IT TO 3.0 OS AND IT SHOWN MY SIM CARD IS NOT VALID. NOW I CAN ONLY MAKE EMERGRNCY CALL. WHAT CAN I DO TO SAVE MY IPHONE.
Looking for the best iPhone, iPad & iPod touch apps? Reviews of the best new iPhone apps daily since 2007. The App Store is a jungle. Go on a safari of over 6,690 iPhone, iPod touch & iPad apps & discover new iOS apps.
Welcome to AppSafari. Our team loves apps and is dedicated to writing iPhone app reviews to help you find the best new & free iPhone apps in the App Store. You can browse the site in either gallery or list layout. Check out our giveaway page to win free apps daily.
hye, I got an iPod touch 8GB. problem is when I try downloading redsow it says safari can’t download file. am I supposed to download on comp?
does app safari have a cydia source?
has anyone had problems with bluetooth on the redsn0w iPhone 2G 3.1.3 upgrade. Mine doesn’t seem to want to pair anymore.
Other problems:
my tmobile prepaid sim is the only one that “works” now. however, when i go to Sbux, my Vonage Mobile no longer works. I have to reset the network settings to get it to work at home.
my att gophone sim won’t work at all anymore.
at least I can make VOIP calls and prepaid calls, so I’m not complaining. but i had all of these features with blackra1n. do you think redsn0w will release a patch or update? anyone know of fixes on cydia that i can try?
how to download it cuz if i click this
iPod Touch 1G Firmware 3.0
its like nothing..error>?..
im so lost with all of this all i want to do is get a good background theme.. i dunno where to start or what to do..! ahhhh lol
y wen i follow all the steps..den later after its written downloading jailbreak data..n after it restart i cnt find cydia in my iphone 3G 16GB?
spotty Just update your red snow
I have the Ipod Touch 2G (2.2.1).
Using redsn0W 7.2 and it only stay at the hard drive picture for a long time then when it reboots, it asks me to connect to Itunes to restore the firmware.
Tried 4 times with no luck.
How can I upgrade to 3.0 and jailbreak the same time?
Hey adlantagor, if you notice the file you download has an extention ipsw.zip All you need to do is delete the zip extention and leave it as .ipsw and that’s it.
This is an awful friggin stupid response thread only questions with little to none answer… geez
hey dude, why after download finished (iphone 2g), it cant be opened by redsn0w? i think because of the application format is not ipsw. right? and my question is, how can be opened? please help me mates.
It seems that the office firewall blocks the connection of RedSn0w to its server, is there a work around for this?
Thanks!
is there any problems if i jailbreak my iphone 3G? i scared to jailbreak but i want to
i have an iphone 3g that is unlocked. i used cedia to load a game which i later uninsalled. now i can only recieve calls, since all the menu items are lost. what can i do.
I have an ipod touch 8gb and i cant find the software for it! My version is 2.2.1
ok i found the solution.. i just revert my firmware from 3.0 to 2.2.1.. and the folders showed up.. sorry
can i ask you something.? i foloow the instructions but i face one problem.. when i go to the file itunes show me 2 folders tha none of them call iphone software updates.. the one called iphone carrier suport and the other itunes plugs in.. and non of them show me the file i should browse.. if you can help me thnx
@Ando redsn0w will not unlock iPhone 3G, as it says above. you have to revert back to 2.2.1 or something for now and unlock using QuickPwn for now until ultrasn0w comes out
Hi i was wondering what OS are u using, looks like vista but the wallpaper is very nice. If your using vista what kind of add on did u use to achieve that desktop ?
Thanks
I HAVE A 3G IPHONE. IT ALREADY BEEN JAILBROKEN AND UNLOCKED BUT THAN I USED ITUNES 8.2 TO UP DATE IT TO 3.0 OS AND IT SHOWN MY SIM CARD IS NOT VALID. NOW I CAN ONLY MAKE EMERGRNCY CALL. WHAT CAN I DO TO SAVE MY IPHONE.