In this article you’ll learn how to jailbreak an iPhone. You’ll also learn WHY people choose to jailbreak their iOS devices, as well as the pros and cons of doing so.
Apple is known for strictly gatekeeping non-iOS apps and software, making their ecosystem of devices exclusive to iOS devices only. It can be frustrating.
That is why the idea of jailbreaking is so appealing to some. But does that mean that you should?
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How to Jailbreak an iPhone
In this section I’ll show you how to jailbreak an iPhone. The process varies depending on the version of iOS software your phone uses.
Typically jailbreaking takes less than an hour. You can do it on your own, or you can pay someone to do the jailbreaking for you.
There are various ways to perform jailbreaking, and here’s one through Unc0ver:
Jailbreaking Your iPhone From Your Computer
- From a computer browser, go to altstore.io
- Download and install the AltServer and drag or move it to Applications
- Find the logo on your desktop’s menu bar at the top, and install the Mail Plug-in
- Open Mail > Preferences > Manage Plug-in > Enable AltStore > Apply > Restart the Mail app
- Plug in your iPhone with a USB lightning cable to connect and sync them
- Open AltServer at the menu bar > install on your iPhone
- The app should appear on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
The AltServer isn’t the jailbreak app yet, but it will help you download the actual one by Unc0ver.
It’s not available on Apple’s App Store or iTunes App Store. That’s why you have to do it via computer first.
Jailbreaking from an iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
- “Untrusted Developer” will likely pop up. Click cancel.
- Settings > General > Device Management > Click on your Apple ID > Trust
- Open your Safari browser > Go to Unc0ver > Click “Open in AltStore” then enter the necessary details
- The Uc0ver tool will download > Open > Tap “Jailbreak” > OK
Source: Youtube.com
- Your phone will reboot > Repeat the last step > This will be the final step with Unc0ver. Your iPhone will briefly reboot again.
Source: Youtube.com
- Upon re-opening, you’ll see Cydia (kind of like the app store) on your home screen – and that’s it! Once that’s working well, it’s now official that your jailbroken iPhone is done.
Source: Youtube.com
As you do this, you need to verify your Apple ID and passcode in some steps. Avoid inputting the wrong passcode repeatedly to avoid disrupting the process.
Pros of Jailbreaking an iPhone
Jailbroken iOS devices can do more things that you typically can’t because of the rules on Apple devices. Here are some of the advantages:
Downloading Unauthorized Apps
Some third-party apps that the official App Store has blocked because of security or licensure reasons can be easily downloaded using Cydia. Examples are:
- Anemone
- Youtube++
- HideMe8
- Ayeris
- SnowBoard
- Activator
- Quick Shoot Pro
The wonders of jailbreaking an Apple device lie mainly in the capability to download apps that allow third-party tweaks.
Apple blocking some new apps doesn’t necessarily mean they’re hackers or viruses (but they can be, so be careful) – they’re just not officially recognized by the iOS version yet.
Display Customization
If you’ve used any iOS device, you know that their user interface is straightforward, standard, and clean.
Some people like this, while others prefer the freedom to customize their home screens and displays. A jailbroken device can do that.
You can customize control center options to your liking, change the look of the default apps, or add some effects (i.e., snow theme).
Remove Apple’s Default Apps
Older Apple devices also have pre-installed iOS versions so that you can’t delete them no matter what. These are the calculator, clock, Facetime, etc.
With an app from Cydia, you can clear up memory space as you delete default apps and install apps that you prefer instead.
For instance, you can set Google Maps as your default map instead of Apple’s.
Free Tethering Hotspot and Networking Tools for iOS Device
There’s a fee for the older operating system if you want to connect your iPhone to your computer and use it as a broadband modem for the wifi hotspot.
You can jailbreak your mobile device to use this for FREE.
Accessing the iOS File System
Jailbroken devices open up access to the file system of your apps. By simply installing a secure shell client, you can access them easily!
Jailbreaking iPhone and Other iOS Devices Is Reversible
So let’s say you regret jailbreaking your iPhone, and you want to go back to the original version.
All you have to do is a system update on your device (be it iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iPod Touch), and the jailbreak will reset. Voila!
Cons of Jailbreaking an iPhone
But why are so many people still hesitant about jailbreaking their Apple devices?
Well, there are disadvantages to consider. Whether or not the cons of jailbreaking outweigh the pros will depend on you.
Jailbreaking Exposes You to Spyware & Malware
A jailbroken device also brings down the security walls of the iOS. Upon activating it, you’ve also disabled some security features that Apple is so strict about.
Many iPhone cell phone spying apps require you to first jailbreak the device so that they can access EVERYTHING on the phone.
Since you’re now free to download third-party apps that Apple doesn’t trust, you can potentially download those that carry security risks.
Say Goodbye to Warranty
Say you’re experimenting with the jailbreaking process, and you suddenly encounter an error that dysfunctions your iPhone.
Once Apple service repairs find out (and it’s easy) that it’s jailbroken, they won’t fix it. And your warranty will be void.
Slowing Down and Lagging of Jailbroken Devices
Apple’s operating system and user interface are smooth and fast because the iOS updates take care of the bugs.
Unfortunately, jailbreak apps and third-party apps are not part of this system. So expect them to contribute to the bugs and lags of your mobile devices.
There will also be conflicts and incompatibilities that will deter the smoothness of your iOS device.
Is Jailbreaking my iPhone Legal?
Before 2012, jailbreaking iPhone devices was illegal.
But during the same year, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act legalized the jailbreaking of the iPhone. It wasn’t until 2015 when it also became legal for iPads.
You won’t be sued for jailbreaking an iPhone, but the policies of Apple still stand. Your warranty will be void, and they won’t fix damages for you.
Why Do People Jailbreak iPhone and Other iOS Devices?
The main reason people jailbreak an iPhone is to get access to features or apps that are not included in the current version of iOS or the Apple App Store.
As they said, “you jailbreak to get out of Apple’s jail”.
Another reason some people might choose to jailbreak an Apple device would be to install iPhone spy apps.
But now, Apple’s features already contain most of the fascinating things jailbreaking can offer. The control center is now customizable.
You can remove default applications and use a hotspot. Some jailbreak apps are still not allowed, though.
Should You Jailbreak Your Phone?
Jailbreaking is no longer as necessary as in years past. Apple consistently updates it’s operating system to include more and more features.
So unless you need to track someone else’s iPhone without them knowing, there are very few good reasons to go through the trouble of jailbreaking a device.
But if, for example, you have an older iOS version and don’t want to buy the latest models, you can consider jailbreaking your phone to try out the new features.
Just think of it as already using a non-Apple phone.
If you want to jailbreak for fun on an old phone, that’s perfectly fine too. After all, it’s REVERSIBLE.
Just be wary of the precautions, and always be careful when playing around with third-party apps.
Conclusion
Jailbreaking your Android or iOS device has been made easier, and there are good reasons as to why people do it. But as with everything, be extra careful during the process.
If you find videos more helpful, here are some Youtube tutorials about the jailbreaking process:
- How to jailbreak iOS 13.5 using Unc0ver jailbreak on iPhone by 9t05Mac
- Making the iPhone Perfect in 2 Minutes – Unc0ver IOS 13.5 Jailbreak by Linus Tech Tips
- How to Jailbreak iPad / iPhone – Jailbreak iOS 12.4 Instructions by HardReset.Info
