The iPhone,iPad and iPod Touch thread
This post any questions you have about hacking or modding
IOS, and a brief explanation about your options for your iDevice.
I'll keep my basic explanations on the simple side, since you probably aren't very savvy with these things if you are reading this thread.
1. How can you modify an iPod Touch?
You can "jailbreak" iPod touches.
2. How can you modify an AT@T iPhone?
You can "jailbreak" iPhones and "unlock" some iPhones.
3. How can you modify a Sprint, Verizon, or Metro PCS (nonexistent currently, but there's talk of one soon to come)
You can "jailbreak" these iPhones.
4. How can you modify an WI-FI only model iPad?
You can "jailbreak" iPads.
5. How can you modify AT@T model iPad?
You can "jailbreak" iPads and you can "unlock" iPads.
So, now that you have identified the potential modifications that may be available to your device, I will explain a little bit of information about each to help you understand why you should bother.
JAIL-BREAKING:
What is jailbreaking?
Jail breaking is the act of opening the software of an iDevice (most android devices call this process "rooting" instead) to allow unauthorized modifications to be made to the device's operating system and file system.
Why jailbreak your device?
To have access to jail-broken - only apps that extend iDevice functionality!
That's right, most of the best apps made for iDevices are blacklisted from the Apple App store due to violation of Apple's TOS, allow you root access or customization, or apps that replace Apple made apps too well.
This means the ONLY way to obtain these apps are to be jail-broken.
Examples of jail-broken only apps:
*Download videos from Youtube straight to your device
*Use your Data iDevice create a WIFI hotspot
*Pirate app store that provides all App Store apps free
*Customize look of keyboard and keypad
*Change icon transition
*Unlimited icons can fit in dock, folders, and pages
*Numerous Safari web browser extensions, and even new browsers
*Emulators that allow you to play the games you grew up on straight from your iDevice
*Built in download manager and torrent readers
*Change Icon pictures
*Get new lock screens and backgrounds, including motion and interactive lock screens and backgrounds
And more!
Also, to gain root access to your device. You can use command line tools, you can access the iDevice filesystem, and directly interface device with computer without having to use iTunes
Types of Jailbreaks:
Not all jailbreaks work the same way. There are three different types of jailbreaks available:
1. Untethered Jailbreak: This is best case scenario jailbreak. This is a jailbreak that once jail broken will stay that way unless restored or updated.
2. Semi-Tethered Jailbreak: This is the next best thing to an untethered jailbreak if you can't get one. This is a jailbreak that will stay on your device until your device's battery dies or is turned off. If it's rebooted normally it will function without the jailbreak functionality until you reboot it with the jailbreaking program.
3. Tethered Jailbreak: This is a last resort only if you can't find any other type of jailbreak for your iDevice. This means your device is jail broken but if it is turned off or dies you cannot use it at all until you reboot it with the jailbreaking program.
Unlocking:
What is Unlocking?
This is the process of unlocking the sim card tray to read almost any sim card, from any sim card carrier.
Why Unlock your iDevice?
That removes the restriction to AT@T services, opening up your phone to T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Cricket, and more!
This is only available to iDevices that are originally designed for use with AT@T, as it requires a sim card, which any other iDevices
How do I know if my device can be jail-broken or unlocked?
How can I tell if I can jailbreak?
You need to know your device's firmware. To tell that, go to Settings-General-About and note the number for "Firmware". Once you know your device name and firmware, check to see if your device can be hacked. Google is a good place to check. Search for example "jailbreak iPod touch 4th gen 4.2.1". You'll usually find a confirmation or denial of the ability to modify your devices.
If you can't figure it out send me a P.M. with what device you are trying to hack and what your firmware is and I'll let you know.
How can I tell if I can unlock?
A prerequisite of unlocking your device is to be jail-broken, so first you must ensure your device can be jail-broken.
If it can be jail-broken,
1. you need to find the Firmware
To tell that, go to Settings-General-About and note the number for "Firmware".
2. You must then know the base-band.
To find the base-band go to settings-general-about and note the number for "modem firmware".
Search for example "unlock iphone 3g 05.12.01 4.2.1 ". You'll usually find a confirmation or denial of the ability to modify your devices.
If you can't figure it out send me a P.M. with what device you are trying to hack and what your base-band and firmware are and I'll let you know.
*FOR iPhone 3GS OWNERS ONLY:
If you are trying to unlock an iPhone 3GS there is an extra step you must do.
You must check the bootrom version.
----------------------------------------------------------------
To check the bootrom with a Windows computer:
You must have iTunes installed for this to work.
1. Put your iPhone into DFU mode. If you don't know how check Youtube, there are tons of videos.
2. Right Click on My Computer and click on: Properties -> Hardware (tab) -> Device Manager
3. Select the “+” to open submenus tree items for "Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller".
4. Now look for "Apple Mobile Device USB Driver", right click and select Properties.
5. Go to "Details" and find "Device Instance ID".
6. Simply scroll through the string and you’ll find the bootrom version (iBoot) (i.e. 359.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
To check the bootrom with a Mac OSX computer:
1. Put your iPhone into DFU Mode (If you don't know how check Youtube, there are tons of videos about it)
2. Run "System Profiler" and navigate to: Hardware -> USB (menu on left).
3. At the top right under “USB Device Tree” panel click “Apple Mobile Device (DFU Mode)”.
4. Now down under in “Serial Number”, simply go through the string and you’ll find the bootrom version (iBoot) (i.e. 359.3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If it’s 359.3, you have old bootrom. If it’s 359.3.2 or anything above that, its a new bootrom.
If you have an old bootrom device, that's all you need. If you have a new bootrom device, there is another step you must perform.
You must flash the iPad base-band before you jailbreak.
Warnings:
Once flashed, you can never go back to a stock base-band no matter what.
Also, once you have flashed you can never restore to an official firmware. If your device ever gets bricked the only way to get out is if you can restore to a custom firmware.
Flashing the base-band also breaks the GPS function of iPhones.
Before you flash your base-band, you must make sure your iPhone doesn't have the Toshiba base band.
All iPhone 3GS manufactured after the 35th week of 2011 have the Toshiba Base-band.
Flashing this base-band will break the base-band, resulting in hardware failure... meaning you will need to replace the Logic Board to resume correct functionality.
Not all new base-band models have the Toshiba base-band.
Obviously if you purchased yours before the 35th week of 2011 (before Aug. 27 2011) it does not have the Toshiba base-band. If you bought it new after that time, it does.
There is a way to check. Now, I've never had this method fail me personally, but I must warn you I've heard that the serial number trick isn't 100% accurate. While I'm not sure if that's true because it has always worked for me, I feel I should warn you of the potential risk of error.
Check the 3rd, 4th, and 5th numbers of your serial number.
If the number is 135 or above, it cannot be unlocked, period, and attempting to do so will result in hardware failure.
If the number is below 135 you should be able to flash the base-band to the iPad base-band and unlock your phone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Soon I will post a list of devices that are jail-breakable and unlock-able regardless of model or version, as well as some more information. As always, feel free to P.M. me if your question isn't answered in the thread.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll keep my basic explanations on the simple side, since you probably aren't very savvy with these things if you are reading this thread.
1. How can you modify an iPod Touch?
You can "jailbreak" iPod touches.
2. How can you modify an AT@T iPhone?
You can "jailbreak" iPhones and "unlock" some iPhones.
3. How can you modify a Sprint, Verizon, or Metro PCS (nonexistent currently, but there's talk of one soon to come)
You can "jailbreak" these iPhones.
4. How can you modify an WI-FI only model iPad?
You can "jailbreak" iPads.
5. How can you modify AT@T model iPad?
You can "jailbreak" iPads and you can "unlock" iPads.
So, now that you have identified the potential modifications that may be available to your device, I will explain a little bit of information about each to help you understand why you should bother.
JAIL-BREAKING:
What is jailbreaking?
Jail breaking is the act of opening the software of an iDevice (most android devices call this process "rooting" instead) to allow unauthorized modifications to be made to the device's operating system and file system.
Why jailbreak your device?
To have access to jail-broken - only apps that extend iDevice functionality!
That's right, most of the best apps made for iDevices are blacklisted from the Apple App store due to violation of Apple's TOS, allow you root access or customization, or apps that replace Apple made apps too well.
This means the ONLY way to obtain these apps are to be jail-broken.
Examples of jail-broken only apps:
*Download videos from Youtube straight to your device
*Use your Data iDevice create a WIFI hotspot
*Pirate app store that provides all App Store apps free
*Customize look of keyboard and keypad
*Change icon transition
*Unlimited icons can fit in dock, folders, and pages
*Numerous Safari web browser extensions, and even new browsers
*Emulators that allow you to play the games you grew up on straight from your iDevice
*Built in download manager and torrent readers
*Change Icon pictures
*Get new lock screens and backgrounds, including motion and interactive lock screens and backgrounds
And more!
Also, to gain root access to your device. You can use command line tools, you can access the iDevice filesystem, and directly interface device with computer without having to use iTunes
Types of Jailbreaks:
Not all jailbreaks work the same way. There are three different types of jailbreaks available:
1. Untethered Jailbreak: This is best case scenario jailbreak. This is a jailbreak that once jail broken will stay that way unless restored or updated.
2. Semi-Tethered Jailbreak: This is the next best thing to an untethered jailbreak if you can't get one. This is a jailbreak that will stay on your device until your device's battery dies or is turned off. If it's rebooted normally it will function without the jailbreak functionality until you reboot it with the jailbreaking program.
3. Tethered Jailbreak: This is a last resort only if you can't find any other type of jailbreak for your iDevice. This means your device is jail broken but if it is turned off or dies you cannot use it at all until you reboot it with the jailbreaking program.
Unlocking:
What is Unlocking?
This is the process of unlocking the sim card tray to read almost any sim card, from any sim card carrier.
Why Unlock your iDevice?
That removes the restriction to AT@T services, opening up your phone to T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Cricket, and more!
This is only available to iDevices that are originally designed for use with AT@T, as it requires a sim card, which any other iDevices
How do I know if my device can be jail-broken or unlocked?
How can I tell if I can jailbreak?
You need to know your device's firmware. To tell that, go to Settings-General-About and note the number for "Firmware". Once you know your device name and firmware, check to see if your device can be hacked. Google is a good place to check. Search for example "jailbreak iPod touch 4th gen 4.2.1". You'll usually find a confirmation or denial of the ability to modify your devices.
If you can't figure it out send me a P.M. with what device you are trying to hack and what your firmware is and I'll let you know.
How can I tell if I can unlock?
A prerequisite of unlocking your device is to be jail-broken, so first you must ensure your device can be jail-broken.
If it can be jail-broken,
1. you need to find the Firmware
To tell that, go to Settings-General-About and note the number for "Firmware".
2. You must then know the base-band.
To find the base-band go to settings-general-about and note the number for "modem firmware".
Search for example "unlock iphone 3g 05.12.01 4.2.1 ". You'll usually find a confirmation or denial of the ability to modify your devices.
If you can't figure it out send me a P.M. with what device you are trying to hack and what your base-band and firmware are and I'll let you know.
*FOR iPhone 3GS OWNERS ONLY:
If you are trying to unlock an iPhone 3GS there is an extra step you must do.
You must check the bootrom version.
----------------------------------------------------------------
To check the bootrom with a Windows computer:
You must have iTunes installed for this to work.
1. Put your iPhone into DFU mode. If you don't know how check Youtube, there are tons of videos.
2. Right Click on My Computer and click on: Properties -> Hardware (tab) -> Device Manager
3. Select the “+” to open submenus tree items for "Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller".
4. Now look for "Apple Mobile Device USB Driver", right click and select Properties.
5. Go to "Details" and find "Device Instance ID".
6. Simply scroll through the string and you’ll find the bootrom version (iBoot) (i.e. 359.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
To check the bootrom with a Mac OSX computer:
1. Put your iPhone into DFU Mode (If you don't know how check Youtube, there are tons of videos about it)
2. Run "System Profiler" and navigate to: Hardware -> USB (menu on left).
3. At the top right under “USB Device Tree” panel click “Apple Mobile Device (DFU Mode)”.
4. Now down under in “Serial Number”, simply go through the string and you’ll find the bootrom version (iBoot) (i.e. 359.3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If it’s 359.3, you have old bootrom. If it’s 359.3.2 or anything above that, its a new bootrom.
If you have an old bootrom device, that's all you need. If you have a new bootrom device, there is another step you must perform.
You must flash the iPad base-band before you jailbreak.
Warnings:
Once flashed, you can never go back to a stock base-band no matter what.
Also, once you have flashed you can never restore to an official firmware. If your device ever gets bricked the only way to get out is if you can restore to a custom firmware.
Flashing the base-band also breaks the GPS function of iPhones.
Before you flash your base-band, you must make sure your iPhone doesn't have the Toshiba base band.
All iPhone 3GS manufactured after the 35th week of 2011 have the Toshiba Base-band.
Flashing this base-band will break the base-band, resulting in hardware failure... meaning you will need to replace the Logic Board to resume correct functionality.
Not all new base-band models have the Toshiba base-band.
Obviously if you purchased yours before the 35th week of 2011 (before Aug. 27 2011) it does not have the Toshiba base-band. If you bought it new after that time, it does.
There is a way to check. Now, I've never had this method fail me personally, but I must warn you I've heard that the serial number trick isn't 100% accurate. While I'm not sure if that's true because it has always worked for me, I feel I should warn you of the potential risk of error.
Check the 3rd, 4th, and 5th numbers of your serial number.
If the number is 135 or above, it cannot be unlocked, period, and attempting to do so will result in hardware failure.
If the number is below 135 you should be able to flash the base-band to the iPad base-band and unlock your phone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Soon I will post a list of devices that are jail-breakable and unlock-able regardless of model or version, as well as some more information. As always, feel free to P.M. me if your question isn't answered in the thread.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
