Jailbreaking is a process where you can enhance the functionality of your iOS device. Its main purpose is to install tweaks and add new features. This guide will walk you throught jailbreaking, selecting the right tool, and installing tweaks, themes, and apps on your iPhone or iPad.
This page was created to introduce you to jailbreaking. Along with the frequently asked questions about everything jailbreaking related, you will find links to detailed tutorials on how to jailbreak your iOS and iPadOS.
If you’re new to jailbreaking and want to learn more, this article will walk you through the entire process of understanding what jailbreaking is and how to use it to your advantage.
I have years of experience jailbreaking Apple devices and I wrote this article to introduce you to jailbreak possibilities and advantages. Bring new life into your old iPhone or iPad by installing jailbreak tweaks.
Table of Contents
Jailbreaking usually refers to modifying iPhones and iPads to install Cydia or other package managers to install iOS tweaks. These tweaks are distributed as DEB packages that can be installed on jailbroken devices.
Tweaks let you change the system's appearance, add features to existing components, redesign apps and interfaces, or introduce new functions to iOS. Some of these features are inspired by or copied from Apple. The jailbreaking community often brings new features to older devices that Apple only offers on new ones.
Here are a few examples of what jailbreaking can do for you. Once jailbroken, you can use icon themes with the SnowBoard tweak, add animations to the Home Screen with the Cylinder tweak, or modify the look of the Lock Screen with the Xen HTML tweak. There are thousands of Cydia tweaks available, both free and commercial.
Jailbreaking usually refers to modifying Apple products, but it's not limited to them. You can also jailbreak TVs, PlayStations 4 / PlayStations 5, PSP, Android phones, tablets, and more. It's about liberating your devices so you can use the products you paid for in any way you want. On Android devices, it's more common to say rooting.
The terms "tethered", "semi-tethered", "untethered", and "semi-jailbreak" are used in relation to jailbreaking:
Another term that became popular with the release of the Dopamine is the "rootless jailbreak." Most jailbreaks allowed full access to the file system, known as "rootful". However, because Apple introduced more security measures, it's become harder to achieve rootful jailbreaks, leading to the compromise of rootless jailbreaks.
Rootless jailbreaks do not gain access to the root file system, but you can still install apps and tweaks on your jailbroken device, and access the iDevice via SSH. This is what most users require from a jailbreak. The concept is not new, but Fugu was the first jailbreak to deliver rootless support for iOS 15 and newer.
Today, jailbreaking has become less popular due to improved security features on Apple devices, making it harder to jailbreak the latest models. However, if you're using iOS 16 or below, there are still jailbreak tools available for your device. The jailbreak community is still working on delivering new jailbreak solutions.
What I like
What I don't like
Jailbreaking an iOS or iPadOS device can be safe if you use well-recognized and trusted tools. Be cautious of websites that promote harmful or fake jailbreak solutions, especially for iOS 17 and iOS 18.
It's also important to use trusted sources for jailbreak tweaks, such as Havoc Store or Chariz Repository. These repositories offer quality, verified tweaks that can be safely installed on your device. This does not necessarily mean that other repositories are unsafe. 99.9% of them are safe to access.
In the past, hackers have released paid tweaks for free that contained malware to access data on your device, so always ensure you're downloading packages from reputable sources.
Yes, jailbreaking is legal due to the DMCA directive. However, it doesn't mean that Apple is allowing users to jailbreak their devices. It's the other way around. They doing everything to make it impossible.
Specific laws vary by jurisdiction. In many countries, jailbreaking has never been tested in court, making its precise legal status unclear. Apple doesn't authorize or recommend jailbreaking.
From time to time, hackers release new exploits that allow for the creation of jailbreaks. Installing those exploits used by jailbreak apps is legal. What's more, jailbreaks can be removed after restarting the device.
Often, security vulnerabilities are sent to Apple by hackers so that the security flaws can be patched. This simultaneously makes jailbreaking on newer versions of iOS impossible with the same exploit.
No, jailbreaking isn't the same as unlocking. However, unlocking legacy devices often requires using checkra1n or palera1n jailbreaks to access the device file system and execute scripts. Unlocking an iPhone will bypass the iCloud Activation Screen, allowing the user to access the Home Screen.
There are premium services for iCloud bypass that also support signal activation. This means that after successful activation, users can enable the SIM card and access all features of the device.
Since exploits used to jailbreak iOS and iPadOS are usually fixed in the next firmware release, many jailbreak solutions exist. However, only a few support multiple iOS versions, and most focus on just one.
There are various jailbreak installations available. Some tools are desktop-based, requiring users to connect their iDevice to a computer to proceed. Others can be installed directly on the device and may not require a PC for jailbreaking. Depending on your device type, installed iOS or iPadOS you may choose a different jailbreak.
This collection of tools to jailbreak iOS contains solutions with support for iOS 5 to iOS 18. All of these apps have been tested and proven to deliver a solid solution to jailbreak devices and install tweaks.
The main differences between jailbreaking tools often lie in the exploits they use, which affect the stability of the jailbreak. Other differences may include various tweak injection libraries and different package managers. Older jailbreaks primarily rely on Cydia as their package manager. Those are the best jailbreaks for iPhones and iPads.
Jailbreaking Tools for iPadOS and iOS:
There are various tools and methods to jailbreak your iOS or iPadOS device. Depending on your device model and installed firmware, you need to choose the appropriate software or app. This list will help you quickly find a working jailbreak tool. There are also guides on how to jailbreak for iOS 9 through iOS 18.
Only one checkm8 device can still be jailbroken on iOS 18: the iPad (7th Generation). It is the last device compatible with the checkm8 exploit, making it vulnerable to the palera1n jailbreak. No other legacy devices can install iOS 18, and there are no other jailbreaks compatible with the latest iOS 18.
iOS 17 hasn't received a jailbreak for modern devices. The latest firmware is only vulnerable to palera1n-like jailbreaks. Unfortunately, only iPhone 5 through iPhone X are supported, and none of those can install iOS 17. Therefore, only the iPad Pro 10.5", iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd gen, iPad 6th gen, and iPad 7th gen can be jailbroken. There are fake jailbreaks for iOS 17 – iOS 17.4, such as Checkra1n Mirror, Sileem Repo Extractor, Zeon, and others.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 17.
iOS 16 is the latest firmware with many jailbreak apps that let you install tweaks and enhancements. Importantly, there are iOS 16 jailbreaks compatible with modern iPhones, including iPhone XS to iPhone 14. Legacy devices like iPhone 8 through iPhone X are also supported. This is the last firmware where users can choose from multiple jailbreak apps. Here the most popular iOS 16 jailbreaks are Dopamine and Palera1n.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 16.
iOS 15 jailbreak wasn't as straightforward, and many in the jailbreak community doubted it would be released. Checkra1n was abandoned, leaving even legacy devices unsupported. However, Nebula started working on the palera1n project for iPhone 8 to iPhone X and released it without any announcements. Following this, Linus Henze published Fugu15, supporting iPhone XS and newer. These projects paved the way for other jailbreaks to emerge.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 15.
iOS 14 marked the end of the golden era of jailbreaking. Pwn20wnd, the lead developer behind unc0ver, delivered 0-day jailbreaks for all devices. Additionally, CoolStar's Taurine supported iOS 14.0 – 14.8.1. During this time, checkra1n was still actively developed for legacy devices, allowing almost all devices to be jailbroken on various firmware configurations. Jailbreaks were released quickly and consistently.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 14.
iOS 13 could first be jailbroken with the unc0ver and Odyssey apps. The release of checkra1n was a big step forward, leading to the development of other jailbreak tools for older devices, from iPhone 5 to iPhone X. unc0ver and Odyssey also iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 13.
iOS 12 was compatible with the iPhone 6 through the iPhone X and supported all jailbreak configurations at the time of its release. Nowadays, it's challenging to support all devices released by Apple with modern jailbreaks. However, if you have an older device on iOS 12, you can jailbreak it easily. iPhone XS was shipped with iOS 13.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 12.
iOS 11 was the first firmware supported by the remarkable unc0ver Jailbreak. It also marked the debut of the Electra Jailbreak, created by the controversial figure in the jailbreak community, CoolStar. Alongside the jailbreak, CoolStar introduced a new package manager called Sileo and a new tweak injection library.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 11.
iOS 10 introduced several jailbreak tools with broad support for various iPhones and iPads. Yalu102 was particularly popular in 2016, and there was even a unique jailbreak named TotallyNotSpyware, allowing users to explore Apple devices via the Safari browser. Nothing similar had been publicly released until then. If you own an iOS 10 device, you can use Meridian, which has been updated in 2024 to provide better support for tweaks.
When you think of iOS 9 jailbreaks, Phoenix might come to mind first, but it's not the only option available. There are several solutions that enable you to install Cydia and tweak injection libraries for running tweaks on older devices. There are still iPhones compatible with this firmware that can be jailbroken.
Follow this guide for further instructions to jailbreak iOS 9.
iOS 8 marks the era of jailbreaks using Desktop tools. However, in 2021, EtasonJB was released as a fully untethered jailbreak tool specifically for iOS 8.4.1. While TaiG and PP were once popular options for jailbreaking iOS 8, it's now recommended to use EtasonJB instead. This jailbreak is permanent, meaning you can continue using it even after restarting your device. This proves, that the jailbreak community is still alive.
iOS 7 was successfully jailbroken, marking a significant achievement from the Pangu Team. However, Pangu Jailbreak is no longer available, and there are fake websites falsely claiming to be associated with the jailbreak using its name. In addition to Pangu, there was also the evasi0n7 jailbreak, which supported iOS 7.0 to 7.0.6.
iOS 6, released in 2012, was jailbroken using tools like RedSn0w and Absinthe. This system was running on iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. Since these jailbreaks have not been updated to support modern operating systems,g1lbertJB was released. It supports all devices running iOS 6.0 – 6.1.2 and can run on macOS and Linux.
iOS 5, released in 2011, was jailbroken using tools like RedSn0w and Absinthe. However, these jailbreaks have not been updated to support modern operating systems, making them difficult to run on new computers. To address this, g1lbertJB was released. It supports all devices running iOS 5 and can be executed from macOS and Linux.
Jailbreak tweaks are the most wanted packages for a jailbroken iPhone or iPad. With thousands of tweaks available, finding the best ones can be quite challenging. To save you time, I've reviewed hundreds of tweaks and created a guide to some amazing tweaks for iOS and iPadOS.
What are tweaks for? You can install Cydia tweaks to modify the look of the Lock Screen and Home Screen, add new features like gestures and real multitasking support, alter system animation speed, modify Dock functionality, and much more. There's almost a tweak for everything you can imagine.
You can find all jailbreak tweaks in the Cydia Tweaks category on the website. Follow the link to read more. However, with so many customization options available, it can be overwhelming. Below, I've compiled a list of 10 tweaks that you can start with right after jailbreaking.
If you are running Dopamine Jailbreak, I have great news for you as well. Follow the "Tweaks for Dopamine" article to discover some amazing rootless tweaks that can be installed on iOS and iPadOS. The list includes some of the best free and paid jailbreak tweaks. I would recommend you to install RealCC, AudioRecorder XS, and Spotilife.
10 best jailbreak tweaks compatible with iOS and iPadOS:
Repositories, a concept from Linux distributions, allow users to easily find and download compatible packages. When you jailbreak your device, it's essential to add third-party repositories to your package manager. This gives you access to hundreds of packages including apps, tweaks, themes, hacks, etc.
I created a list of the best repositories for rootful jailbreaks in my article, covering over 80 Cydia Repos and Sources for classic rootful jailbreaks. This will help you find all the tweaks for iOS you can imagine. Most of these are compatible with jailbreaks running iOS 14 and lower, but some may work on newer firmware.
If you running a rootless jailbreak you can go via the Rootless Repositories article where you can find sources for new jailbreaks. Tweaks designed for rootless systems will not work with rootful jailbreaks. Sometimes developers support both environments in one repository. Use Sileo to browse rootless repos.
To get you started, below are links to the most popular jailbreak repositories that support all environments. Add them to access some of the best tweaks released by the jailbreaking community.
Popular Repositories:
A Package Manager is essential application installed while jailbreaking that allows you to add repositories and install packages. Without an APT (advanced package management tool) you can install and manage tweaks, themes, apps, and other components installed by the jailbreak.
Jailbreak tools usually come with a prepacked package manager. Some force you to use a specific one, while others let you choose the default package manager during the jailbreak process. In most cases, you can also switch to different package managers that you prefer by installing it form official repository.
While Cydia is the most popular APT with millions of installs on jailbroken devices, it has been abandoned and hasn't received updates in years. It's a great solution for older iOS firmware, but for newer rootless jailbreaks, alternatives are available. My favorite is Sileo Package Manager, created by CoolStar.
No matter which APT you use, all offer similar features. Additionally, all package managers have interfaces inspired by Cydia, making it easy to switch between them.
Available package managers for iOS and iPadOS:
You should jailbreak your iPhone to install tweaks to enhance the system functionality and appearance, and access apps and games not available in the App Store.
If you jailbreak your iPhone the device will offer its original functionality. A Cydia app will appear on the Home Screen allowing you to install tweaks and packages from different responsories.
No, Apple will not ban you for jailbreaking. However, Apple is recommending users to not jailbreak their device due security issues, and unexpected devices resprings and restarts.
If your iPhone is jailbroken a package manager will appear on the Home Screen. All jailbreak tools inform you about the jailbreak state. After restarting, your iPhone will be not jailbroken.
With a jailbroken iPhone you can install IPA files without a valid certificate, add new features to iOS, change themes, modify the Home Screen and Lock Screen layout, or connect to the device via SSH.
Jailbreaking can void your device's warranty, make it more vulnerable to malware, cause instability or crashes, and prevent you from receiving iOS updates.
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