What is Jailbreaking [Learn the Basics, Get FAQs and Download Links]

What is Jailbreaking

We reveal all about jailbreaking & download links for your Apple devices on this page.

Learn more about what is jailbreaking and find answers to all your iPhone jailbreaking questions below, download Jailbreak tools/solutions here.

What is Jailbreaking?

Jailbreak is the process of removing Apple software restrictions for iOS devices. Usually, iOS users can install apps from the Apple App Store only. Jailbroken devices allow you to install 3rd party apps that are not offered by Apple. Therefore, jailbreak is the only way to install iOS system tweaks, themes, customization apps and many kinds of Apple dissentient apps.

Jailbreak tools and processes may vary depending on your device model and iOS versions. You should use the most compatible Jailbreak tool according to your device model / iOS version and computer operating system.

You can get the latest version Jailbreak support from the iOS 18.1 Jailbreak (beta), iOS 18 Jailbreak, iOS 17.7 Jailbreak and iOS 17.6/iOS 17.6.1 Jailbreak pages.

What are the Types of jailbreaking tools?

  • Untethered Jailbreak

Untethered jailbreak is defined as a permanent and real solution. You can reboot your iPhone or iPod touch as much as you want without losing jailbreak. Ex: Old Pangu Jailbreak

  • Tethered Jailbreak

Tethered jailbreak is defined as a temporary. It means you will lose the jailbreak every time after reboot. The Tethered method does not allow you to restart your device. Ex : Old Redsn0w Jailbreak.

  • Semi-tethered Jailbreak

Semi-tethered Jailbreak is the combination of the above methods. This method allows you to restart your device with limited use and you need to run the jailbreak tool to get full functional cydia. According to the Semi-tethered jailbreak, it needs to get PC support to run the jailbreak tool repeatedly, when it loses Cydia. Ex- Checkra1n Jailbreak.

  • Semi-untethered Jailbreak

Semi-untethered jailbreak is very similar to Semi-tethered Jailbreak. One and only difference is the Semi-untethered Jailbreak method never asks PC support to resolve Cydia when it is lost in every reboot. Ex: Unc0ver Jailbreak.

  • Semi Jailbreak

Semi Jailbreak is another jailbreak method. It allows you to install themes, tweaks, iOS customization apps and some popular Jailbreak functions with the system root  access of your iPhone or iPad. However, it does not install Cydia on your device. Ritz Jailbreak & Houdini semi jailbreak are the most popular semi jailbreak methods.

  • Online Jailbreak (No PC)

Most jailbreak tools ask PC or Mac support to complete the jailbreak process. JailbreakMe is the only tool which is possible to complete the jailbreak process without using a computer. 

However, Silzee Online JB provides online Jailbreak solution for all full functional Jailbreak methods such as Unc0ver, Chimera, Meridian, G0blin, Saigon, Yalu102, H3lix, Phoenix, JailbreakMe, Home Depot, Pangu JB and Etason JB. Users can download the Silzee Online JB app according to their iOS version from zJailbreak or Xabsi  app store. 

Read more about Online jailbreak methods from Jailbreak without PC Page. 

  • Lightning cable Jailbreak

Lightning cable Jailbreak is another hardware related concept. Hackers turn Apple’s Lightning connector to debug kernel bugs. Because of this method, it can use Lightning cable for future jailbreak. Yuxigon is the lightning connector jailbreak ever.

  • Hardware Jailbreak

Hardware Jailbreak is somewhat different from Software Jailbreak. Some hackers could add extra features to modifying the hardware of iPhones.

Currently, Hardware Jailbreak is only available for iPhones up to iPhone X. Still, Hardware Jailbreak is not available for iPhone XS or higher devices.

Popular Hardware Jailbreaking

* Blinking light effect to Apple Logo

Blinking light effect to Apple Logo

* Speaker lights for Speakers

Speaker lights for Speakers

Unfortunately, Hardware Jailbreak is not as easy as Software Jailbreak. You must have excellent ability to set extra hardware removing iPhone cases.

What is the Legal Status of iOS Jailbreaking?

The legal side of iOS Jailbreaking was first discussed in 2007 mentioning an exception for unlocking carriers  from the Library of Congress. After that, the US Copyright Office directly recognized an exemption to the DMCA to permit jailbreaking which allows iPhone owners to use their phones with applications that are not available from Apple’s store & unlock their iPhones for use with unapproved carriers  in 2010. Previously Apple complained against this exemption saying that jailbreaking to be a violation of copyright law. Then consider DMCA exemptions must be reviewed and renewed every three years or else they expire.

In  2012, the US Copyright Office released a new exemption to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that jailbreaking of smartphones continued to be legal & refused to extend this exemption to tablets, such as iPads. However In 2015, these exemptions were extended to include other devices, including tablets.

Accordingly, software Jailbreak is legal according to the US government. However, Apple may deny service for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that has installed any unauthorized software.

What is the difference of Jailbreaking and Android rooting

Jailbreaking of iOS devices is similar to rooting of Android devices because both are used to grant the system-level privileges, which may be transferred to one or more apps. 

But, Android devices already allow the user to sideload 3rd-party apps installed from other sources. Also allow users to modify or replace the full operating system after unlocking the bootloader. 

However, Apple has security features that bootloaders can not be unlocked by the owner to modify the operating system. Also, it is prohibited to install private applications onto corporate phones, sideloading 3rd-party apps onto iOS devices from sources other than the Apple Store. iOS Jailbreaking removes these restrictions and offers modified or pirated releases of popular apps through Cydia which is similar to Android.

What are the Jailbreakable iOS devices?

Jailbreak is available for all iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches and AppleTVs. However, Jailbreak is not available for iWatch at the time. 

iPhone  – This is the most popular out of all Apple devices. There are many jailbreak tools/alternatives available to Jailbreak iPhone. Find more details from the iPhone Jailbreak page. 

Also there are the latest iPhone models as follows:

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max –  Here are the newest additions to Apple iPhones that come with A16 Bionic chip and A17 Pro chip. These iPhone series were released with iOS 17. Refer to the iPhone 15 Jailbreak page for more details. 

iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max  – This is the latest Apple device released by Apple with iOS 16 version. These devices are manufactured using A16 Bionic chp. You can refer to more details with the iPhone 14 Jailbreak page. 

iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 mini – This series released by Apple with the iOS 15. It comes with Apple A15 Bionic. Find more details with the iPhone 13 jailbreak page. 

iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 mini – Apple released the iPhone 12 series with three new models. iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max were launched at the Apple event with iOS 14.1. Go to the iPhone 12 jailbreak page for more details. 

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max – Apple released the new 03 models as iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max with iOS 13 at the 2019 Apple event. Go to iPhone 11 Jailbreak page for more jailbreak details. 

iPhone X, XS, XS Max and XR – Apple released iPhone XS, XS Max and XR at the iOS 12 launch event with the most powerful A12 bionic chip. Also, Apple released the iPhone X to celebrate their 10th Anniversary with the A11 Processor. Click iPhone X, XS Jailbreak to get more details.

iPad – The iPad has less expandability / limited customization/cannot run third party software. Apple included multitasking features in the latest iPad OS releases. However, some older iPad cannot get these features without jailbreaking. So iPad jailbreak is the only solution to bypass all these restrictions.

iPod Touch – Apple refers to iPod Touch as “iPhone without the phone.” Normally, iPod Touch design is mainly for playing music and video / digital camera /game devices. iPod Touch users cannot get phone calls / cellular network data / voice recording capability/Can not play other media formats. iPod Touch jailbreak allows you to get some awesome features.

Apple TV – Apple TV jailbreak is available to get jailbreak features such as weather slideshows on your TV menu and screen saver settings adjustment. Jailbroken devices will offer Hulu, ESPN, Amazon, Last.fm, Pandora, PBS, A&E, ABC, CBS, NBA, MTV media services.

Apple Watch – Most valuable functions are not available in Apple Watch yet. Web browser support /advance clock types /custom watch faces are the top missing features. Even though Jailbreak is the way to get it, there is no iWatch jailbreak solution for Apple Watches yet.

What are the Jailbreak Alternatives / Jailbreak App installers?

These are alternative jailbreak methods to install jailbreak Apps and tweaks without accessing the iOS file system. These are 100% risk-free solutions with an easy process. Installing these solutions never void your Apple device warranty. 

Redensa – Redensa is a terminal based alternative Jailbreak solution for latest iOS versions. It was introduced for iOS 17 for the very first time and now compatible up to iOS 18.1 beta. It will help you to install Jailbreak apps by running commands through iTerminal.

Download Redensa

Unc0ver Black – This is an alternative to the Unc0ver jailbreak tool. Unc0ver does not work on iOS 15 & higher versions. But Unc0ver Black works on iOS 16-iOS 18.1 beta. When the Unc0ver Black process completes, it will let you install the Cydia Black version on your iPhone or iPad.

Download Unc0ver Black

Sileem – Sileem is brand new jailbreak repo extractor with new features. It is specially designed for iOS 16. Now compatible with iOS 16 – iOS 18.1 beta. It has added many new 3rd party apps & tweaks. 

Download Sileem Repo Extractor

Zeon – Zeon is the jailbreak repo extractor. It was specially designed as a jailbreak app download for iOS 14. Now it has upgraded adding jailbreak support for iOS 14 – iOS 14.8.1. Also compatible with iOS 15 – iOS 16.7.10, iOS 17 to iOS 17.6.1 and iOS 18 & iOS 18.1 beta. It has available massive jailbreak repos under the Zeon for app download. You can install most popular app stores, theme apps, game apps, ++ apps, jailbreak alternatives and many more with Zeon.

Download Zeon 

Hexxa Plus / Hexxa – Hexxa Plus is a jailbreak Repo extractor especially designed for iOS 13. Jailbreak app download is possible with Hexxa Plus by extracting repos for the iOS 13+, iOS 14+, iOS 15+ as well as iOS 16+. You can install popular app stores, Themes, web Oses with Hexxa Plus. Hexxa Plus is an upgraded version of Hexxa. Hexxa repo extractor was initially released for iOS 12.2 and Now it is compatible with all iOS 12 & higher versions up to iOS 12.5.10. Both Hexxa Plus and Hexxa have very impressive features.

Download Hexxa Plus

zJailbreak – zJailbreak is a most popular third party app installation manager. It is an alternative to Cydia as well as the Apple app store. It has many customization apps & tweaks. Also it has an easy online process to install on your iPhone or iPad. zJailbreak provides Online IPA’ for all jailbreak tools too. It is compatible with all latest iOS versions.

Download zJailbreak

iBundles – Many jailbreak apps / jailbreak app stores named above have become partner websites with iBundles. When you get the membership of iBundles, you can download all the partner websites just for free. There are 18 partner websites under iBundles.

Visit iBundles

Bregxi – Bregxi is released for iOS 12.3 for the very first time. Now it is compatible with iOS 12.3 & higher versions. Bregxi uses a repo extracting method for jailbreak app download to your iPhones and iPads. Most popular repositories exclusively available with Bregxi.

Download Bregxi

Ziyu – Ziyu is one of the best methods to download jailbreak apps on iOS 12 & higher versions. Actually, it is a Jailbreak repo extractor. It will download Jailbreak apps including Cydia by extracting repo.

Download Ziyu 

Anzhuang – Anzhuang is the best online jailbreak app installer up to iOS 12.1.4. It is available with zJailbreak or Xabsi app stores and installs jailbreak apps using Dev code extraction method.

Download Anzhuang

What are the Package managers? (Jailbreak App managers)

Package manager is a collection of software for jailbroken devices. It’s capable of running processes of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing applications automatically. 

Cydia is the most popular package manager for Jailbroken devices. Jay Freeman, also known as saurik, developed Cydia to manage jailbroken devices.

Also, there are a few other package managers such as Sileo, Zebra and Installer 5. These package managers allow users to install packages from any source on the internet. Also, every jailbreak and package manager comes with a set of default repositories.

Who is the developer of Cydia?

Jay Freeman, also known as saurik developed the Cydia to manage jailbroken devices. He is an American software engineer. He also developed the most popular third party apps such as Apple File Conduit 2, Cycorder, CyDialer, Cydget, Cyntact, Cyueue, Five Icon Dock, Veency, and WinterBoard.  

Saurik has also released Cydia Impactor as a jailbreak removal tool. 

What is the difference between Jailbreaking and Unlocking?

Unlocking and jailbreaking are entirely different things. Even the software Jailbreak goes with iOS versions, Unlock is valid for the device. Unlocking is removing carrier-lock to enable use with other carriers. 

You cannot unlock the latest iOS versions using jailbreak, but users can unlock their devices using Jailbreak. UltraSn0w is the most popular unlocking source for jailbroken devices. Developers (iPhone Dev-Team)  updated Ultrasn0w to iOS 6.1 and gave up the Ultrasn0w project. But, there is no available jailbroken unlocking method now.

How to install apk files

apk files are created for Android devices. It runs only on Google’s mobile operating system. Normally, apk apps cannot install on iDevices running iOS operating systems. However, after the jailbreak process it can install apk apps / files as third party apps on jailbroken iPhones and iPads. But, it cannot work with apk apps properly on iOS devices. Because it uses a different coding system to write apk files. So, it is no use installing apk files on jailbroken iPhones or iPads.

Why is iOS Jailbreak a risk?

While jailbreaking gives you more valuable features there are also risks.  

Installation of malware – Computer criminals are more likely to crash an iPhone to install malware, or to target an iPhone that could easily install malware. So, once you jailbreak your device it will access the file system. So it lets you install malware easily with hacking softwares. Jailbreaking allows you to install pirated applications as well. These apps are not monitored through Apple developers programme. So, Piracy apps could take advantage of installing malware.

It has reported many Security, privacy and stability issues with jailbroken devices for a long time. Here are some of them.

iPhone worm, iKee (2009) – The first iPhone worm created to raise awareness of security issues that jailbreaking can leave your device in an insecure state.

F- Secure (2009) – A malicious worm compromising bank transactions from jailbroken phones in the Netherlands.

John Gruber (2010) – He reported remote code exploits now in the wild and the exploit allowed the creator of a malicious website to take control of iPhones accessing it.

Forbes (2012) – It has analyzed 1,407 free programs available from Apple and a third-party source.  From this 825 were downloaded from Apple’s App Store using the website App Tracker, and 526 from BigBoss Cydia’s default repository. Cydia leaked the device ID and location, photos and browsing history, while the App Store leaked none

KeyRaider (2015) – This malware led to stealing users’ login and password information from more than 225,000 people.

What are the Jailbreak tools released so far?

Jailbreak tools and processes may vary depending on your device model and iOS versions.

Use the most compatible Jailbreak tool according to your device model / iOS version and computer operating system.

You must know your iOS version before downloading the jailbreak tool.

Go to “Settings” > “General”> “About”  to figure out your iOS version.

Here is the all available Jailbreak tools list from the beginning.

Tool Name Compatible iOS versions Compatible device models Jailbreak Methods Developed by Support operating system
Bootstrap iOS 15 – iOS 17 All A8-A15 based devices/ M1-M2 based iPads Semi-Untethered RootHide Mac
Dopamine iOS 15 – iOS 15.4.1 All A9-A16 devices/M1-M2 based iPads Semi-Untethered Lars Fröder Mac
XinaA15 iOS 15-iOS 15.4.1 All A12-A15 based devices M1 based iPads Semi-Untethered xina520 Windows and Mac
Palera1n iOS 15 – iOS 16.4.1 iPadOS 17-18 beta A11 and below iPhones on iOS 15/16 A11 and below iPads on iPadOS 15/16/17/18 Semi-Tethered Nebula, Mineek & Nathan Mac
Checkra1n iOS 12 – iOS 14.8.1 All A7 to A11 devices Semi-Tethered Checkra1n team Mac and Linux
Unc0ver iOS 11 iOS 14.8 All iOS 11-iOS 14.8 running devices Semi-Untethered Pwn20wnd Windows and Mac
Taurine iOS 14 – iOS 14.8.1 A14 and below that support iOS/iPadOS 14 Semi-Untethered Windows and Mac Mac and Linux
Fugu iOS 13- iOS 13.5.1 All A10-A10X based iPads/ iPhone 7 & 7Plus Semi-Tethered Linus Henze Mac
Fugu 14 iOS 14.4 -iOS 14.5.1 A12-A14 devices Untethered Linus Henze Mac
Fugu 15 iOS 15 – iOS 15.4.1 Arm64e devices semi-untethered Pinauten Mac
Odyssey iOS 13 – iOS 13.7 iPhone 6s or newer/All iPads runs iOS 13 Semi-Untethered CoolStar Windows and Mac
RootlessJB iOS 12 – iOS 12.4.8
iOS 11- iOS 11.4 1
Semi Untethered Brandon Plank
JakeJames
Windows and Mac
Chimera iOS 12 – iOS 12.5.7 All iOS 12 devices Semi Untethered CoolStar Windows and Mac
Electra iOS 11- iOS 11.4 1 All iOS 11 devices Semi Untethered Cool Star Windows and Mac
LiberiOS iOS 10 – iOS 10.3.2
iOS 11- iOS 11.3.1
All iOS 10/11 devices Semi Untethered Jonathan Levin Windows and Mac
To.panga iOS 11 – iOS 11.1.2 iPhone X & 7 semi-tethered Abraham Masri Windows and Mac
Houdini semi Jailbreak iOS 11 – iOS 11.1.2 All 64-bit devices semi-jailbreak Abraham Masri Windows and Mac
C0F3 iOS 10 – iOS 10.3.3 All 64-bit devices Automatic jailbreak Joseph Shenton/C0F3 Team Windows and Mac
DoubleH3lix iOS 10 – iOS 10.3.4 iOS 10.x 64bit devices Semi Untethered Tihmstar Windows and Mac
G0blin iOS 10.3 – iOS 10.3.3 A7 – A9 devices Semi Untethered Sticktron Windows and Mac
H3lix iOS 10 – iOS 10.3.4 All 32-bit devices only Semi Untethered Tihmstar Windows and Mac
Meridian iOS 10 – iOS 10.3.3 All 64-bit devices Semi Untethered Sparkey/Ben Sparkes Windows and Mac
Saigon Jailbeak iOS 10.2.1 All iOS 10 devices except iPhone 7/7Plus Semi Untethered Abraham Masri Windows and Mac
Yalu102 iOS  10.2 All iOS 10 devices except iPhone 7/7Plus Semi Untethered Luca Todesco Windows and Mac
Yalu mach-portal iOS 10 & iOS 10.1.1 iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPad Pro Semi Untethered Luca Todesco Windows and Mac
Yalu extra_recipe+yaluX iOS 10 & iOS 10.1.1 iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPad Pro Semi Untethered Luca Todesco Windows and Mac
Phoenix Jailbreak iOS 9.3.5 & iOS 9.3.6 iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 (A6), iPhone 5C (A6), iPod 5G, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4 and iPad Mini Semi Untethered Siguza and tihmstar Windows and Mac
JailbreakMe 4.0 iOS 9.1 – iOS 9.3.4 All 32-bit devices Online Jailbrea Tihmstar Online
BetterHomeDepot iOS 9.1 – iOS 9.3.4 All 32-bit devices Semi Untethered jk9357 team Windows and Mac
Pangu9 iOS 9.2 – iOS 9.3.3 iOS 9.0 – iOS 9.1 All 64-bit devices Semi Untethered Pangu team Windows and Mac
Pangu8 iOS 8 – iOS 8.1 All devices Untethered Pangu team Windows and Mac
Pangu iOS 7.1 – iOS 7.1.2 All devices Untethered Pangu team
PP jailbreak iOS 9.2 -iOS 9.3.3
iOS 8 – iOS 8.4
All devices Untethered 25PP Windows and Mac
EtasonJB Jailbreak iOS 8.4.1 All 32-bit devices Untethered tihmstar Windows and Mac
TaiG jailbreak iOS 8 – iOS 8.4 All devices Untethered TaiG Team Windows and Mac
Evasi0n7 jailbreak iOS 7 – iOS 7.0.6 All devices Untethered Evad3rs Evasi0n7 – Windows Mac
evasi0n – Windows & Mac
evasi0n jailbreak iOS 6.0 – iOS 6.1.2 All devices Untethered Evad3rs Evasi0n7 – Windows Mac
evasi0n – Windows, Mac/ Linux
P0sixspwn iOS 6.1.3 – iOS 6.1.6 iPhone 3GS/ /4/4S/5/5S/5c iPad air, iPad 2/3/4, iPad mini
iPod touch 4g/5g
Untethered Winocm, iH8sn0w, and SquiffyPwn Windows and Mac
Redsn0w iOS 4.1 – iOS 5.1.1 – iOS 4.2.10- iOS 6.0.1 iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, 1st gen iPad, 1st gen iPod Untethered
Tethered
iPhone Dev-Team Windows and Mac
Absinthe iOS 5.1.1 iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4/4s, iPad 1/2/3, 1st gen iPod Untethered Dream Team Windows and Mac
Pwnage iOS 5.1.1 – iOS 5.0.1
iOS 4.0 – iOS 4.3.3
iPhone 3G,iPod touch(2nd/3rd/4th), iPhone 4/iPad/td> Tethered iPhone Dev-Team Mac
Sn0wBreeze iOS 3.1.3 – iOS 6.1.3 iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 Tethered iH8sn0w Windows
JailbreakMe Saffron iOS 4.2.6 – iOS 4.3.3
Star iOS 3.1.2 – iOS 4.0.1
iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 1/2/3, 1st gen iPod Untethered Comex Web
GreenPois0n iOS 4.1 – iOS 4.2.1 iPod Touch 2G/3G/ 4G, iPad, iPhone 3GS/4 Untethered Chronic-Dev Team Windows and Mac
LimeRa1n iOS 4.1 – iOS 3.2.2 iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch (3rd/4th gen), iPad, iPhone 4, Untethered GeoHot Windows and Mac
Sprit iOS 3.1.2 – iOS 3.2 All devices Untethered Comex Windows and Mac
Blackra1n iOS 3.1.2 All devices Tethered iPhone Dev-Team Windows and Mac
QuickPWN iOS 2.2.1 iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch Tethered iPhone Dev-Team Windows and Mac