The complete collection FAQs to iPhone jailbreak and unlock
About Jailbreak
What is Jailbreak?
A jailbreak process is a way to modify the Apple’s operating system, by allowing to gain access to certain Apple files that usually are not available to the end user.
Is Jailbreak legal?
Yes. Jailbreaking is 100% legal in the United States, where Apple’s headquarters are located, and it has been so since 2010. Since October 2012 jailbreaking an iPad is not legal anymore, while iPhone and iPod Touch are available for jailbreaking.
Does Jailbreak remove the device’s warranty?
No, once it’s reversible, you always can remove the jailbreak from your iDevice and turn it back to its factory settings. That’s how you will reactivate the warranty.
Is there any chance the Jailbreak to brick the device?
Yes, there is, but a very small one. Usually the worst case scenario is when the phone is getting stuck somewhere along the process and stops responding. However in order to completely avoid this possibility it’s recommended to use only reliable jailbreaking software.
Will AppStore and iTunes be available after Jailbreak?
Yes. You can use App Store and iTunes as you were doing before jailbreaking. The only difference will be another application that will be available on your iOS device – Cydia.
Is it possible to update the iOS after Jailbreak?
Yes, but the update of your iOS will force the device to restore to its factory settings, so you will have to jailbreak it again once iOS is updated.
Will all functions work on the iPhone after Jailbreak?
Yes, everything will work on the iPhone after jailbreak: Internet access, 3G, YouTube, Safari, Wi-Fi, GPS, MMS and other features. The only condition to be 100% sure is to use reliable jailbreak software.
Does the Jailbreak software work with PC and Mac?
Yes, a genuine jailbreak works on PC or Mac.
Is the jailbreak process hard to accomplish?
Not at all. Some easy to perform steps, which are usually shown in the jailbreak guide, will end up with a successful jailbreak.
How to remove the Jailbreak?
Through iTunes. Sync and back up your iDevice and then click the Restore button. After the restore your device will reboot, and then iTunes will give you the option to choose which backup to restore from. The first one is usually the one you did and you want to use.
What is tethered, untethered and semi-tethered?
A tethered jailbreak/unlock means that you have to connect the iPhone to your computer every time you boot it. You have to boot your device once it is turned off.
An untethered jailbreak/unlock doesn’t need a computer to boot the iPhone.
A semi-tethered jailbreak/unlock can still reboot your device without a computer, but the functions are not active until you boot tethered again.
Does the Jailbreak upgrade the firmware?
Most jailbreaking tools require the device to already be at the supported firmware version. So they cannot upgrade the firmware (iOS) version.
What are the main Jailbreak risks?
Usually there are no risks while using safe jailbreaking software. If not, there could appear some: the installed applications could crash, or a fail jailbreak can brick the device. Also some information could be lost during the jailbreak and your iDevice could become more reachable by hackers and viruses. Finally a wrong jailbreak could permanently break your warranty.
What is the best jailbreak software tool or the best jailbreak programs?
The best jailbreak software or programs depend on the iPhone model and iOS version you are jailbreaking. There is no such thing as universal jailbreaking software.
When will the untethered jailbreak for iOS 6 be released?
Soon. Looks like it will be available by the first quarter of 2013.
Which iOS 6 compatible devices cannot be jailbroken so far?
The jailbreak dev team is still working on solutions for iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, the new iPad (iPad 3), iPad 2 and iPod touch 5G.
About Unlock
What is Unlock?
Most network carriers lock their iPhones to work only with their original SIM card which contains a serial number that identifies each device. Unlocking an iPhone enables a user to use any SIM card of any carrier without having to purchase a different phone unit.
What is the difference between Unlock and Jailbreak?
Jailbreaking an iPhone provides access to the iOS therefore allowing you to install 3rd party software, while unlocking your iPhone makes you able to use any carrier.
Will I lose any iPhone features if I unlock it?
No.
Do I have to iPhone activate my iPhone with a carrier before unlocking?
The iPhone unlocking solution will activate and unlock your iPhone so it is not necessary to activate it with some carriers before unlocking.
Do I need the SIM card of the network my iPhone is locked to?
No. Any SIM card will unlock your iPhone once your unlock is processed.
Is Unlock legal?
Yes – for all iPhones purchased before January 2013. The new copyright law in USA claims that unlocking the devices purchased after that date wouldn’t be legal anymore.
Is it possible to unlock an iPhone without knowing the network the iPhone is locked to?
Yes, it’s possible even if the carrier is unknown.
About Cydia and apps
What is Cydia?
In simple terms Cydia is the Application Store of jailbroken apps, similar to the App Store.
Can Cydia packages be saved for a reinstall after restoring?
Yes. Backup your packages using one of the backup methods, upgrade, jailbreak again and restore your packages using that method.
How do I make a purchase on Cydia?
To make a purchase on Cydia, at least 2 separate accounts are needed. You need either a Gmail account or a Facebook account to sign in and an Amazon account or PayPal account to purchase.
Does jailbreak make apps free?
No. Jailbreak does not make all the apps free. The apps in the App Store always cost money, as well as some Cydia apps are not free.
Can I install Siri on my iDevice?
Yes, by installing a package called Spire from Cydia and you must also have an iPhone 4S or 5.
How can I find out whether an app is compatible with my iOS version?
Many jailbreak apps include compatibility notes. If not, the app page on Cydia can be checked for the last update links whether the package has been updated to certain iOS or not.
Is it possible to install Android on my device?
Even if it’s experimental, it’s possible. The only devices supported are iPhone 2G, 3G, and iPod Touch 1. The device must be on an iOS version between 3.1 and 4.2, and it must be jailbroken only using certain jailbreak software.
What is SpringBoard?
SpringBoard is a part of the operating system that manages the home screen and gives you all the functions your iDevice does, such as creating folders, switching wallpapers, installing apps and many others.
What is a Jailbreak Exploit?
An exploit is a program needed to enter code giving write access. If that exploit is set from the boot level, it cannot be patched by software and therefore will be able to be jailbroken for the life of the device.
What is a Baseband?
The baseband manages all functions which require an antenna; in other words it is the cellular modem firmware that is on each iPhone.
What is DFU mode and Recovery Mode?
Both Recovery mode and DFU mode allow for the flashing of firmware to an iPhone. Recovery mode uses iBoot during restoring or upgrading the iDevice while DFU mode bypasses the iBoot so it’s possible to downgrade the current firmware.
What is Firmware?
Firmware or iOS is computer software stored in a semi-permanent state on a Read Only Memory chip.
How do I know which firmware version my iPhone is using?
This is very easy to check by pressing “Settings”, then “General” and then “About”. Your firmware version will be shown next to “Version”.
Find out more at http://www.unlock-jailbreak-iphone.com
