FAQ: Unlocking, Jailbreak, Cydia, etc - All discussion goes here

Tom Dunne · 09-03-2009 4:04pm #1

No doubt there will be numerous threads on this subject, so I thought I would pre-empt them and create a sticky.

Can I buy a phone in the US and use it over here?

Yes, but it must be the GSM/AT&T model, purchased SIM-free directly from Apple. Handsets purchased from Verizon will not work with the GSM carriers here as they do not take a SIM card. Handsets purchased from AT&T usually come with a minimum-term contract and are locked to the AT&T network.

Can I use my Vodafone/Meteor/Three/Other SIM in an iPhone purchased from a mobile carrier?

No. Not until you Jailbreak it and Unlock it, or have your carrier Unlock it.

It is important to note that some Irish carriers are now unlocking iPhones officially - please consult your carrier for more info.

I purchased my iPhone directly from Apple. Is it unlocked?

Yes. iPhones purchased from Apple.ie or from Apple stores are factory unlocked.

Jailbreak? Unlock? Sounds scary.

They are not really. iClarified have a jailbreak wizard to show you step-by-step how to jailbreak any device here.

What's the difference between Jailbreaking an iPhone and unlocking it?

Jailbreaking allows you to install non-App Store programs. Unlocking it allows you to use the iPhone on any GSM network.

Can't I just buy an unlocked phone?

You can, but only directly from Apple or authorised Apple retailers (or on adverts.ie / eBay). It is simply a matter of walking into a phone shop and purchasing one, bringing it home, and popping in your SIM card. You cannot purchased unlocked iPhones in the USA, as they are locked to AT&T.

How do I jailbreak / unlock my iPhone?

If your carrier will not unlock your phone officially, then you will need to jailbreak & unlock.

See the unlocking wizard on iClarified here.

At the time of this writing, all iOS devices & every iOS can be jailbroken. However, newer devices and iOS's require a "tethered" jailbreak.

Tethered - If your device is ever powered off, you will need to connect it to a computer and run redsn0w to turn it back on.

iOS 3.1.2 - 4.0.1
Untethered

Every device on iOS versions 3.1.2 - 4.0.1 can be jailbroken by visiting http://www.jailbreakme.com in safari on their iDevice.
iOS 4.0.2 - 4.1
Untethered

Every device on iOS versions 4.0.2 - 4.1 can be jailbroken with redsn0w.
iOS 4.2 (4.2.1)
Some tethered, some untethered.

Every device on iOS 4.2 (4.2.1) can be jailbroken with redsn0w.

However, the following devices require a tethered jailbreak on this iOS:
iPhone 3GS New Bootrom
iPhone 4
iPod touch 2nd Gen New Bootrom
iPod touch 3rd & 4th Gen
iPad

All others have an untethered jailbreak.
redsn0w - Windows
redsn0w - OSX

Unlock
Currently, the following basebands can be unlocked:
01.59.00 (iPhone 4)
04.26.08 (iPhone 3G/3GS)
05.11.07 (iPhone 3G/3GS)
05.12.01 (iPhone 3G/3GS)
05.13.04 (iPhone 3G/3GS)
06.15.00 (iPhone 3G/3GS)
If you are on a qualifying baseband, simply run cydia on your jailbroken iPhone and install "ultrasn0w".

ucd.1985 · 13-03-2009 2:56pm

I know 3G iPhone on 2.2.1 can be jailbroken, but can it be unlocked?

cpu-dude · 13-03-2009 3:24pm

ucd.1985 wrote: »

I know 3G iPhone on 2.2.1 can be jailbroken, but can it be unlocked?

If it has been upgraded to 2.2.1 normally (via iTunes) then no you can't:

http://blog.iphone-dev.org/post/74278878/close-the-stable-door

The Dev Team wrote:

The Yellowsn0w version has been updated to 0.9.7. Yellowsn0w is available from Cydia or Installer - this version allows compatibility with pwned 2.2.1 system (not baseband). Again„ remember 0.9.7 yellowsn0w DOES NOT WORK WITH 2.2.1 (02.30.03) directly - you need to be running a ‘pwned’ version of 2.2.1 which didn’t upgrade the baseband during the restore/upgrade.

Stephen · 13-03-2009 5:13pm

You may be able to work around the 2.2.1 sim lock by using a turbosim type device. These are wideley available on ebay. You put one into the sim holder with your SIM card and insert it into the phone, tricking it into thinking it has an O2 (or whatever network its locked to) SIM. Some people report success with these things, some report failure.

ucd.1985 · 13-03-2009 5:31pm

Anyone have a link to a turbo sim that people have had success on 2.2.1?

Thanks

Jorus · 20-03-2009 12:49pm

Hey,

Just wondering can O2 unlock the iphone if you have spent a certain amount on your phone - they do that for other phones once you have spent a good few hundred euro.

Anyone know if I call would they unlock the iphone for me - want to move to Meteor?

andrewh5 · 20-03-2009 12:54pm

ucd.1985 wrote: »

Anyone have a link to a turbo sim that people have had success on 2.2.1?

Thanks

Here

Tom Dunne · 20-03-2009 1:00pm

Guys, can we keep discussion and questions for threads in the forum. This thread is for info only.

VB1962 · 27-04-2009 8:22pm

There is good news for the eager beaVERS WHO DIDNT WAIT FOR THE IPHONE DEV TEAM TO GIVE THEM AN ALL CLEAR FOR 2.2.1 _ Big Boss( on cydia) has released a baseband downgrader ! Now you can use yellowsn0w to unlock your iphone 3G . For more info on how to jailbreak an iphone 3G go onto blog.iphone-dev.org/

AntoSRFC · 28-04-2009 4:19pm

VB1962 wrote: »

There is good news for the eager beaVERS WHO DIDNT WAIT FOR THE IPHONE DEV TEAM TO GIVE THEM AN ALL CLEAR FOR 2.2.1 _ Big Boss( on cydia) has released a baseband downgrader ! Now you can use yellowsn0w to unlock your iphone 3G . For more info on how to jailbreak an iphone 3G go onto blog.iphone-dev.org/

Does this mean now that whatever iPhone i get i.e. an 02 locked one or one with the newest frimware on it i am now able to unlock it.
Thanks just want to clear it up.

VB1962 · 28-04-2009 4:55pm

Yes this will work aslong as you jailbreak the phone and install the downgrader and then the yellowsn0w patch which is all avaliable on cydia .The iphone dev page and iclarrified are good pages to visit if you have never tried something like jailbreaking before

feeditout · 19-05-2009 11:47pm

The iphone modem 02.30.02 can be downgraded to 02.28.02 (the unlockable one) if your bootloader is 5.8 using an app called fuzzyband.
If your iphone is running 2.2.1 you can still jailbreak using pwnage tool 2.2.5 or quickpawn.
Once your iphone is jailbroken search for fuzzyband in cydia and install.
Open the app and it automatically checks your modem and what bootloader your using. If its 5.8 your in business. Downgrade and install yellowsn0w.
Your iphone is now unlocked.

Shane'O · 22-05-2009 7:33pm

How do you tell what version your Iphone is ? The box in which mine came just says iPhone 3G on it

It was bought in December 08

feeditout · 25-05-2009 9:08pm

Shane'O wrote: »

How do you tell what version your Iphone is ? The box in which mine came just says iPhone 3G on it It was bought in December 08

You need to go to setting>General>about it'll tell you what version your running and what modem firmware your on. You'll be able to jailbreak your iphone whatever baseband or modem your on but you won't know what bootloader your using till you jailbreak and run fuzzyband.

Stephen · 26-05-2009 2:30pm

I just downgraded my 3G on 2.2.1 with 02.30.03 successfully using Fuzzyband. It was dead easy. I already had it jailbroken so i just installed fuzzyband with Cydia, ran it, saw that I had the correct bootloader version and then ran the downgrade. Installed yellowsn0w afterwards and successfully unlocked - although I did have to reboot the phone before it would take a Vodafone SIM for the first time

thenakedchef · 30-05-2009 11:49pm

if i unlock an o2 3g iphone or buy one that is unlocked is it possible to use the vodafone isp internet settings on it or is it still preset for o2?

Stephen · 31-05-2009 2:14pm

You can configure it with whatever settings you like. It has the o2 stuff pre-set but there's nothing stopping you from changing it.

strecker · 13-07-2009 6:36pm

florida wrote: »

if i unlock an o2 3g iphone or buy one that is unlocked is it possible to use the vodafone isp internet settings on it or is it still preset for o2?

Unlocked a 16gb iphone 3g s from o2 using purplera1n and ultrasn0w. Absolutely zero probs. Took 10 mins including inserting voda-sim and changing settings! And when you go back to o2 sim, o2's settings are right back where they were!

TheOneToBe · 13-07-2009 9:04pm

Just trying to play it safe….I noticed that you can unlock your 3gs with purplerain or redsnow…is there are preference which one to use? Also I noticed that purplerain does not create any kind of backup?
Is there something to watch for except simple instructions that are outlined on given websites? Should I make any kind of backup? How hard is it to go back to original Apple firmware if I wish to do so at any point?

Stuxnet · 13-07-2009 9:41pm

TheOneToBe wrote: »

Just trying to play it safe….I noticed that you can unlock your 3gs with purplerain or redsnow…is there are preference which one to use? Also I noticed that purplerain does not create any kind of backup?
Is there something to watch for except simple instructions that are outlined on given websites? Should I make any kind of backup? How hard is it to go back to original Apple firmware if I wish to do so at any point?

purplerain will jailbreak your iphone 3gs, then you need ultrasn0w to unlock afaik
no just follow the very simple instructions
when you jailbreak, you will lose all your stuff on the phone, easy put back on
to put back apple firmware, just plug in phone to pc, open itunes, and hit iphone restore, everything back to the way you bought it, you cant go wrong !

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/07/06/how-to-use-purplera1n-to-jailbreak-iphone-3gs-3g-s/

kingofslaves · 14-07-2009 1:22am

Just used purplera1n to jailbreak my 3GS! Perfick!

Stuxnet · 14-07-2009 7:03am

Purplesn0w now released !!!

Geohot has just released his own iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS software unlock and named it purplesn0w. Who is purplesn0w for? If you own a jailbroken iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS and you want to unlock it to use it with another carrier (T-Mobile only in the USA), then purplesn0w is for you. Are you experiencing wifi/battery/other unlocking problems after using ultrasn0w? Then I highly recommend you try purplesn0w. Geohot says that it’s the best unlock out there.
purplesn0w patches three files: CommCenter, lockdownd, and wildcard. It also uses tha at+xlog exploit that Oranav found. As of right now purplesn0w is in beta, but I thought I’d post it here since a lot of users here have been reporting issues with the current ultrasn0w unlock from the iPhone Dev Team. If you’re using a jailbroken iPhone 3G/iPhone 3GS and want to unlock, please try purplesn0w and tell us how it goes.
Here is how to install purplesn0w:

* Make sure you have a legit activated iPhone 3G or 3GS. If you have T-Mobile make sure ou disable 3G in the settings.
Open Cydia, and add http://apt.geohot.com to your sources

Install the com.geohot.purplesn0w package

Watch for the success output in Cydia

Reboot your iPhone 3G/3GS

Once you have followed the steps above, your iPhone 3G/3GS should be unlocked!

http://iphonejtag.blogspot.com/2009/07/make-it-ra1n-im-makin-it-sn0w.html

Dades · 14-07-2009 12:18pm

kingofslaves wrote: »

Just used purplera1n to jailbreak my 3GS! Perfick!

Likewise.

Didn't have any instructions with the .exe, but after running it found an icon called "Freeze" which when opened downloaded something and then sat there. I closed it and when I rebooted I had Cydia installed.

kingofslaves · 15-07-2009 9:26am

@Dades, a case of RTFM!? LOL

strecker · 15-07-2009 12:07pm

kingofslaves wrote: »

Just used purplera1n to jailbreak my 3GS! Perfick!

Yeah...how easy is that!!!!!! Zero probs so far.

Dades · 15-07-2009 1:03pm

kingofslaves wrote: »

@Dades, a case of RTFM!? LOL

I didn't get a FM.

strecker · 15-07-2009 6:01pm

BOBBY wrote: »

purplerain will jailbreak your iphone 3gs, then you need ultrasn0w to unlock afaik
no just follow the very simple instructions
when you jailbreak, you will lose all your stuff on the phone, easy put back on
to put back apple firmware, just plug in phone to pc, open itunes, and hit iphone restore, everything back to the way you bought it, you cant go wrong !

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/07/06/how-to-use-purplera1n-to-jailbreak-iphone-3gs-3g-s/

When I jailbreak-ed/broke....and unlocked via purplera1n I lost nothing on my phone!!!!!!!!! All official apps, songs, vids etc were still there!!!

innocenteyesuk · 20-07-2009 9:30pm

sorry wrong thread!

maninblack · 23-07-2009 3:27pm

If I purchase a 3gs off o2 today for example...

Can I just simply unlock it and throw in my vodafone sim card? Is that all there is to it? I really want an iPhone, but dont wanna sacrafice my free vodafone calls (most of my contacts are vodafone!)

Can I carry on using iTunes as usual? Syncing new music/apps wont lock the phone and make it unusable?? Would be terribly afraid of the phone locking on me and being left with a 600 quid paperweight! :eek:

EDIT: also meant to ask... if I download an iPhone software update off iTunes, will this lock the phone for good? Or is it just a case of jailbreaking/unlocking it again?

cojomo2 · 24-07-2009 11:37am

maninblack wrote: »

If I purchase a 3gs off o2 today for example...

Can I just simply unlock it and throw in my vodafone sim card? Is that all there is to it? I really want an iPhone, but dont wanna sacrafice my free vodafone calls (most of my contacts are vodafone!)

Can I carry on using iTunes as usual? Syncing new music/apps wont lock the phone and make it unusable?? Would be terribly afraid of the phone locking on me and being left with a 600 quid paperweight! :eek:

EDIT: also meant to ask... if I download an iPhone software update off iTunes, will this lock the phone for good? Or is it just a case of jailbreaking/unlocking it again?

Yes very simple to unlock. Yes you can use itunes,sync music/apps as normal..however you CAN NOT download the latest iPhone software off itunes as this will cause the phone to lock again. The only way to unlock it at that point is wait and hope the dev team release a new unlock hack for that sofware......

McGaz23 · 26-07-2009 8:49pm

i just got an iphone that was unlocked to all networks but i stupidly connected to itunes and updated the software!!! I didnt know it would lock it again! does anyone now if there is a way to undo what i did or just unlock it again?

aka_Ciaran · 27-07-2009 12:25pm

maninblack wrote: »

If I purchase a 3gs off o2 today for example...

Can I just simply unlock it and throw in my vodafone sim card? Is that all there is to it? I really want an iPhone, but dont wanna sacrafice my free vodafone calls (most of my contacts are vodafone!)

If you buy a 3gs off O2 won't you be tying yourself into an 18 month / 45 euro per month (or whatever it costs). Surely that's defeating the whole purpose?

aka_Ciaran · 27-07-2009 12:26pm

McGaz23 wrote: »

i just got an iphone that was unlocked to all networks but i stupidly connected to itunes and updated the software!!! I didnt know it would lock it again! does anyone now if there is a way to undo what i did or just unlock it again?

Where did you buy your iPhone?

Greentrees · 28-07-2009 11:27pm

Very good point bout the contract!! I was considering it but I only spend 20 a month now.

maninblack · 28-07-2009 11:36pm

aka_Ciaran wrote: »

If you buy a 3gs off O2 won't you be tying yourself into an 18 month / 45 euro per month (or whatever it costs). Surely that's defeating the whole purpose?

pre-pay

aka_Ciaran · 29-07-2009 9:36am

maninblack wrote: »

pre-pay

Ok witcha, phone costs a fortune on pre-pay though

sharkman · 05-08-2009 1:08pm

Guys , Just unlocked a 3Gs and ran UltraSn0w , It seemed to run correctly but the phone will only pick up O2 still . Any ideas ????

Dades · 05-08-2009 1:32pm

Did you reset the settings in the "Cellular Data Network"?

Settings; General; Network; Cellular Data Network

Gary4279 · 06-08-2009 11:31pm

just purchased and ipod touch from england and it should be ariving soon. will i need to unlock it/jailbreak? or will it be ok to use.

thankyou in advance.:)

smythy111 · 10-08-2009 1:36pm

hey, i have jailbroken my 3g and used ultrasn0w to unlock it but it still will not select any network... it tells me i have a restricted network. i am running on firmware 3.0.1 can somebody please help me with this, thanks

Knuger · 21-08-2009 9:53am

Just for clarification, Is it possible to unlock an Iphone with out jailbreaking it?

Tom Dunne · 21-08-2009 10:09am

Knuger wrote: »

Just for clarification, Is it possible to unlock an Iphone with out jailbreaking it?

No.

To install the unlocking software, you need to jailbreak.

I can't see Apple Allowing the unlocking software on the App Store any time soon.

blackiebest · 21-08-2009 4:26pm

Hello all, Just finished jailbreaking my 3gs and seem to have lost the applications I have built up on it prior to jailbreak. Can I put them back in without putting phone back in jail? How do I do this? Sorry if obvious but want to do so without ending up where I started...

Thanks in advance,

BB

irish1967 · 23-08-2009 3:54pm

Just sync it as usual with iTunes.

PlayGirl · 24-08-2009 1:08pm

hi just wondering what the pros & cons are of jailbreaking an iPhone, if you dont need it to be unlocked

jd83 · 24-08-2009 2:53pm

Pros

You have a wider selection of free and paid apps
You can customize how your iphone looks and what it does
You can unlock your iphone if you need to

Cons
Small chance it can brick your iphone
Extremely small chance that once bricked a factory reset wont fix it.

Rebska · 02-09-2009 4:41pm

Sorry if this has been covered - but these posts seem to be related to previously unused phones.

I have an iPhone 3G and am eligible for an upgrade to 3Gs. My husband - who signed a new contract with Vodafone two months ago - just lost his phone. I'd like to upgrade and give him my old iPhone. Can/will O2 unlock my old phone or do I have to jailbreak it? Will using the vodafone sim require him to register the phone again (I already registered it)?

Thanks.

irish1967 · 03-09-2009 1:07am

Don't think you can upgrade to a 3gs. It's full price or nothing.

O2 will definately NOT unlock the iPhone

Once jailbroken just slip in the Vodafone sim and off ye go. No need to regesistar the iPhone.

Homer · 03-09-2009 2:59pm

OK so I have an old 3G iphone after upgrading to 3GS and I want to let my dad try my old 3G one.
I have used pwnage to unlock the phone and install cydia. Worked fine.
However, I put my own 02 sim into it to test and I am getting no network?

Below is a list of step by step instructions as to how to jailbreak and unlock the 3g.
I have done everything as far as running Cydia but the next line has me stumped?! I have highlighted the bit I am having trouble with. Have looked on Cydia but can't understand where the repo file is or should go and can't see ultrasnow either? All help greatly appreciated!

Ensure you have upgraded to iPhone OS 3.0
Jailbreak your iPhone 3G using redsn0w or PwnageTool (this will also install Cydia/Icy)
Run Cydia or Icy
Please add the repo repo666.ultrasn0w.com to Cydia or Icy. That last “o” is actually the number zero “0”! If you use the letter “o” you’ll get an error.
Search for ‘ultrasn0w’ in cydia or icy and install ultrasn0w
Reboot your iPhone 3G

Dades · 03-09-2009 3:14pm

Homer wrote: »

OK so I have an old 3G iphone after upgrading to 3GS and I want to let my dad try my old 3G one.
I have used pwnage to unlock the phone and install cydia. Worked fine.
However, I put my own 02 sim into it to test and I am getting no network?

Try this?

Dades wrote: »

Did you reset the settings in the "Cellular Data Network"?

Settings; General; Network; Cellular Data Network

Homer wrote: »

Ensure you have upgraded to iPhone OS 3.0
Jailbreak your iPhone 3G using redsn0w or PwnageTool (this will also install Cydia/Icy)
Run Cydia or Icy
Please add the repo repo666.ultrasn0w.com to Cydia or Icy. That last “o” is actually the number zero “0”! If you use the letter “o” you’ll get an error.
Search for ‘ultrasn0w’ in cydia or icy and install ultrasn0w
Reboot your iPhone 3G

When in the Cydia app, go to "Manage" from the bottom menu; click "Sources"; click "Edit" (top right); click "Add" (top left); and enter the above URL into the source box.

Once this is done, goto "Search" from the bottom menu; and search as detailed above.

Homer · 03-09-2009 3:23pm

Dades wrote: »

Try this?

When in the Cydia app, go to "Manage" from the bottom menu; click "Sources"; click "Edit" (top right); click "Add" (top left); and enter the above URL into the source box.

Once this is done, goto "Search" from the bottom menu; and search as detailed above.

I owe you a pint my good man!

FAQ: Unlocking, Jailbreak, Cydia, etc - All discussion goes here

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