Introduction: Jailbreak IOS5!

There are many guides for jailbreaking your ipod or phone out there, but few show you how to jailbreak apples current version of iOS, version 5. (iOS5 is the current version of software as of 11/6/11).

***FOR ALL THOSE STILL ON TETHERED JB 5.0.1- 
If you are currently operating an A4 device which has a tethered jailbreak using Redsn0w, Ac1dSn0w or Sn0wbreeze then you can simply launch Cydia from your Springboard and download a package named ‘Corona’ which will provide you with an untethered jailbreak."

THIS MEANS YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RE-JAILBREAK IF YOU ARE ON 5.0.1 TETHERED 

(thanks redmond pie!  http://www.redmondpie.com/jailbreak-5.0.1-untethered-on-iphone-ipad-ipod-touch-a4-devices-now-using-redsn0w-0.9.10b1-corona/ ) ***

**** UPDATE!!!! AN UNTETHERED JAILBREAK HAS BEEN RELEASED. I WILL TRY TO GET INFO UP SOON!! SO UNTIL THAT IS UP, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS INSTRUCTABLE! (12/28/11) ****

***UPDATE #2. IPAD 2 AND IPHONE 4S JAILBREAK RELEASED. MORE INFO HERE! http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/absinthe-a5-jailbreak-released-for-iphone-4s-hacker-dream-team/  (1/21/12) ***


This hack will NOT work with an iPhone 4S OR for an iPad 2. Currently the jailbreak teams are working on a release. Supported devices include the iPad 1, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod touch 4, and iPod touch 3. Also: Note that if you are using ultrasn0w or are looking to unlock your SIM, I would NOT recommend a jailbreak, I am not sure what it will do to your device. If you want more information, I am afraid you are going to have to find it somewhere else :-(

Step 1: Safety and Warnings

As usual, there is an inherent risk in jailbreaking your ipod. Things could go wrong, possibly leaving your ipod/phone "bricked" (non-functional). Please be aware of this fact, as neither I, nor the jailbreak teams are responsible for any damage done to your phone.

This jailbreak is (I think) in BETA stage.

ALSO know that this hack WILL VOID your warranty with Apple. Please use this if you want to check your support coverage (or ETA until warranty expires)

This is also a TETHERED hack. A description from wikipedia- ". A tethered jailbreak requires that the device be connected to a computer each time it needs to be booted; an untethered jailbreak allows the device to be powered without computer assistance. " If you are using an iPhone 3GS, however, an UNTETHERED jailbreak is available.

There is a Cydia app that allows a "semi-tethered" jailbreak for iOS5, allowing your ipod to reboot without a computer, but all jailbroken apps and tweaks will NOT function if phone is restarted.

ALSO from wikipedia, "Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, jailbreaking Apple devices is legal in the United States, although Apple has announced that the practice "can void the warranty"."

Also, just to put this out there: This instructable is meant for educational purposes, not for illegal activities. Please do not use these hacks for illegal purposes.

Step 2: !! IMPORTANT !! Backing Up Your Device.

It is VERY important to make a backup of your device, pre-jailbreak, as something could go wrong, leaving your ipod messed up or crazy. I recommend backing up in iTunes, as well as in iCloud.

Here I will show you how to do it in iTunes.


Step 1: Open iTunes and plug in your device

Step 2: Right click on your ipod name (in the leftmost bar)

Step 3: Back up iPod

Step 4: Wait till it is finished :)

(This wont work if your ipod is syncing. Either cancel the sync or wait until it is finished)

Step 3: Backing Up in ICloud

This will back your ipod data on iCloud, where you can download it again from the ipod if it ever is reset/restored.
If you do not have an iCloud account, this step is not required. Just recommended :)

Step 1: Open settings on your iPhone

Step 2: Go to iCloud- log in if you have not done this before

Step 3: Go to Storage and Backup

Step 4 (optional): Go to Manage Storage. From this you can manage the data that you backup :) If you choose not to do anything, it will automatically backup your app data and photo stream.

ICLOUD WILL NOT BACKUP ANY OF YOUR MEDIA OR APPS! IT WILL JUST BACKUP APP DATA (progress, achievements, etc)

Step 5: When in Storage and Backup, scroll down to the bottom whre you will see a "Back up Now" button

Step 6: Click button and wait. I recommend using a power source to charge your ipod while doing this, as backups can take a long time.

Step 4: Download Redsn0w

Download and install your version of Redsn0w.

Mac

Windows


Current version is 0.99 beta 8 as of 11/6/11

Step 5: JAILBREAK!!!!


Time to get started!

Step 1: Open Redsn0w on your computer

Step 2: Click on jailbreak

Step 3: Turn your device OFF and click next

Step 4: Follow the instructions to enter DFU mode

Step 5: After a minute, you will see a screen in which you can select your options. Just click next :)

Step 6: Redsn0w will now exploit the jailbreak and enter your ipods software. Just wait through the menus; everything is automatic

Step 7: Your ipod should now boot. Code will flash across the screen, just wait it out. A jailbreak should take about 5 minutes max on it, but if it takes longer, just let it go.

Step 8: Dont get too excited, Cydia wont work yet....

Step 6: Boot Tethered


Now we have 1 last step before you can run Cydia.

Step 1: Open Redsn0w (if it isnt already)

Step 2: Click extras (Ignore image note here)

Step 3: Make sure your device is turned OFF

Step 4: Click Just Boot

Step 5: Follow instructions into DFU mode and wait till device reboots

Step 6: You can now use Cydia

Step 7: Install SemiTethered

I recommend following the guide here to install SemiTether to your ipod. SemiTether will keep your device in a usable state if it happens to die or restart. The mail app and any Cydia apps/themes currently will not work if your ipod restarts from SemiTethered.

Step 8: Tweak


You can now tweak and hack your ipod. A link to hacks that are supported with this jailbreak is here.

Step 9: How to Restore


If anything bad goes wrong with your ipod, you can restore it to a non jailbroken state easily (please note that there may be alternate methods of restoring) All you need to do is:


Step 1: Connect your ipod to iTunes and click restore. THIS WILL ERASE ALL DATA AND MEDIA ON THE IPOD. BACKUPS WILL NOT RE-SYNC MEDIA, ONLY APP DATA. YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-SYNC ANY MUSIC OR VIDEOS YOU HAVE ON THE IPOD. THIS WILL ALSO NOT SAVE ANY NEW DATA SINCE YOU HAVE JAILBROKEN, SO IF POSSIBLE BACK UP PHOTOS AND OTHER VALUABLE INFORMATION YOU NEED

Step 2: After a while, your device should come on with a grey screen asking you to set it up as a new device. Click on either iCloud or iTunes restore

Step 3: Select the backup of your device you made pre jailbreak. This will reinstall the firmware on the ipod, but will not sync and media to the device.

Step 4: Re sync your media in itunes.

Step 10:


Thanks so much for reading my guide, and please feel free to message me or comment below with questions, I will try to answer them the best I can.

Hack It! Challenge

Participated in the
Hack It! Challenge

4th Epilog Challenge

Participated in the
4th Epilog Challenge