Last updated on 01/20/2009

     Introduction: Jailbreaking is the process of obtaining read/write access to the entire iPhone file-system. This means you can install and use any number of 3rd party applications not allowed by Apple. Most of the iPhone’s advanced capabilities cannot be used as it is against the Apple SDK (Software Development Kit) and if you follow its rules, you can’t make any applications that use all of the iPhone’s full potential. So for the experienced programmers, you can write and distribute applications without any restrictions from Apple if you jailbreak your iPhone. The three biggest uses for jailbreaking are modifying the GUI (the look and feel of the iPhone), applications that use all the cool and advanced features (GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-FI, accelerometer, touch screen, etc) and running applications in the background (which Apple does not permit App Store apps to do).

     The following are crucial to the most latest and sucessful jailbreaking method for the iPhone.

  • an iPhone 3G , iPhone 2G  or iPod Touch
  • the latest version of iTunes 8 [installed] (Here)
  • QuickPwn 2.2 for Windows [leave the .zip on your Desktop] (Torrent or Direct Download)
  • 2.2 firmware [download this from iTunes or from the link provided in Step 2]
  • Bootloader files 3.9 & 4.6 [download this from the link provided in Step 2]

     Here is a step by step method with pictures of each instruction:

Step 1: Restore

 

  • Connect your Apple device to your PC.
  • Open iTunes (if it isn’t already) and go to your iPhone summary.
  • Press the Restore Button.
  • Backup your device’s settings.
  • Restore & Update.
  • Click Next.
  • Click Agree.

iPhone Summary Page in iTunes

iPhone Restore Button

iPhone Backup Button

iPhone Restore and Update
iPhone 2.2 Software Update Info

 

iPhone 2.2 Software Update Agreement

 

 

     iTunes should now be automatically downloading your device’s 2.2 IPSW firmware. (Download times depend on internet connection speed). If you already have it downloaded, it should start extracting and preparing your Apple device for the restore. Either way your device will restore for about 15-30 minutes. After you finish Step 1, go on to Step 2.

Step 2: Prepare for Jailbreak

You should now have a freshly restored iPhone or iPod Touch with the latest 2.2 firmware.

Now close iTunes and extract the .zip you downloaded earlier and put the files into a folder named QuickPwn 2.2:

QuickPwn 2.2 on the Desktop

 

 

 

Go to the folder where your iPhone .IPSW’s are stored.*
Then drag the 2.2 firmware IPSW into the QuickPwn 2.2 folder.**

 

*IPSW folder located in:
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates (Vista)
C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPhone Software Updates (XP)

**If you can’t find the folder, you can download the firmware below but remember to put it into the QuickPwn 2.2 folder.

iPhone1,1_2.2_5G77_Restore.ipsw (iPhone 2G)
iPhone1,2_2.2_5G77_Restore.ipsw (iPhone 3G)

[MAKE SURE YOU DOWNLOAD THE RIGHT ONE!]

 If you have the original iPhone and you want to unlock, download the bootloader files below and put them into your QuickPwn folder:

BL-39.bin
BL-46.bin

Next, unzip QuickPwn and launch it, it should recognize your device immediately.

 

You will be asked to select your iPhone firmware. If it is the correct firmware, QuickPwn will display a green check-mark. Click Continue

If you have the iPhone 3G, you will now be asked to Add Cydia, Replace your Boot logos or to Add “Installer”. At the very least, you have to select Cydia. The Apple logo shown at your devices start-up by will be changed if you select “Replace boot logo”.

 

WinPwn Settings

 

If you have the original iPhone, you will see an option to unlock it. If you wish to do so, check the box next to Unlock phone. Then click next.

QuickPwn Unlock

Then browse for the two bootloaders you downloaded earlier.

Browse for bootloader

Select bootloader

After you selected the bootloaders, QuickPwn should have verified it and there should be a green check mark. Click next.

Bootloader checked

You will now be asked to confirm your device is connected, click the blue arrow to continue.

Quickpwn will now put your phone in recovery mode, you will have to watch Quickpwn’s instructions carefully.

Finally, Quickpwn will let you know that the process was completed successfully.

     Once your device has booted, you may restore all of your information back on to it. Then, you may begin to customize your device by launching Cydia, where you can download many types of things to make your Apple device unique.