Jailbreaking an iPad allows the user to have full control of the device and complete access to all the data it contains. This means that you will have the ability to customize the device using themes, apps and programs that are not found in the Apple App Store. To jailbreak an iPad, you need to install and run a specific software for the iPad model and the version of iOS installed. This article explains how to jailbreak an iPad using two different methods.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparations for the Jailbreak
Step 1. Know the risks involved in jailbreaking
The purpose of the jailbreak is to be able to install on the device all the apps that have not been certified by Apple. Furthermore, all the features and restrictions Apple put in place to protect the device and the data it contains will be circumvented, so your iPad will be much more vulnerable to viruses and malware. There is a possibility, albeit a very low one, that the jailbreak process will render the iPad unusable. Last but not least, jailbreaking is not supported and authorized by Apple, therefore the iPad warranty will automatically expire. For all these reasons, you jailbreak your device at your own risk and take responsibility for the consequences of your actions.
-
Semi-untethered jailbreak:
this type of jailbreak is only active until the device is restarted. This means that when you restart your iPad, the original version of the operating system will load and you will no longer be able to use modified apps or programs. In other words, every time your device restarts, you will have to jailbreak it again.
Step 2. Backup iPad
Before jailbreaking your device, it is always best to create a complete backup of all personal and important data it contains, in case something goes wrong during the modification process. In this way, you will have the possibility to restore the iPad to its original factory settings and recover all your data from the backup. You can backup iPad from iTunes or with Finder on Mac. Alternatively, you can use iCloud by following these instructions:
- Launch the app Settings;
- Tap your Apple ID displayed at the top of the page;
- Select the item iCloud;
- Tap the option ICloud Backup;
- Push the button Back up now.
Step 3. Check the iPad model and iOS version installed
The files you will need to use to jailbreak vary by iOS version. Also, the latest version of the iOS 14 operating system jailbreak program is only compatible with some specific iPad models. Follow these instructions to find out which iPad model you have and which version of iOS you have installed:
- Launch the app Settings;
- Select the item General;
- Tap the option Info;
- Take note of the text shown under "Version";
- Take note of the text under "Model".
Step 4. Disable the "Find My iPad" feature
Some jailbreak programs require the Find My iPad feature to be turned off. To implement this change follow these instructions:
- Launch the app Settings;
- Tap your Apple ID;
- Select the item iCloud;
- Tap the option Find my iPad;
- Disable the Find My iPad slider.
Step 5. Disable Siri
Some jailbreak programs require Siri to be disabled. Follow these instructions to implement the change:
- Launch the app Settings;
- Select the item Siri and search;
- Disable the "Press the Home button for Siri" slider;
- Disable the "Enable" Hey Siri "slider.
Step 6. Disconnect iPad from Wi-Fi network
In most cases, it is essential that the iOS device is disconnected from the Wi-Fi network in order to be able to jailbreak. The easiest way to do this is to turn on the "Airplane mode". You can do this from the control panel: slide your finger across the screen, starting from the upper right corner, then tap the icon depicting a stylized airplane. Alternatively, you can follow these instructions:
- Launch the app Settings;
- Activate the "Use in airplane" slider.
Part 2 of 3: Jailbreak with Checkra1n
Step 1. Verify that your iPad is compatible with this method
The Checkra1n program works for most devices using the iOS 12 and iOS 13 operating system. It is also compatible with 5th generation iPads using the iOS 14 operating system, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4 and 1st generation iPad Pro. The developers of this software are constantly working to expand compatibility to all new models that are released on the market by Apple. The Checkra1n app requires the use of a Mac or Linux computer to be able to jailbreak the target device.
- Checkra1n is part of the jailbreak family semi-untethered. This means that by restarting the device, you will have to repeat the jailbreak procedure again using the Checkra1n app on a Mac or a Linux computer.
- Checkra1n is also compatible with the following iOS devices: iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, Apple TV 4, Apple TV 4K and with devices that mount the iBridge T2 chip and use the iOS 14 operating system.
- In the future, the version of Checkra1n for Windows will also be released.
Step 2. Visit the URL https://checkra.in/releases/0.11.0-beta using the browser of your choice
This is the official website to download the Checkra1n installation file.
Step 3. Scroll down the page and click the Download for MacOS link
This will download the application file for macOS systems.
If you are using a computer with a Linux operating system, you will need to click on the link corresponding to the Linux version installed on the computer
Step 4. Run the installation file
Once the download is complete, open the file directly in the browser window or by accessing the "Downloads" folder. At this point, drag the Checkra1n app icon to the "Applications" folder on your Mac. If you are using a Linux system, follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to complete the installation.
Step 5. Connect iPad to computer
Use the lightning cable that came with your device by plugging the USB connector into a free port on your computer.
Step 6. Launch the Checkra1n app
It features a black icon, depicting two chess pieces. You can find it in the "Applications" folder. The program should automatically detect the iPad model. If not, try disconnecting the device and reconnecting it to the computer.
Step 7. Click on the Start button
It is located in the lower right corner of the window. This will start the jailbreak procedure.
If you have an iPad model that is not supported by the program, you will still be able to jailbreak it, but the procedure may not work properly. In this case, there is no telling exactly what will happen, so jailbreak at your own risk. To install Checkra1n on an unsupported iPad model, click on the button Options and select the "Allow untested iOS / iPadOS / tvOS versions" checkbox.
Step 8. Click the Next button
The iPad will be put into "recovery" mode. An image of a lightning cable connector will appear on the device screen. This step of the process should be performed automatically, but should any instructions appear on the screen to activate the iPad's "recovery" mode, follow them without hesitation.
Step 9. Read the instructions carefully and click on the Start button
At this point, you need to activate the DFU mode (from English "Device Firmware Update") of the iPad to be able to install Checkra1n. Read the instructions that will appear on the screen to perform this step, then click on the button Start. For most supported iPad models, you will need to press and hold the Power button (located on the right side of the top) and the Home button (located below the screen).
Step 10. Follow the instructions given to you
Press the indicated buttons when you are told to do so in order to activate the iPad's "DFU" mode.
Step 11. Release the power button when prompted
The final step in being able to enter "DFU" mode is to release the Power button when prompted. Keep holding the Home button. The iPad will restart in "DFU" mode. The Apple logo and Checkra1n logo will appear on the screen along with some text. When the Checkra1n installation is complete, the iPad will restart. The jailbreak will take effect once the device is restarted.
If you start the Checkra1n app on the iPad, you will have the possibility to install Cydia which in turn will give you the possibility to install all the apps not certified by Apple and not present in the official App Store
Part 3 of 3: Jailbreak with Cydia Impactor
Step 1. Get an application-specific password
Since you will need to use an application that is not certified and not supported by Apple, you will need to create a password to pass Apple's two-factor authentication process. Follow these instructions to obtain this password directly from the Apple website:
- Visit the URL https://appleid.apple.com/ using the browser;
- Log in using your Apple ID and password;
- Enter the two-factor authentication code;
- Click on the button Edit placed next to the item Security;
- Click on the option Generate password placed in the "App specific passwords" section;
- Enter the name of the app or profile (for example "Cydia");
- Click on the button Create;
- Take note of the password displayed on the screen.
Step 2. Download the version of the Cydia Impactor app suitable for your computer
It is a program available for Windows and Mac that allows you to install applications on the iPad. You can also use it to jailbreak your device. Follow these instructions to download and install Cydia Impactor:
- Visit the site https://cydia-app.com/cydia-impactor/ using the browser;
- Click on the link Cydia Impactor MacOS if you have a Mac or on the link Cydia Impactor Windows if you have a Windows system;
- At the end of the download, open the ZIP file if you have a Windows system or the DMG file if you have a Mac;
- Extract the contents of the ZIP file in Windows or drag the Cydia Impactor app icon to the "Applications" folder on your Mac.
Step 3. Download the jailbreak program based on the iOS version installed on the iPad
In this case, you will need to download the correct IPA file, based on the version of iOS running on the device. Use one of the following links to download the right file for your needs:
- iOS 14: Checkra1n (semi-untethered)
- iOS 13 - 13.6.1: Unc0ver (semi-untethered)
- iOS 12.4.4: Checkra1n (semi-untethered)
- iOS 12 - 12.4.1: Unc0ver (semi-untethered)
- iOS 11 - 11.4.1: Electra Jailbreak
- iOS 10 - 10.3.3: h3lix
- iOS 9 - 9.3.6: Pheonix Jailbreak
- iOS 8.0 - 8.4.1: Etason
Step 4. Launch iTunes
In order to use Cydia Impactor on a Windows computer, you will need to first install the latest version of iTunes available. Make sure iTunes is up to date.
Step 5. Connect iPad to computer
Use the lightning cable that came with your device by plugging the USB connector into a free port on your computer.
Step 6. Start Cydia Impactor
It features an icon depicting a drill. If you are using Windows, you will find it in the "Start" menu; if you are using a Mac, it will be inside the "Applications" folder. Cydia Impactor should be able to automatically detect your iPad model at the top of the page.
Step 7. Drag the IPA file to jailbreak into the Cydia Impactor window
The installation process of the file on the iPad will start. In order to perform this step, you will need to log in using your Apple ID and password.
Step 8. Log in with your Apple ID
Enter your account email address and the corresponding password.
Step 9. Enter the app-specific password you created in the previous steps
In this case, instead of using the two-factor authentication code, you'll use the application-specific password you generated earlier.
Step 10. Launch the iPad Settings app
It features a gear icon. You can find it on the Home of the device.
Step 11. Select the General item
It is the first option in the "Settings" menu. It features a gear icon.
Step 12. Select the Device Management option
It is listed at the bottom of the "General" menu.
Step 13. Tap your Apple ID or the name you assigned to the application or profile
A new profile will appear on the iPad.
Step 14. Press the Authorize button
It is visible within the pop-up that appeared on the screen. This step is to confirm that the profile is safe and that you want to install its content on the device. The jailbreak app will be installed on the iPad.
Step 15. Tap the app icon to jailbreak
You will find it on the Home of the device.
Step 16. Press the Jailbreak button
The iPad jailbreak process will begin. At this point, carefully follow all the instructions that will be provided to you to complete the procedure. When finished, the iPad will restart automatically and the jailbreak will be complete and active. During the jailbreak process, the Cydia app will also be installed on the iPad.
