The paid applications available within the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store can be downloaded and installed for free by jailbreaking your iOS device or using sources external to the Play Store, from which to download the APK files, in case of an Android device. Read on to find out how to proceed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: iOS devices
Step 1. Log into the Redsn0w website using the URL "https://www.redsn0w.us/2013/10/the-ultimate-jailbreak-wizard.html" and follow the wizard instructions
The role of this website is to help you locate the correct software to jailbreak your iOS device safely and with the least possible risk.
Step 2. Use the drop-down menus on the web page that appeared to select your iOS device and its model
Step 3. At this point, select the iOS version installed on your device
You can find this information by starting the Settings app, choosing the "General" item and selecting the "Info" option (this step is valid for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch).
Step 4. Select the operating system of your computer using the "Platform" drop-down menu, then press the "Check your iDevice" button
This way you will get the name of the software that you will need to use to jailbreak your iOS device.
Step 5. Go to the official website of the program that was indicated to you in the previous step
Alternatively, you can use the download page of the Redsn0w website to download the correct software tool. The URL is as follows: "https://www.redsn0w.us/2010/03/download-direct-links-jailbreak-guides.html".
Step 6. Select the option to download the chosen software directly to your computer
Some tools to jailbreak iOS devices do not require any installation to use.
Step 7. Run the software installation file you downloaded
Step 8. Follow the on-screen instructions to run or install the program on your computer
Step 9. Back up your iOS device using iCloud or iTunes
This step is to minimize the risk of losing personal data on the device if it is restored during the jailbreaking process.
Step 10. Connect the iOS device to the computer using the supplied USB cable
Step 11. Launch the jailbreak software, then press the "Start" or "Jailbreak" button
Step 12. Follow the on-screen instructions to jailbreak the iOS device
All types of programs that perform this procedure are designed to automatically guide the user through the jailbreaking process.
Step 13. After the jailbreak process is complete, disconnect the iOS device from the computer
The Cydia application icon will now be visible on the device Home. Cydia is the program that allows the installation of all the apps available for the devices on which the jailbreak has been performed, including those that are normally paid.
Step 14. Launch the Cydia app and choose the "Manage" option
Step 15. Choose the "Sources" item, then press the "Edit" button
Step 16. Press the "Add" button, then type the URL of the repository from which you want to download the app you want to install
The applications available for installation via Cydia are organized in repositories. Here is a short list of archives that contain a large number of programs: AppCake (cydia.iphonecake.com), Sinful iPhone (sinfuliphonerepo.com) and xSellize (cydia.xsellize.com).
Step 17. Press the "Add Source" button in succession and the button to return to the previous screen
Step 18. Select the source you just added, then press the "Install" button
Step 19. Choose the "Confirm" item
The chosen source will be installed on the device and will be visible directly on the Home at the end of the procedure.
Step 20. Log into the newly installed repository, then search for the apps you want to install
Alternatively, browse the list of those available for free, which are usually paid.
Step 21. Tap the application you want to download, then press the "Install" button
The selected app will be automatically installed on the device and, at the end, will be displayed directly on the Home.
Method 2 of 3: Android devices
Step 1. Press the "Menu" button on the device, then choose the "Settings" item
Step 2. Tap "Security", then select the "Unknown sources" checkbox
This feature allows you to install applications downloaded from sources external to the Google Play Store.
Step 3. Go to the website where there is the APK file you want to download
The APK files are distributed on the web in a totally independent way from the Google Play Store and are available in online archives or directly on the website of the company or developer who created the relevant application. Here is a short list of online archives where APK files can be found: APK Pure (https://apkpure.com/app) and Apps APK (https://www.appsapk.com).
Step 4. Choose the option that allows you to download the selected APK file directly to your Android device
The chosen file will be saved in the "Download" folder.
Step 5. Open the "Download" folder of your Android device and select the APK file you just downloaded
Step 6. Press the "Install" and "Yes" buttons in succession to confirm the willingness to install the application
At the end of the installation procedure, the app icon will be displayed in the "Applications" panel.
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. If the computer or software you chose to jailbreak cannot detect the iOS device, try using another USB cable or connection port
This step is used to identify problems related to a malfunctioning electronic component.
Step 2. If you are having trouble jailbreaking or installing an APK file, install all required updates from your iOS, Android device, or computer operating system
This way, you can be sure there will be no software incompatibility issues.
Step 3. If an error is generated during the jailbreak procedure or the installation of an APK file, try restarting both the computer and the mobile device
In this way, all affected systems will be recovered by solving the connectivity problems.
Step 4. If your iOS device malfunctions after jailbreaking, restore the original software
This will restore the factory settings, along with the warranty provided by Apple, and the device will appear as new.
Step 5. Restore your Android device, if after installing an APK file it was found to be unusable
The installation of some APK files is not supported by the Google Play Store, so it may not work properly or efficiently on your Android device model.
Warnings
- Download Android APK files only from safe and trustworthy websites. Some files in this format actually contain malware and viruses, which can compromise the security of your personal data. Use common sense when downloading apps and programs from sources other than the Google Play Store.
- Jailbreak any iOS device at your own risk; remember that Apple will not be responsible for any possible damage caused by this type of procedure to the device or computer. Apple is publicly campaigned against jailbreaking their devices, so it will instantly void the device's warranty the moment it is jailbroken.
- Be careful because downloading paid apps for free is illegal in most states. Do this solely at your own risk; remember that you may face legal consequences or have to pay a financial penalty if you are caught red-handed.
