Unfortunately it is not possible to install the real Cydia application without jailbreaking your device. This is because Cydia must have access to your iPhone's system files and the only way to allow this is to jailbreak. Fortunately, jailbreaking your iOS device has become an extremely simple and straightforward procedure. If you don't intend to give up having Cydia on your iPhone, you can jailbreak and complete the installation in less than an hour.
Steps
Step 1. Understand why jailbreaking your device is essential to having Cydia
Cydia is a modified iPhone package manager that only works by having full access to the device's system files. Without jailbreaking Cydia is completely useless. Precisely for this reason, currently, there is no way to install Cydia on an iPhone without first jailbreaking it. Any website or guide claiming to be able to install Cydia without jailbreaking the device is either a scam or installs a fake version (sometimes just the icon). This article will guide you through the basic steps to jailbreak iOS 8 and 9 devices, which is essential to be able to install Cydia.
Step 2. Understand the risks of jailbreaking
Jailbreaking is a procedure that is generally recommended only for expert users who want to make the most of their iPhone, in fact it allows you to install applications and customizations that are not normally allowed through the Apple App Store. Since these programs do not have to pass Apple's control and verification procedures, if used incorrectly, they could cause the device to malfunction or even completely block. It is also important to know that a jailbroken iPhone is more vulnerable to virus and malware attacks, although the risk of getting such an infection is directly related to the user's web browsing habits. The jailbreak process itself, if not done correctly, can render your device inoperable, as well as voiding its warranty. To solve this last problem, however, it is sufficient to restore the original firmware before sending the device for assistance.
Step 3. Check the iOS version
The jailbreaking software required varies based on the iOS version installed on the iPhone. To find out this information, go to "Settings" and choose "General". Tap the "Info" option, then locate the "Version" entry.
Step 4. Download the correct jailbreak program, based on the iOS version installed on your device
As mentioned, different versions of iOS require the use of different software to jailbreak them. These programs are available for both Windows and Mac systems. Remember that iTunes is also required.
- iOS 8.0 - 8.1: Pangu 8 (en.8.pangu.io/)
- iOS 8.1.3 - 8.4: TaiG (taig.com/en/)
- iOS 8.4.1: There is currently no software available to jailbreak this version of iOS.
- iOS 9 - 9.1: Pangu 9 (en.pangu.io/)
- iOS 9.1.1: There is currently no software available to jailbreak this version of iOS.
Step 5. Connect the iPhone to the computer
In order to jailbreak your device, you need to connect it to your computer via USB cable.
Step 6. To make a full backup of your iPhone, use iTunes
This will allow you to restore your iPhone in case the jailbreak process does not complete properly.
- Launch iTunes and select your iPhone icon located at the top of the program window.
- Press the "Back Up Now" button and wait for the backup procedure to finish.
Step 7. Disable the "Find My iPhone" feature and unlock the device with a security code
These two features must be disabled before you can jailbreak the device.
- To disable the "Find my iPhone" function, go to "Settings", choose the "iCloud" item and turn off the switch for the "Find my iPhone" option.
- To disable the entry of the unlock code, go to the "General" section of the "Settings", then choose the "Lock with code" option.
Step 8. Activate "Airplane Use" mode
This is an essential step to take before proceeding with the jailbreak. To enable the "Airplane use" mode, you can select the relative icon located in the "Control Center" or go directly to the "Settings".
Step 9. Launch your chosen jailbreak program, then press the "Jailbreak" or "Start" button to start the process
The jailbreak program should show your device directly on the main screen. To start the jailbreak procedure of your iPhone, press the "Jailbreak" button.
- If you are using TaiG, uncheck the "3K Assistant" checkbox. Make sure the check button for "Cydia" is selected.
- If the jailbreaking software does not recognize your device, you will most likely need to install an older version of iTunes. To do this, uninstall the current version of the program, then download the installation file of a working version from this link. Check out this guide for more information on how to uninstall a program like iTunes.
Step 10. Wait for the jailbreak process to finish
This step can take 20-30 minutes, during which time the device will restart several times. The program used to perform the jailbreak will display the progress bar on the screen. In this regard, do not worry if the latter dwells too much on a certain percentage, it is completely normal. Remember not to disconnect the iPhone during the jailbreak procedure, otherwise it may become unusable.
Step 11. At the end of the jailbreak start Cydia
In order to apply the new changes to the file system, at the end of the jailbreak, you will have to start the Cydia application; the relative icon will have appeared on the Home of the device. After Cydia has completed the configuration of the new environment, it will automatically restart the iPhone.
Step 12. Re-enable the "Find my phone" and "Code lock" functions
When Cydia has completed the device configuration process, you can reactivate the "Find my phone" function. For greater security, it is advisable to activate the "Lock with code" function as well.
