If you’re the owner of an iPhone 5, you may be perfectly happy with what iOS 6.1 brings to the table. However, if you’re the type that likes to have a few more options (and I’m assuming you do if you’re reading this), then you’re probably happy to know that the iPhone 5 can now be jailbroken.
So if you’re ready to remove the proverbial chains of iOS and gain the ability to install many more apps, then read on. You can also do this for your iPad Mini or iPhone 4S if you’re on iOS 6.0, 6.01, 6.0.2 or 6.1. If you have the iPhone 5, you should already be using one of those versions.
First thing’s first – backing up your device. You’ll want to back up your iPhone via iTunes or iCloud before beginning the jailbreak process. If you have a passcode, you’ll also want to make sure that it’s disabled. Once you’ve backed up the phone, do a restore with iTunes and set it up as a “new device”.
Next, download the latest version of evasi0n for either Mac OS X, Windows or Linux. After downloading, run evasi0n and follow the prompt to jailbreak the device. If you end up getting stuck somewhere during the jailbreak, you can reboot the device and start the process over again. Upon completion, open up Cydia (the jailbreak App Store) that comes with the program and let it “prepare the filesystem”. Once that’s complete, you can start using iTunes again and choose “Restore from this backup” to get your previously backed up data back on the phone.
If you happen to be someone who wants to jailbreak their iPhone 5 but aren’t too sure what it is and just want to do it because it sounds cool or you’ve been told you should do it, jailbreaking is essentially installing a program on your device that removes the restrictions that are a part of the built-in software. That means your iPhone 5 (or compatible iOS device) can run apps, themes or other tweaks that are not Apple approved. This process doesn’t brick your phone or restrict you from using apps from the App Store (including your existing ones), but it basically lets you do more.
If you end up deciding you don’t want a jailbroken device anymore, you can simply plug your device back onto your computer and make a backup on iTunes, then Restore it to wipe the device clean. You’ll then be able to load your original back-up (before the jailbreak) to put it back the way it was.
Here is a handy list from Cult of Mac on some of the best jailbreak tweaks available for the iPhone 5.
Disclaimer: Jailbreaking your iPhone 5 or other iOS device is completely legal. Should you accidentally do something to your phone that you didn’t mean to do, you can always factory reset it. Jailbreak at your own risk.