How to Jailbreak the iPad
The long-awaited iPad/iPhone jailbreak has finally arrived, allowing anyone with an iPhone, iPod Touch or even the brand-new Apple iPad running the newest versions of the iPhone Operating System the ability to unlock their device and install unapproved, third-party applications.
Unlike Google's Android Market, the app store for Google-powered phones, Apple's iTunes App Store is tightly controlled with only "approved" applications allowed access. But for jailbreakers, the term used to describe those who hack their devices, hundreds more applications are immediately available, allowing you greater control and freedom over the hardware you own.
Why Jailbreak?
Users who jailbreak can download apps that allow you to customize everything on the device from your homescreen images to your icons. You can also multitask by running apps in the background, tether your iPhone to your PC to use it as a modem, even turn your iPhone into a "MiFi" hotspot. Those are just the highlights, though. The jailbreak application stores (there are several, like Cydia, Icy and RockYourPhone, for example) have apps that let you do pretty much anything. Here, there really are "apps for that," when "that" is something Apple would rather you not do.
For some users, there are only one or two apps that make jailbreaking worthwhile, but for others, the reason for jailbreaking isn't just the apps themselves, but the freedom a jailbroken device provides.
For those who aren't afraid to void their warranty (don't worry, you can always restore to factory settings with no one the wiser), the new jailbreaking tool called "Spirit" brings that level of freedom to all Apple mobile devices running firmware 3.1.2, 3.1.3 or 3.2. This is also an "untethered" jailbreak, meaning you don't have to plug in your device to your computer every time your reboot it, an issue that plagued similar exploits used in the recent past.
How To Jailbreak the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch
Note that this particular jailbreak is what's known by the hacker community as a "userland" jailbreak. That means that it exploits a security weakness in the mobile operating system. Apple tends to quickly patch these holes, once exposed, through software updates. Jailbreak users who don't want to be affected by the soon-to-arrive Apple software update, can go through a procedure to back up something called "SHSH blobs" which allow you to downgrade and re-jailbreak your device if you were to accidentally upgrade. If you want go through this step, there's a tutorial here. Otherwise, just be careful to not upgrade your device when a new software patch is released.
Once you're ready to jailbreak, do the following:
- Verify you're running the latest version of iTunes (9.1.1) and then sync your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad one last time in order to back it up. The iPad should be running OS 3.2.
- Download the Spirit jailbreak for Mac or PC. Both are found on the Spirit homepage. (Also here: Mac, PC).
- Connect the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch to your computer using the USB cable.
- Run the Spirit jailbreak application. (Note: Windows users may need to run the program as an administrator - Right-click on the .exe file and choose "Run as Administrator" from the menu. If you still have issues, try running it in compatibility mode as well. Right-click, go to Properties, Compatibility tab, and check the box "Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows 98/Me").
- Click the "jailbreak" button.
- The iPad will automatically reboot.
- Once rebooted, you'll see the "Cydia" application installed on your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad's desktop. From here, you have access to all the unapproved, third-party applications.
That's it!
Your device is now hacked.
Note that Spirit is not a "carrier unlock" which allows the iPhone to be used with carriers other than AT&T. It is a jailbreak only.
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Are there any caveats with this iPad jailbreak like the default SSH password problem that iPhone jailbreakers recently got ambushed with?
Also, what about a "why to jailbreak the iPad" follow-up post? I'd like to see some of the apps and features before deciding to jump on this. I used to jailbreak my iPhone, but got sick of all the extra steps that the alternative app stores required, and some of the data they wanted. I also hate the fact that I have to erase my iPhone and jailbreak all over again; has that ever been resolved? I know each iPhone OS update overwrites the entire OS, so I guess they'd have to somehow work around that, right?
David: That's a great idea. As soon as I get down-and-dirty with it, I think I'll do just that.
Thanks for posting. Spirit works great and faster than previous jailbroken releases. It took my iPad all but 2 minutes and now I have cydia installed. I'm going to use the backgrounder app and hopefully a soon to be release hack to allow usb webcam support.
Thanks
Wayne
"... Apple tends to quickly patch these holes, once exposed, through software updates ..."
With the company's preceived control maniac, it is difficult not to wonder if they actually keep one eye closed on jailbreaking. Especially iPad is so fast to break. Jailbreakers would buy very few from store anyway. As long as it does not spread too far, at least they bought a device, helped plumb up popularity and stopped complaining.
Keep in mind, before jailbreaking your iPad, that the only successful malware for the iPhone and iPod Touch have been that which targets jail broken devices. Those devices that have not been jail broken remain resilient to all current related malware. IOW: if you jailbreak your iPad, you're open for infection. This isn't FUD, it's just fact.
This is NOT to say an intact iPad is 'immune' to malware or can't be cracked, etc. It just means that Apple provide security support within intact iPads, not jail broken iPads.
Note that this situation applies to both the Wi-Fi and G3 iPads.
I guess the biggest reason for a jailbroken iPad will be to use Adobe AIR applications and Flash-based websites much to the loathing of the Apple Emperor Jobs.
I assume the the comment warning people about malware and the first talking about the 'default SSH password problem,' are referring to the same thing, and not any 'bugs.' It is a well known aspect of any unix-based or multi-user OS (which iPhone OS is, it's just 'jailed' up not to be/seem like it) that a system can be harmed when root level access to it's resources is exposed and unprotected.
So yes, these devices do have a system-default admin password. Once you jailbreak your device it is important to read the link, "How To Change Your Root Password." on the homepage of Cydia. It's not a big deal and only takes a minute to do. If that's 'above your head' you shouldn't be jailbreaking in the firstplace.
Posting a comment saying people are 'ambushed' by this or not talking about what it really is but how you're oh-so unprotected and vulnerable is in fact FUD, by definition.
Jailbreaking isn't for everyone - for the longest time I was anti-jailbreak until I started looking at my phone like a computational device I own and want to be the admin of.
Why would I wan't an iPad?
Awesome!
Any fix to the PS3/Linux issue yet?
HAHA!
"... Those devices that have not been jail broken remain resilient to all current related malware..."
Ever heard of the Pwn2Own contest? An unjailbroken phone was hacked this year.
"While the attack was used to grab just the SMS data, which would include deleted messages, it could be designed to access contacts, photos, and other data on the iPhone, and without the user having any idea an attack was underway, the researchers said."
That's from this article: http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20001126-245.html
The fact that the user has no idea an attack is underway is the part that scares me. This also may be the reason we haven't heard of anything in the media, because people have no idea that they are under attack!
@Derek Currie
The only successful malware for iPhone OS is the one that targets jailbroken iPhones with the default root password. One good thing (and a bad thing too from another point of view) about Apple's lock-down is that there is no root access, even though iPhone OS at its core is still UNIX.
The problem is, most people set up passwords for their PCs, but why can't they do the same thing for their iPhones? It's common sense. People need to know that the iPhone is in many ways similar to the PCs of theirs. Which means without a password (or in this case, with a password spread all over the Internet), anybody can gain access to their phones, and it's nothing but their faults.
I was eagerly waiting for this. Thank God finally it was released.
I believe the root password issue on jail-broken iPhones is only a problem if you also install SSH to allow remote access.
I have just received my IPad and was keen to find out how to Jailbreak, as I find my jailbroken IPhone is far more functional. Thank you for this piece.
Whats going to happen when OS 4.0 comes out? Would my Jailbroken phone still work? or would I have to restore it to factory settings?
#8: Why would you "wan't" an iPad?
Many reasons, one might be to download the dictionary app and learn to spell correctly.
seems this article is more based on spirit.
well, maybe these article "Apple iPad Jailbreaking Hacks" covered Why People Jailbreak/Hack? Why Jailbreak the iPad? and so might interest readers, view the source: iFunia ipad column.
The above article is so helpful to me and other people who do not know about jailbreaking iPad at home. I have heard that some people go to the shop to jailbreak their iPad or iPhone and pay more prices for it. But this is the best way of saving their money so that they can do at home with the help of the articles.
Lol using an iPad at the apple store now LMFAO.
Believe me knowone is more excited about this news then me. Thank you for this great article
Thanks for the article! There are a lot of smart people commenting here.I learned so much by just reading the coments!
I know that the ipad can be used with remote desktop to access my server, but I want to to use the ipad as a remote desktop with remote web workplace to access my client desktop at work that is connected to the server, but have run into the activex control problem. Will jailbreak enable me me to accomplish that? Thx.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
there is already a way to JAILBREAK! I think jobs needs to work on his stuff
To use some of the great apps which are not approved jail break is necessary which enables more customization and power to the end user.
Hi there can someone pls explain what to do after you load Cydia.....its easy to load that but how do you get the apps onto the ipad...
regards
KB007
Kb007: look up " how to install installous on You tube or google" it's very ez to do it
everything worked perfectly! 2 mins tops for the full program! thank you, this is the third try at jailbreaking and it finally worked!
Doesn't work comes up with error when unlocking on a 64gb wifi & 3G and no contact from the seller regarding problem or refund...
bonelyfish - "Jailbreakers would buy very few from store anyway."
Not true I've been a jailbreaker since the iphone 1.1 release and I buy lots of apps from the apple store. The store just doesn't have the technical apps I want and it's my old fashion "up the man" thing. If I couldn't have jailbroken iphone or Apple products I would be buying some other vendors product that I could play with.
If Apple doesn't get with the multi-carrier thing and give up AT&T I may move over to Android.
I'm with you "thelip"! I hate AT&T and for the life of me I cannot figure out why Apple, with some of the most brilliant developers in the world, would want to team up with the most expensive, worst coverage, highest dropped calls, etc. (i could go on and on) cellular companies out there! Come on Apple!!! work with us here......AT&T SUCKS!! and i've not even ventured into their customer service issues.....
Is it funny that the first thing I do to my apple products is jailbreak them? Jobs needs to understand!
Apple did not want to go with AT&T. They started with Verizon. Some brilliant Verizon manager turned them down. I've heard lots of rumors why but never found out for sure. Apple turned to AT&T and the rest is history. Verizon lost 25% of their mobile market share to the iPhone. Now I wonder where that brilliant Verizon manager is these days?
look here itunes 9.2 no good for spirit http://www.forum-ipad4g-pro.com/jailbreak-ipad-f9.html
I just tried it with 9.2 on my ipad and it did not work. It hung at the apple screen on bootup after it had installed, but not booted up for the first time. Thankfully though, I was able to restore it from backup.
Can I re-jailbreak my iPad? How can download or transfer purchased apple app from my desktop computer?
This is a very disappointing article. You list downloads and instructions for the Windows and OS X versions of the Spirit software, making it appear as if no Linux version exists.
However, upon visiting their website, there is a Linux version, and it works. Why did you miss us out? Do you think that none of us use Linux?
I won't be visiting this website again, especially not to read your poor articles.
I upgraded to iTunes 9.2 before I realized that the jailbreak for the iPad will not work with 9.2. What are my options?
Wait for the spirit update for 9.2? Any idea when it will come out?
Downgrade my computer to 9.1 (is this possible)?
I haven't synced my iPad to the computer since the update to 9.2. Can I still jailbreak and just not sync to the computer?
Ha Ha nice hack!!
Anyone want to dance with me ?
@: Delan Azabani, fine, don't ever visit here again. Quite why you are crying over it is beyond me, you sad git.
Ok..............
I m into dis stuff alot but i relly dont want my IPAD to go bad or sumthin or not work
so.... if i get dis dun.... Is there a possibility dat the Apple ppl will deactivate my ipad or put a malware or sumthin ??
Plzz answer
:))
REGARDS
Guys my iPad came with 3.2.1 what shall I do
Plz hlllllp ???
Hi yaga,
I don't think we have a choice but to wait until someone creates jailbreak for 3.2
If you go to the spirit website it says doesn't work on 3.2 yet and doesn't give timeline when new version will be coming out.only got my iPad recently so can't wait till new version comes out. If anyone does know a work around please let us know
Than dude I really needed someone 2 tell me that, one other question though...
Should the shsh blob be taken b4the jailbreak or after???
If you're like me and already have itunes 9.2 installed. Then do the following. Google itunes 9.1 download. Download it. Remove all apple and itunes apps. Install 9.1 download. You'll get an error (something along the lines of), "itunes library.itl~ file is newer than installed app." Search for this file and delete it. Ta Da... you've got itunes 9.1.
MAKE SURE NOT TO UPGRADE TO 9.2. That would be silly...
My itunes is 9.1 bt im still wondering
Should the shsh blob be taken b4 the jailbreak or after???
This one already has a impression and it's almost bug-free depending on the App you download in Cydia. iPad Jailbreak For Real! http://2su.de/dEP
Lol this jail break helped me alot...
Hats off to this site
À very nice step by step guide can be seen at www.jailbreakguides.com
im interested in getting an iPad. Does anybody know if there is an app to install for word processing or something similar or if i jailbreak the iPad if there is something similar which i could install?
Thanks
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