Let’s start with a couple of mantras.

Repeat after me: Jailbreak is not Unlock is not Activate.

Next; Baseband is not Bootloader is not Firmware.

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I read this somewhere a couple of years ago and laughed at first but found it really helpful afterwards.

What exactly is jailbreaking and why do you need it?

Is it an tool?

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Where can you download it?

All of these questions and more will be answered in this very article.

Before we begin, let me elaborate on the whole ‘cat-and-mouse chase’ reference.

Person using an iphone at a table with a glass behind it.

Why is this important to you?

And since we love jailbreaking, we’re rooting for the hackers.

Let’s start with the basics and define the term ‘jailbreak’.

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Actually, it pretty much explains itself – tobreak out of jail.

By default, you are confined to using the applications availableonlyin the iTunes App Store.

You’renotallowed to customise your gadget aside from re-arranging the position of the applications and changing your wallpaper.

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It’s like being in jail.

But by jailbreaking, you’re set free from Apple’s restrictions.

Jailbreaking is a process which will enable full write access on all partitions of your equipment.

Jailbreaking is always the first and most important step to freedom.

How do I know if I’m jailbroken?

If you have successfully jailbroken your gadget, there will be evidence of a third-party installer program.

At the time of writing,Cydiais the standard installer utility found on most jailbroken devices.

Another installer isIcy, and an even older one is Installer.app – both of which have been discontinued.

Inappropriate jailbreaking may render your equipment into a “brick”.

Jailbreaking will alsovoid your warranty, so I reiterate – ensure that you know what you’re doing.

If you have successfully managed to jailbreak your machine, congratulations!

Breathe the fresh, free air.

You’re now released from Apple’s deadly grasp.

A couple of things to note.

Remember when I told you that this is perpetual ‘cat-and-mouse’ chase?

I wasn’t kidding.

Find out if ajailbreaking tutorialexists.

If not, find out roughly when it will be released and wait for it.

It’s not that nerve-wrecking once you get the hang of it.

And trust me, the benefits of jailbreaking definitely outweigh being tied to a confining operating system.