The jailbreak procedure on iPad gives you superuser permissions and root access. With both, you can modify your device using themes, apps, and tweaks from outside of Apple's built-in App Store. This process requires you to install and run a jailbreak program that is compatible with the iOS iPad model and version. This wikiHow teaches you two different methods to jailbreak most iPad models.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Jailbreak Procedure
Step 1. Know the risks of the jailbreak procedure
This procedure allows you to access unofficial apps and tweaks for iPad. Also, this procedure allows you to bypass security features installed by Apple and make your device more vulnerable to viruses and malware. Although it is rare, the jailbreak process sometimes makes the iPad unable to function. Finally, this procedure is not supported by Apple and will void the warranty which is still valid on the device. Therefore, accept the risk if you wish to proceed.
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Semi-untethered or semi-permanent jailbreak procedure:
Some jailbreaks are semi-untethered or semi-permanent. This means the jailbreak works only until you restart the device. After your iPad restarts, you'll need to use a jailbreak app on your computer to re-enable the jailbreak.
Step 2. Backup iPad data
Before jailbreaking, it's a good idea to back up your device data in case something goes wrong with the jailbreak process. This way, you can restore your device to its factory settings and restore iPad data from a backup file. You can back up iPad to iTunes or Finder on a Mac computer, or follow these steps to back up data to iCloud:
- Open the device settings menu or “ Settings ”.
- Touch Apple ID at the top of the screen.
- Touch " iCloud ”.
- Choose " iCloud Backup ”.
- Choose " Back Up Now ”.
Step 3. Check the iPad iOS model and version
The jailbreak you need to use will depend on the iOS version. Also, the latest jailbreak for iOS 14 is only supported by certain iPad models. Follow these steps to check which iOS version and iPad model you have:
- Open the device settings menu or “ Settings ”.
- Touch " General ”.
- Choose " About ”.
- Take note or remember the entry " Version ".
- Make a note of or remember the "Model" entry.
Step 4. Disable the “Find My iPad” feature
Some jailbreaks require you to disable the “Find My iPad” feature. Follow these steps to disable it:
- Open the settings menu or “ Settings ”.
- Touch your Apple ID.
- Choose " Find My ”.
- Touch " Find My iPad ”.
- Slide the "Find My iPad" switch to the off position.
Step 5. Disable Siri
Some jailbreaks require you to disable Siri. Follow these steps to turn it off:
- Open the settings menu or “ Settings ”.
- Touch " Siri & Search ”.
- Slide the "Press Home for Siri" switch to the off position.
- Toggle "Listen for 'Hey Siri' " to the off position.
Step 6. Disconnect the device from the wireless network
It is important that you disconnect the wireless connection when installing most jailbreaks. The easiest way to do this is to enable airplane mode (“Airplane Mode”). You can swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen and tap the airplane icon, or follow these steps to enable airplane mode via your device's settings menu:
- Open the device settings menu or “ Settings ”.
- Touch the switch next to "Airplane Mode".
Part 2 of 3: Jailbreak Using Checkra1n
Step 1. Make sure your iPad is compatible
Checkra1n works on most devices running iOS 12 - 13. The app also offers early support for iOS 14 on iPad fifth generation (5th generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and iPad Pro 1st generation (1st generation). Support for newer models will be added in the next few weeks. Checkra1n also requires a Mac or Linux computer to be able to jailbreak the device.
- Checkra1n offers semi-untethered or semi-permanent jailbreaks. If you restart your iPad, you will need to reactivate the jailbreak using the Checkra1n app on a Mac or Linux computer.
- Checkra1n is also supported by iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, Apple TV 4, and Apple TV 4K, as well as iBridge T2 running iOS 14.
- You can check back later for support for Windows computers.
Step 2. Visit https://checkra.in/releases/0.11.0-beta via a web browser
This site is the official Checkra1n download website.
Step 3. Scroll down and click Download for MacOS
The Checkra1n app for MacOS will be downloaded afterwards.
If you are using a Linux computer, click the download link according to the version of Linux you are using
Step 4. Open the installation file
Once the file has finished downloading, open it via a web browser or the “Downloads” folder. Drag the Checkra1n file to the “Downloads” folder on your Mac. If you are using a Linux computer, follow the on-screen instructions to install Checkra1n.
Step 5. Connect iPad to computer
Use the lightning cable that came with the device and connect iPad to an empty USB port on the computer.
Step 6. Open Checkra1n
This app is marked by a black icon that looks like two chess pieces. Click the icon in the “Applications” folder to open Checkra1n. The app will detect the iPad model when it's open. If not, disconnect and reconnect iPad to the computer.
Step 7. Click Start
It's in the lower-right corner of the screen. The jailbreak process will start after that.
If you're using an unsupported iPad model, you can still try using the Checkra1n jailbreak. However, the jailbreak may not work properly. Do it at your own risk. To install Checkra1n on an unsupported iPad model, click “ Options ” and check the option "Allow untested iOS/iPadOS/tvOS versions".
Step 8. Click Next
iPad will be entered into recovery mode (recovery mode). You can see the lightning cable image on the device screen. This process happens automatically, but if you see instructions for manually entering iPad into recovery mode, follow the instructions.
Step 9. Read the instructions and click Start
You will need to put your iPad into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode in order to install the Checkra1n jailbreak. Read the instructions to put the device into that mode and click “ Start For most supported iPad models, you need to press and hold the power button (at the top right corner of the device) and the “Home” button (at the bottom of the screen).
Step 10. Follow the prompts when prompted
Press the buttons mentioned in the instructions to put iPad into DFU mode when prompted.
Step 11. Release the power button when prompted
The final step to enable DFU mode is to release the power button when prompted. Keep holding down the “Home” button. iPad will restart in DFU mode. You can see the Apple logo and the Checkra1n logo. Some text will also be displayed on the screen. Once the Checkra1n jailbreak is complete, the iPad will restart. Jailbreak will be activated once the device finishes restarting.
If you open the Checkra1n app on an iPad, the app offers the option to install Cydia, an unofficial app store that allows you to download jailbreak apps and tweaks
Part 3 of 3: Jailbreak Using Cydia Impactor
Step 1. Create an app specific password
Since you'll be side-loading an unauthorized app that isn't approved by Apple, you'll need to create an app-specific password to bypass Apple's two-factor authentication process. Follow these steps to get an app-specific password from the Apple website:
- Visit https://appleid.apple.com/ via a web browser.
- Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
- Enter the two-factor authentication code.
- Click " Edit ” next to “Security”.
- Click " Generate Password ” under "App-specific passwords".
- Type a name for the app or profile (eg "Cydia").
- Click " Create ”.
- Take note of the displayed password.
Step 2. Download Cydia Impactor to your computer
Cydia Impactor is an app available for Mac and Windows computers, and it allows you to sideload apps onto iPad. You can also use it to install a jailbreak. Follow these steps to download and install Cydia Impactor:
- Visit https://cydia-app.com/cydia-impactor/ via a web browser.
- Click " Cydia Impactor MacOS ” for Mac computers, or “ Cydia Impactor Windows ” for Windows computers.
- Open the Impactor ZIP file on Windows computers, or the Impactor ".dmg" file for Mac computers.
- Extract the contents of the ZIP file on a Windows computer or drag the Cydia Impactor application icon to the “Applications” folder on a Mac computer.
Step 3. Download the jailbreak tool according to the iOS version running on the iPad
You will need to download the jailbreak tool's ".ipa" file that matches the version of iOS your device is running. Follow these links to visit the appropriate jailbreak tool download page:
- iOS 14: Checkra1n (semi-untethered or semi-permanent)
- iOS 13 - 13..6.1: Unc0ver (semi-untethered or semi-permanent)
- iOS 12.4.4: Checkra1n (semi-untethered or semi-permanent)
- iOS 12 - 12.4.1: Unc0ver (semi-untethered or semi-permanent)
- iOS 11 - 11.4.1: Electra Jailbreak
- iOS 10 - 10.3.3: h3lix
- iOS 9 - 9.3.6: Pheonix Jailbreak
- iOS 8.0 - 8.4.1: Etason
Step 4. Open iTunes
You will need to download the latest version of iTunes on a Windows computer in order to use Cydia Impactor on a computer. Make sure iTunes has the most recent version installed.
Step 5. Connect iPad to computer
Use the lightning cable that came with your device purchase to connect iPad to an empty USB port on your computer.
Step 6. Open Cydia Impactor
This application is marked by a drill icon. On Windows computers, you can find this icon in the Windows “Start” menu. On Mac computers, you can find it in the “Applications” folder. When Cydia Impactor is opened, the app will detect the iPad model and display it at the top of the window.
Step 7. Drag and drop the jailbreak IPA file into the Cydia Impactor window
The jailbreak side-loading process to the iPad will begin. You need to be signed in to your Apple ID to install the files.
Step 8. Sign in to your Apple ID
You will need to enter the email address and password associated with your Apple ID.
Step 9. Enter the app specific password
Instead of a two-factor authentication code, use the app-specific password that you got before starting the jailbreak process.
Step 10. Open the device settings menu or “Settings” on iPad
This menu is indicated by a two gear icon. Touch this icon on the home screen to open the settings menu on the iPad.
Step 11. Touch General
This option is the first option in the “Settings” menu. You can see it next to a gear icon.
Step 12. Touch Device Management
This option is at the bottom of the “General” menu.
Step 13. Touch the entered Apple ID or app name
A new profile will open on the iPad.
Step 14. Touch Trusts
It's in the pop-up warning window. This option indicates that you trust the profile and want to install it. The jailbreak app will be added to the iPad after that.
Step 15. Touch the jailbreak icon
This icon is displayed on the home screen. After that, the jailbreak tool will run.
Step 16. Touch Jailbreak
The jailbreak process will begin. Make sure you follow the additional instructions to complete the process. After that, the iPad will restart and the jailbreak will be activated. Cydia will also be installed on the iPad.
