Updated 24 May, 2012, 11:34 am IST

Jailbreak Your iPhone 3G

18 Mar, 2009, 6:00 pm IST | by Shayne Rana

For those looking to Jailbreak their iPhone 3G, here's how it's done in a few easy steps.

Just to get this out of the way and make sure that you guys fully understand right from the beginning, Jailbreaking your iPhone 3G will nullify your handset’s warranty. It’s not an illegal act in any way considering it’s your device, but should anything go wrong, you’re on your own.

Just in case you’re unfamiliar with what the term actually means – To jailbreak your iPhone 3G implies hacking into its system to allow you to manipulate certain features and functions as well as install third party applications that are not available on Apple’s AppStore.

Version Numbers
Before you begin make sure you’re running the latest version (8.*) of iTunes, whatever that may be. To check the version number, click on the ‘Help’ option and then the very last sub-option which is ‘About iTunes’ (see fig. 1). After that get hold of your handset and get cracking. Figuratively speaking of course.

Fig . 1

First things first though - Back up all the data you have on your device via iTunes or any other software you might be using. Next you need to check the firmware version your handset is currently running on as well as the Baseband (Modem Firmware, see fig. 2 for how to check this). If the base band is higher than 02.28.00 (i.e. 02.30.00) even if the firmware has been upgraded to 2.2.1 you’ll have a problem jailbreaking the device as a solution for downgrading the baseband isn’t out yet. But stay tuned for an update if or WHEN there is one.

Fig. 2

Downloads
You’ll need to then download the appropriate tool - QuickPwn. Incidentally 'to be Pwned' is the means by which one opens up the iPhone 3G to run third part applications and is also the means to jailbreak it and gain access to all areas. A Pwning tool is designed to do just this. You can also download a version for MAC suers form here.

You may also need to download the .ipsw (iPhone/iPod Software) file. What this file does is restore the device to an appropriate version that can be jailbroken. Create a folder on your desktop or wherever named – iPhone 3GJailbreak, or Jailbreak or Falloolla, it really doesn’t matter. Since it’s more than likely this far down, that you’ve upgraded your device to the latest firmware which is 2.2.1 you’ll have to download the appropriate Pwnage or jailbreaking tool that's been developed by the clever guys down at the iPhone Dev-Team Blog. Place the .ipsw file along with the Pwnage Tool - QuickPwn2.* in this folder. After you’ve done all of this, connect the iPhone 3G to your PC and fire up iTunes.

To restore the handset don’t simply click the ‘Restore’ tab. You’ll need to first keep the ‘Shift’ key on the keyboard pressed and then click ‘Restore’. When the box opens, locate the .ipsw file and let iTunes do the rest.

Tags: Apple , iPhone 3G , touchscreen , DIY