General FAQs About Jailbreaking

What does it mean to jailbreak my iPhone/iPod Touch?

Simply put, jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch just means that you are modifying the devices so that you are able to "do a lot more" than a stock iPhone or iPod Touch (one that has not been jailbroken).

Note: Jailbreaking and unlocking are NOT the same thing.

What does it mean to unlock my iPhone?

First of all, it is not possible to unlock an iPod Touch. When an iPhone is "locked", it means that it is locked to one specific carrier (or service provider).

In Canada, for example, if your iPhone was purchased from Rogers, it would be locked to Rogers, and you would not be able to use the phone with any other service provider such as Fido. Unlocking your iPhone means that you are able to use your iPhone with any GSM service provider. This includes any GSM service provider around the world, for example AT & T in the US, or Orange in the UK.

More details on unlocking will be discussed later on.

What are the advantages of jailbreaking my iPhone/iPod Touch?

Jailbreaking your device allows you to "do a lot more" with it including (but not limited to):

- Changing the look of your device (With different themes, icons, wallpapers, etc.)
- Install different apps and games that are not available on the AppStore
- Enable more functions (such as video recording on the iPhone 3G)
- It is FREE to jailbreak your device! (and most of the apps and games available are free as well!)

Note that this is just a very general overview. More details will follow in the near future.

What are the disadvantages of jailbreaking my iPhone/iPod Touch?

Jailbreaking your device will technically void your warranty, since it is unauthorized by Apple. However, the jailbreaking process is not permanent and can be "reversed" anytime without Apple knowing. By restoring your device to factory settings (the way your device was when you first bought it) before taking it to the Apple Store, you will still be able to claim warranty for your device.

Another disadvantage is that if you do not perform the jailbreaking operation successfully, you may be required to restore your device to factory settings. This means all the apps, games, music, photos, settings, and whatever else you may have on your device will be erased. This is not such a big deal because all of your files should stored on your computer, and you will be able to put them back on your device by re syncing it with iTunes. The only thing is you will have to readjust your settings (such as brightness, push notification, wifi, etc.)

Is it possible to "brick" my iPhone/iPod Touch while jailbreaking?

It is virtually impossible to bring your iPhone/iPod Touch to an unusable state (hence "brick") where it cannot be fixed. Jailbreaking your device is not permanent, and the worst that can happen is that you will be required to store your device to factory settings, and re sync all of your files through iTunes.