Previously, I have posted up the jailbreak guide for iPhone 2G running OS 3.1.2. Here is the complete jailbreak guide for iPhone 3G/3GS using blackra1n and blacksn0w.
For starter, blackra1n is the popular jailbreak tool, developed by GeoHot, that lets you jailbreak iPhone OS 3.1.2 on all models of iPhone. For blacksn0w, it’s the only iPhone unlock tool available to unlock iPhone with baseband 05.11.07.
This guide will walk you through the necessary procedures to jailbreak and unlock iPhone 3G and 3GS.
Before you dive into the jailbreak process, please read through the note carefully:
- Make sure you use iTunes 9.0 or up for the jailbreak. If you are using older version of iTunes, please upgrade it first. You can download the latest version of iTunes from Apple.
- Before jailbreaking, make sure you have backup all your contacts, sms, photos, etc via iTunes. Simply sync your iPhone and backup the iPhone data.
- For those using a new iPhone 3GS coming with an updated Bootrom, blackra1n only supports a tethered jailbreak. That means once jailbroken you should not let your battery runs out. If it does run out of battery, you need to reconnect it to the computer and use blackra1n to boot it.
- What if you have jailbroken it with PwnageTool before, can I upgrade to OS 3.1.2 and use this guide to jailbreak? Yes, it should work.
- I have accidentally upgraded to iPhone OS 3.1.2 and lose unlock, can it fix my iPhone? Yes, go ahead and use blacksn0w to unlock it!
- Let me highlight again. This guide is for iPhone 3G or 3GS. For iPhone 2G jailbreaking, please refer to the previous post.
- Disclaimer: Jailbreaking may void your warranty of iPhone. Again, jailbreak it at your own risk.
Okay, let’s go straight to the jailbreak procedures.
Upgrade your iPhone to OS 3.1.2
1. Download iPhone OS 3.1.2 firmware (3G / 3GS) and save it into a folder.
Note: Make sure you download the correct firmware for your iPhone model. Otherwise, you can’t upgrade the iPhone OS.
2. Connect your iPhone via USB and launch iTunes.
Note: I suggest not to use the docking for the jailbreak. Connect the USB cable directly with your iPhone.
3. Restore your iPhone with iPhone OS 3.1.2. For Windows, hold SHIFT key and click on the “Restore” button and select the firmware file (with .ipsw extension) you have just downloaded. For Mac, hold option key and click on the “Restore” button and select the firmware file (with .ipsw extension) to restore.
4. If you’re not using official sim, your iPhone will not be recognized by iTunes after restoration. Don’t worry. It’s normal. You can then close iTunes and continues with the next step.
Jailbreaking with blackra1n
5. Go to blackra1n.com and download blackra1n. Both Windows and Mac versions are available. So, you should download the correct version that matches your OS.
6. After downloading, unzip the blackra1n.zip.
7. Make sure your iPhone is still connected with your computer via USB. Launch blackra1n.
8. Click “make it ra1n” to start the jailbreak.
9. Once you click the button, the jailbreak process starts and it’ll take around 30 seconds to complete.
10. Wait until you see the following message and your iPhone should be jailbroken after reboot.
Great! Up to this point, your iPhone should have been activated and jailbroken. Cool, right?
Installing Cydia
Tip: Before proceeding, if you have WiFi connection, I suggest you to first enable it before continuing. This should speed up the download process of cydia.
11. Next, you’ll have to install Cydia. Tap on the “blackra1n” icon.
12. Tap on “Cydia” and then “Install” button to install Cydia. Just wait until the download and installation to complete.
Unlocking iPhone 3G/3GS with Blacksn0w
Okay, with cydia installed, the whole jailbreak process is complete. But if you need to unlock your iPhone 3G/3GS to work with unofficial sim, launch blackra1n app again. Simply tap “sn0w” and then select “install” to kick off the unlocking process. Wait for a moment and your iPhone will be automatically unlocked.
Note: If you want to uninstall blackra1n from iPhone home screen, launch blackra1n again and select “uninstall blackra1n”.
As always, remember to share your jailbreak experience by leaving comment below.
Update: You may encounter Wifi, GPS or YouTube issues after jailbreak. Please check out this guide to fix the problems.
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{ 75 comments… read them below or add one }
Can I assumed that the “Uninstall Blackra1n” button will revert the 3G back to the normal state, like before jailbreaking the phone?
@ddmak, the uninstall option will only remove blackra1n app from iPhone. Your iPhone is still in jailbreak state. To revert back to original setting, you need to restore the iPhone firmware via iTunes.
I have a Iphone 3g JB using the 3.0 software. I have various apps installed and significant customizations using Winterboard. How does the blackra1n JB affect the functionality of apps and customizations? In other words, after I do the Iphone backup and run the blackra1n JB (including Cydia) are there other steps that must be undertaken to restore photos/apps/customizations? Is it as as simple as firing up Itunes, plugging in the Iphone and doing a RESTORE? Or must I reinstall Winterboard as well? Please advise.
Thank you posting this how to guide/walkthrough.
hi Rey, my friend has an iphone 3G with OS 3.0.1 previously JB with Pwnage tool and just recently i update it to OS3.1.2 via iTunes. after the update I JB it with blackra1n and unlocked it with blacksn0w. but of course i had synchronized it first via itunes to back up data and installed apps before the jb and unlocking with blackra1n. it was a success and i sync it again with itunes to restore all the back-ups. all the apps downloaded from app store were there but all downloaded apps from Cydia were gone and you just have to download it again from Cydia like the winterboard and other cydia apps. though in general, it was successful and the phone is working pretty well.
Thanks for the info!
I’m having problems with my wifi in that it’s not working now that I have jailbroken and unlocked my iPhone 3g.
Any suggestions please.
K
Yes, RTFM @ http://iphonejtag.blogspot.com/
“It appears some users are having wifi issues. Try a “Reset Network Settings”. If someone can come up with a way to replicate wifi issues, I will investigate further as I have not yet seen these issues firsthand.”
@John, thanks for the tips!
i had the same problem with the wifi and youtube. as for the wifi issue, i just did “reset network settings” and the wifi works ok now. as for youtube, Push Fix (source http://cydia.iphoneil.net) was very helpful. after i downloaded it and reboot my device, i was able to access youtube afterwards. but i wonder why Push Fix is not available in cydia anymore. i downloaded it just the other day, but now it is no longer there. does anybody knows where it is now?
@Simon, thanks for the reply. Also thanks for writing this guide.
If you could bear with me just one more question, I want to make sure I understand the steps before proceeding…
My iPhone has already updated to 3.1.2 when the update was first released, do I still have to perform steps 1 to 3?
Cheers.
@ddmak, you may skip those steps if you’re already on OS 3.1.2.
@Simon,
I did it. Everything works without a glitch. It was very cool.
Thanks for the guide.
We have a new 3GS purchased in the US 10 Oct, possibly with new Bootrom. What if we just shutdown it with battery charge still remaining (it’s impractical not to Turn off, if you want to preserve iphone for long time to preserve wear and tear), will it able to boot on its own?
hi Simon.
i unlock my i phone with this method a twice but still my you tube cant connect to internet means my you tube is not working in my i phone.
pls help me.
Push and YouTube issues are caused by hacktivation. The dev team has a fix for YouTube which they are posting on Cydia shortly.
@kuldip, you can checkout this post to fix youtube issues.
hi kuldip, same problem i had 2 days ago but when i downloaded “Push Fix” as suggested in one of the posts here in Simonblog, i was able to connect to youtube. but the problem is that Push Fix is not in Cydia anymore thru source http://cydia.iphoneil.net. it was gone. i was waiting for some answers as to where can we find this app now or maybe it is available in other sources, but don’t know which source since some of my friends have the same problem but unfortunately were not able to download Push Fix while it was still available.
Hi guys,
I just updated my iPhone 3G to 3.1.2 and got it jailbroke and unlocked with Blackra1n and Blacksn0w respectively. Works great!!!. Thanks a million to GeoHot and thanks Simon for this woderful platform.
I am facing only one problem, since I have updated my iPhone to OS 3.x.x the volume in one of the earphone(left) is lesser that the other one. Its doesnt seem to be problem with ear phones bcos I checked it by covering the speakers one by one on iPhone and the problem still persists. Right speakers volume is more than left one. Please verify it carefully.
I have updated to OS 3.1.2 and the problem still persists.
Has anyone came across simillar problem ? any solution ?
Thanks
hey, i’ve just spent the last two days trying to figure out how to jailbreak my phone. There are loads of websites that lead you to nowhere so finding this site was a dream. I was skeptical of the 30 second install BUT it worked REALLY easily AND quickly. so thankful, WICKED!!
Something i been waiting for so long and is Finaly here!!!
it was so easy to Jaibreak it and unlock the phone thank you Simon!!
I have just jailbroken and unlocked my 3G iphone and it’s a real success, what a geniousity!!!!!
thank you very much indeed
Hi simon. I have a 3GS with the old baseband, not the 05.11. Currently OS 3.0 and already jailbroken. If i Update to 3.1.2 and jailbreak with blackra1n, is it going to be tethered or untethered? As i fine tethered jailbreak is too unhelpfull as im a heavy user. Update me please. Thanks.
Hello all, I have a question about step 3:
For step 3, why do you use the “restore” button instead of the “update” button? Also, by the small picture in step 11, I get the impression that no installed apps will survive the update, whether “legit” or installed by Cydia. Is this really the case? Or do they get reinstalled automatically during a synchronisation?
hi bakreule, in my case i just did “update” via itunes instead of “restore” and it went very well and successful. as for the previously installed apps, apps downloaded from app store will still be there after you sync your phone again after the update and jb-unlock. but before doing the update, jb and unlock with blackra1n, first you have to sync first your phone with your itunes inorder to back up your phone. as for the apps downloaded from cydia, unfortunately, they are gone after the update. but good news is that you can download them again from cydia.
hi simon,
I have just jailbroken and unlocked my 3GS iPhone from 3.0.1 to 3.1.2, smooth process as per your instruction. After that reset network settings, wifi issue solved.
Thank you very much.
Great guide!
hi, ive jst unlocked my ph using blackrain. it worked without a hitch but now i don’t have access to the internet at all on my 3gs. after installing cydia, i also installed winterboard and bossprefs, does that make a difference?
hi samuel, try to do a “reset network settings”. it might help like in my case.
hey guys I jailbroke my 3gs and unlocked it and my wifi will not connect or even show networks now!! tethering does not work either! please please help!
i just reset me settings and wifi works but tethering still doesnt
Simon Ng
hi simon i have iphone 3G 3.2.1 i have problem i follow the steps for blackra1n
but blackra1n icon not shown in my phone plz help
hi magdy, try to execute again blackra1n (or “make it rain” again). i did it twice and the procedure went successfully and the icon was there. i then proceeded to the next step and everything went perfectly fine.
I have the same problem. The icon never shows up even after executing several times blackra1n.
The phone is brand new, acquired in Canada.
Any suggestions?
Just to inform you that by simply using another Windows Vista laptop the problem was solved. Don’t know why but it simply works!
simon
hi again now every thing OK but when i hit the blackra1n icon get this message (please check your internet connection) any help
magdy, you should be connected to a wireless connection when doing the procedure. it will be go on perfectly fine. based on my experience.
@Magdy you need to have a wifi connection blackra1n downloads from Internet. If you do have a wifi connection but not connecting, try doing a network settings reset. Try again clicking blackr1n icon.
Thanks for the guide! A question about the updated bootrom, how do I know if my two week old 3GS has it? And exactly what does that mean? Can I follow this guide? Is it likely that this bug or whatever will be fixed in coming updates of blackra1n?
@Karl, probably your new iPhone 3GS already comes with updated bootrom. To check your bootrom version, you can refer to this link for reference. You can still jailbreak your iPhone 3GS but as mentioned above, blackra1n only supports a tethered jailbreak. That means once jailbroken you should not let your battery runs out. If it does run out of battery, you need to reconnect it to the computer and use blackra1n to boot it.
Though the future version of blackra1n may support the updated bootrom, there is no timeline for the release.
Simon,
as I have asked you before, my 3gs was jailbroken and each time my battery runs out and I turn it on, I get a picture of a cd with muscis sing and the word Itune, can this issue be resolved or as you stated in this respone that the problem is blackra1n only supports a tethered jailbreak?, please let me know If I can do anything to resolve this issue with my iphone, Also, when do you anticipate blackra1n to be updated?, as I said I bought my iphone from at&t
Hi Simon and All, Simon or anyone who knows, when I finished jailbreaking my iphone, each time my battery runs out, I need to reconnect my iphone to the computer and use blackra1n to boot it, can this issue be resolved using another method, when do you anticipate the release of an updated blackra1n that would resolve this issue?, please let me know thanks
Yo Simon, great ref site for all of us joining the iphone jbreak family : My issue, I have tried most if not all of the guides involving everything from turning off all programs to holding the phone buttons down. My phone is the 3gs 30 gig and is about 2.5 months old. The jailbreak seems to go through as the reboot screen appears just like the instructions says it will, the only problem is the phone never reboots and if I reboot it on my own, i never get the splash screen or the icon. I may have the new bootrom. Only conclusion I can come up with. Let me know if you have any ideas.
thanks pal
Man, I’m just too nervous to attempt a jailbreak, even though the benefits may outweigh any cons.
Is there any information or blog out there that covers the necessary steps to retrieve lost contacts, wifi service, tethering steps, apps, notes, syncing other programs like password keeper and just plain making your phone work right after the jailbreak. I’m just reading too many problems after the jailbreak to attempt right now and I’m too much of a novice/amateur to know what to do after I follow the jailbreak steps to fix problems that arise.
Can any one agree or offer assistance?
@ RHAGEN,
I don’t think the jailbreak on it’s own cause any problems; it is the unlocking step that affects the functions you mentioned – Wi-Fi, tethering, activating to different SIM, etc.
You really need to be clear on that, and why you want to jailbreak in the first place.
Jailbreak is quite easy on it’s own, and the steps are all very clear right here on this page.
As for your data, it will all be backed up in iTunes, so go ahead, give it a go.
Hope that helps, John in Saudi
yup, i do agree with John. i have the same feeling before but i gave it a shot and everything was adventure afterwards.
there are a lot of things you can do and have after jailbraking and unlocking…
Hi I have jailbroken my new iPhone 3 gs and have the boot problem where when it reboots goes into recovery mode. This is so annoying as a lot of apps need a reboot to work this can leave you without the phone. Does anyone know if you can remove jailbreak without restoring? Would be shame to lose message tones etc which I have changed using ssh. Please help
Hello everybody.
Have anyone found a solution for the iPhone entering recovery mode at reboot everytime?
Thanks
//Daniel
hi Simon & bloggers,
have 3GS (32GB) that came with v3.1.2 (05.11.07) and carrier-locked. Used blackra1n/blacksn0w flawlessly however when I insert preferred carrier SIM, the phone recognises network/carrier but no signal. When attempting to call that number, I get a std message saying ‘the number you are calling is not currently available….’
I’ve tried doing ‘full network reset’; ran blacksn0w again….no errors…but the same problem exists…
any suggestions would be much appreciated.
thnx,
Eddie
im having that problem as magdy (please check internet connection) but i have a 2g 3.1.2 4.5.4_g. and yes i have home wifi. iv tried the reset thing over and over iv even tried restoring and rejailbreaking and still my wifi connects but wont load anyting and blackra1n says the same thing (please check internet connection)
please someone help iv been looking and asking around for days now
Hello Simon – I’m in Australia & have a 32GB 3GS, purchased (already jailbroken/unlocked, using redsn0w & ultrasn0w, respectively) from the States. Currently I’m still on OS 3.0.1 (which is what the phone came with) as I’m not 100% sure of the steps for upgrading, given I’m not starting from a phone not already jailbroken – also, I’m being a bit cautious, wanting to watch how things are panning out for others before diving in myself!
Can you or (someone else here) please clarify for me what process I need to follow? Also, can anyone tell me how I determine what the baseband of my phone is?
Many thanks in advance!
hi embeen, i can relate to your case or situation since somehow i used to be of the same situation as you are. i used to have my phone jb/unlock with ultrasn0w with OS 3.0.1. i updated my 3GS 32GB to OS 3.1.2 thru iTunes (by clicking Restore). the phone will then proceed with the restoring process, etc. and afterwards the phone will now have the OS 3.1.2 from 3.0.1 with the updated baseband 05.11.07 from 04.26.08. With your phone updated now, you will then have to download blackra1n from balckra1n.com in your PC and you can follow the guide posted here by Simon to jailbreak and unlock your updated phone. the baseband is the same as the “Modem Firmware”. you can check your baseband by this: Settings>General>About>Modem Firmware. hope this helps.
It worked perfectly, thanks.
i tried many software before and got nowhere with loads of error message. hats of to u man it worked the first time without any glitch .thanks
i got a gift brand new i phone 3g s from USA. I had load down the blackra1n into my phone and when i open the blackra1n, my screen did not show the packages so i cannot download cydia.But instaed it show ‘please check your internet connection’. Can u help me?
hi Ling…if you did not see blackra1n in your phone, try to “make it rain” again. but make sure that you are connected to a WiFi to proceed.
GEO YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!! DAMN YOU SHOULD BE A ZILLIONAIRE!!! PEACE MAN!
I downloaded Blackrn for windows and when I try and open it i keep getting a error mesage saying “entry point not valid” WTF why is nothing ever easy for me. This laptop has Vista installed is that the problem? if anyone can help it would be awesome. I wanna jailbreak already and everytime I try I run into a problem. F’ing aggervating
i used Vista but everything went fine and smooth. try to download blackra1n again in your PC and “make it rain” again.
Simon assist please. Upgraded my 3G phone on Itunes and used blackra1n but it still asking for a valid sim. The phone is not jailbroken, any idea?
@Nur, did you run the blacksn0w to unlock your iPhone?
@simon thanks for the reply, Jailbroken in 30 seconds but there is no blackra1n icon on the screen any idea what happened. Last week I did my 3GS without any problem.
By the way thanks again, I have used your site to JB & unlock my 2G, 3G and 3GS. I am currently learning Iphone programming with reference from your site. Will never forget Simonblog!
hi Nur… did you download sn0w (blacksn0w) also? it is the unlocking software. when you downloaded successfully blackra1n in your desktop and open/run it to “make it rain” while you phone is connected, it will reboot and proceed and after that you will see the blackra1n icon in your phone. when you click it (but make sure you are connected to a wifi) there you can see Cydia, RockApp and Sn0w. tap Cydia and Sn0w and click Install. follow the next steps and after that you will have a jailbroken and unlocked iphone. hope this helps.
Thanks Jet. The problem is I dont have the blackra1n Icon after the jailbreak hence I cannot unlock. Has anybody encountered this problem? It is really funny, when I used blackra1n on the 3GS it worked smoothly.
Thanks again.
Hi all,
I had the wifi problem as well and did the reset setting and can now see my network but I can’t connect to it once i put in my password. I was able to connect before and so it seems wierd. Also is there any way to boot up the iphone without using Blackra1n?
Thanks for the help.
Hello Simon, Im having trouble jailbreaking my 3G. Ive already updated to 3.1.2, and i’ve followed your instructions exactly, but when I click ‘make it rain’, my phone goes to the ‘iTunes & usb screen’, i never see the GeoHot image. Then i get a solid black screen and the thing pops up on my computer telling me that it’s done and to wait for re-boot, but nothing ever happens, and i have to restore and sync all over again. Please help…
Well simon, i guess i wrote you the incorrect information. everything was correct, except after the black screen, all i actually had to do was push the power button on top of the phone and it powered back up, but blackra1n wasnt on there.
hey simon,
i jst updated my iphone 3g to 3.1.2 and it worked but its not reading my unofficial sim so i restarted it but its not starting again !!!!
help me out plzzz!!!
hi champion… make sure you have installed / run blacksn0w. it is the unlocking software for 3.1.2
Hi simon (and everyone),
First of all, thanks for the great guide..it works perfectly on my iphone 3g 3.1.2.
Now the problem is, i’ve done JB using another pc..when i reconnect my iphone using my own pc, Itunes(9) doesnt let me change anything since it requires me to re-sync my iphone (”The Iphone is currently synced with…”). My question is, is it safe to re-sync my iphone on diffrent pc (Itunes)? Will i loose everything that i’ve added so far? I just don’t want to start all over again after lots of trouble adding and downloading apps ><
thanks in advance.
Thanks again for this site. Very informative.
My question is this: I have a 3GS, j/b, 3.0.1 with the old BootROM. I know the new 3GS phones come with the new BootROM and, currently, require a tethered Jailbreak. Perhaps I am misreading, or confusing BootROM with BaseBand (are they not the same?) but if I update my 3.0.1 to 3.1.2 will my 3GS now require a tethered Jailbreak?
Thanks.
hi Digital… same case with me. i have j/b 3GS with OS 3.0.1 with the old BootROM. updated it to 3.1.2 thru itunes (restore) and used blackra1n / blacksn0w for jb and unlock. everything is fine until now. as far as i know only new 3GS require tethered jb. i can say BoorROM is different than BB. hope this helps.
@Digital,
It’s very likely you’re using the earlier batch of iPhone 3GS. That means, tethered jailbreak does not apply to your iPhone.
the cydia and snow icons r nt cmng in the jailbreak on my phone
is dere ne way dat i cn unlock it through my pc???
@Simon, @Jet, I still cant get the blackra1n Icon after running JB over 5 times please help.
Hi Simon,
Thanks so much for the extensive guide you have provided for the Jailbreak and Unlock option on iPhone 3G 3.1.2 Using Blackra1n & Blacksn0w. It just worked flawlessly on my phone. Appreciate it!
All,
First off I want to say thank you for such a wonderful community. I came from the Windows Mobile world (XDA!!) and have really felt at home with the true believers of what the iPhone can really do.
I have successfully upgraded from 3.0.1 to 3.1.2 and then a simple Blackra1n later and I am back to liven large. (aka…it was successful) and it is tether free for jailbreak. So, for all out there who was in my boat (read my post #69) all is fine.
And, I performed the upgrade/JB under Windows 7 x64 by running blackra1n as admin. Compatibility mode not needed.
Good luck.