Jailbreaking your iPhone is easier than ever

A couple of months ago Jailbreaking your iPhone - the process of modifying it to allow it to run applications not found in Apple's App Store - was a pain in the butt, a little risky, and somewhat difficult to do without a small level of technical knowhow. Thanks to one amazingly talented developer, one George Hotz (aka GeoHot), the process is fast, easy, and takes all the skill required in clicking a button. Let's walk through the process, shall we?

Before we begin, let me dispel a few concerns:

Q: Is this illegal? 
A: No. You're allowed to do whatever you want to your phone after you've bought it. It is no more illegal than smashing it with a hammer, if you were so inclined.

Q: Is this irreversible? Will my warranty be voided?
A: No and no. Through iTunes, you could easily restore your phone to factory settings. I don't see why you'd want to, however.

Q: Why would I want to jailbreak my iPhone? 
A: Because it's rad, especially if you have an older model. The reason I did it is because it allows me to shoot video with my phone, an ability Apple won't give me unless I buy a newer model. In addition to video, you can also add ringtones you bought from other sources, customize the look of your iPhone, and have access to many more games and entertainment apps.


Sold yet? Then let's get started.

Step 1: make sure you have firmware version 3.1.2
If you've updated your phone through iTunes recently, you should be covered. If you're not sure check  this way:

From your starting iPhone screen, click settings. This will pull up a menu. Click General from that menu. From the following menu, confirm that under "version" it says 3.1.2 (7D11).

If it doesn't connect your phone to your computer, run iTunes, and let it update your phone.







Step 2: Download Blackra1n
This is the program will that will jailbreak your phone.
Go to http://blackra1n.com/ and select the PC or Mac version depending on what kind of computer you are using.
Now make sure your phone is connected to the computer via USB and that it on.

Step3: Run Blackra1n
Find the program you just downloaded and run it. You should see this:

Click the big button in the middle. Your phone will shut off for a few seconds. The screen that asks you to connect to iTunes will come up for a few seconds, but don't disconnect! Very soon, George Hotz's mug will pop up on your iPhone screen. Keep waiting a few more seconds. Your phone will reboot. Once is has, pop the champagne, because the process was a success! Now to add new apps!

Step 4: Adding Apps
Scroll to the end of your apps. You should see this icon:

Go ahead and click it, which will take you into this screen:
Select both Cydia and Rock. Stay out of Sn0w for now. Once Cydia and Rock are installed you'll see icons for them at the end of your list of apps, like so:
I suggest clicking into Rock, as it has a more user-friendly feel. This is basically your new app store for unauthorized apps. I highly recommend installing Cycorder (the video recording app) and Flashlight (a flashlight application that is much brighter than anything available in the app store), but feel free to browse around and download any apps you want. Happy hunting!