Jailbreaking an iPhone

Somner · 28-08-2009, 18:50

I am considering jailbreaking my iPhone 3GS and I am looking for advice. I have tried Googling but it comes up with a mix of contradicting articles, and utter junk. Before I start, I am fully aware that Jailbreaking and Unlocking are entirely different things.

Basically what I am wondering is;

What are the legalities/rules on jailbreaking? Will it void my warranty? Is it against the terms of my contract with o2?

Is there any danger of bricking my phone? One article said that it was completely harmless and if things did go wrong, the phone could be completely reset to factory settings (would I lose all of my data?). Another article said that it is a high risk operation and can result in complete loss of use of the phone!

I understand that jailbreaking allows installation of an application which can be used to allow the iPhone to tether its internet connection at no extra charge. I understand that again this is against the terms of the contract, however can the carrier (o2) detect this when done in this way or not?

What other uses does jailbreaking have?

If anybody wouldn't mind answering my questions or pointing me in the direction of any useful websites it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

MrKev · 28-08-2009, 20:41

Jailbreaking isn't currently illegal, though it is a grey area and Apple are trying to get a ruling in the US to make it illegal.

Jailbreaking in itself will not void your warranty as you can simply wipe and restore your iPhone to factory settings and it'll be as it was out of the box. However should your iPhone develop a fault whilst jailbroken (one which makes it impossible to restore to stock firmware) then you may have issues with Apple refusing to repair it. The chances of this happening are extremely small though.

Jailbreaking is no longer a high-risk operation. There is some risk as you are flashing the firmware but it's no more risky as updating the official firmware from Apple. The only risk would be a power-outage at the wrong moment, knocking a cable out during it, computer crashing etc.

Tethering would probably be noticed by O2 if in doing so you increased your data usage by a decent amount. If it's just for basic or emergency use then you might be OK but I would never recommend it.

Some (slightly out of date but still useful) information on why it's worth jailbreaking:
http://thebigboss.org/why-jailbreak-iphone/

A guide for Windows (mac guide is on the site too):
http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=4447

28-08-2009, 18:50	#1
Somner Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 8,617	Jailbreaking an iPhone I am considering jailbreaking my iPhone 3GS and I am looking for advice. I have tried Googling but it comes up with a mix of contradicting articles, and utter junk. Before I start, I am fully aware that Jailbreaking and Unlocking are entirely different things. Basically what I am wondering is; What are the legalities/rules on jailbreaking? Will it void my warranty? Is it against the terms of my contract with o2? Is there any danger of bricking my phone? One article said that it was completely harmless and if things did go wrong, the phone could be completely reset to factory settings (would I lose all of my data?). Another article said that it is a high risk operation and can result in complete loss of use of the phone! I understand that jailbreaking allows installation of an application which can be used to allow the iPhone to tether its internet connection at no extra charge. I understand that again this is against the terms of the contract, however can the carrier (o2) detect this when done in this way or not? What other uses does jailbreaking have? If anybody wouldn't mind answering my questions or pointing me in the direction of any useful websites it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

28-08-2009, 20:41	#2
MrKev Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Durham Posts: 1,636	Jailbreaking isn't currently illegal, though it is a grey area and Apple are trying to get a ruling in the US to make it illegal. Jailbreaking in itself will not void your warranty as you can simply wipe and restore your iPhone to factory settings and it'll be as it was out of the box. However should your iPhone develop a fault whilst jailbroken (one which makes it impossible to restore to stock firmware) then you may have issues with Apple refusing to repair it. The chances of this happening are extremely small though. Jailbreaking is no longer a high-risk operation. There is some risk as you are flashing the firmware but it's no more risky as updating the official firmware from Apple. The only risk would be a power-outage at the wrong moment, knocking a cable out during it, computer crashing etc. Tethering would probably be noticed by O2 if in doing so you increased your data usage by a decent amount. If it's just for basic or emergency use then you might be OK but I would never recommend it. Some (slightly out of date but still useful) information on why it's worth jailbreaking: http://thebigboss.org/why-jailbreak-iphone/ A guide for Windows (mac guide is on the site too): http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=4447

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Jailbreaking an iPhone