Tethered vs Untethered Jailbreak Explained: Using "Just Boot" in Redsn0w
Published by Redsn0w Editorial Team • 7 min read
When exploring iOS customization with Redsn0w, the terms Untethered and Tethered are fundamental. Understanding how these boot states work determines how you restart your device and whether you need a computer nearby when your battery runs out.
Comparison Overview: Untethered vs. Tethered
| Characteristics | Untethered Jailbreak | Tethered Jailbreak |
|---|---|---|
| Device Reboot | Reboots normally anywhere without a computer | Cannot boot past Apple logo without a computer |
| Exploit Type | Combines bootrom/kernel exploit with an untether binary | Bootrom exploit executed in RAM during startup |
| Cydia & Tweaks | Always functional upon reboot | Only functional after performing "Just Boot" |
| Typical Devices | iPhone 3GS (Old Bootrom), iOS 5.1.1, iOS 6.1.2 | iPhone 4 on iOS 6.1.3 / 6.1.6 (before untether package) |
How to Use Redsn0w "Just Boot" Feature
If your device is in a tethered state (for example, an iPhone 4 running iOS 6.1.6 that was just restarted), follow these steps to boot it into a working jailbroken state:
- Launch Redsn0w on your computer (Windows or Mac).
- Click Extras on the main screen.
- If running iOS 6.1.3 or 6.1.6, click Select IPSW first and point Redsn0w to your matching iOS 6.0 IPSW file.
- Click Just Boot.
- Connect your device and follow the on-screen DFU mode timing guide (Hold Power 3s, Hold Power+Home 10s, Hold Home 15s).
- Redsn0w will upload the boot payload. A pineapple logo will appear on your iPhone screen, and the device will boot into fully working iOS with Cydia enabled!
How to Convert a Tethered Jailbreak to Untethered
In many cases, you do not need to remain tethered forever! The jailbreak community released untether packages directly inside Cydia:
- For iOS 6.1.3 / 6.1.4 / 6.1.5 / 6.1.6: Boot with "Just Boot", open Cydia, search for
p0sixspwn, and install it. Your device is now 100% untethered. - For iOS 5.1.1: Install
Rocky Racoon 5.1.1 Untethervia Cydia. - For iOS 5.0.1: Install
Corona 5.0.1 Untethervia Cydia.