How To Jailbreak iOS 4, iOS 4.0.1 Using Redsn0w For iPhone 3G Users [Mac]

BY Andy

Published 27 Jun 2010

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Redsn0w is a popular jailbreaking tool developed by the iPhone Dev Team for Mac and Windows users. The latest version, RedSn0w 0.9.5 beta, allows iPhone 3G users to jailbreak iOS 4, iOS 4.0.1.

In this guide, we will take you through the step by step procedure to jailbreak iOS 4, iOS 4.0.1 for iPhone 3G.

Here are some points to note before you proceed.

  • Please note that jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch may void your warranty and hence proceed with caution.
  • Do not forget to backup your iPhone before you proceed. You can refer to this post for instructions on how to backup your iPhone 3G
  • After the jailbreaking process is complete, do not forget to checkout our article on tips to keep your iPhone secure. Also, remember to change the password of your jailbroken iPhone.
  • Please note that this guide is only meant for Mac users. Windows users can checkout this step-by-step guide.
  • Redsn0w will NOT unlock your iPhone 3G. You can use Ultrasn0w to unlock your iPhone 3G after you have successfully updated and jailbroken iOS 4, iOS 4.0.1.
  • Please ensure you are running iTunes 9.2.
  • Redsn0w does not work on iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4. iPhone 3GS users with older bootrom can refer to this guide to jailbreak iOS 4, iOS 4.0.1.

Step 1: Download the latest release of Redsn0w by clicking here and save the application in a folder named "Pwnage" on your desktop.

Step 2: Click here to download the latest iOS 4.0 firmware file (iPhone1,2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw) for iPhone 3G and save it in the same folder. Click here to also download iOS 4.0.1 firmware file (iPhone1,2_4.0.1_8A306_Restore.ipsw).

Step 3: Double click the Redsn0w zip file and extract the application to the Pwnage folder

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 4: Connect your iPhone 3G to the computer, which should automatically launch iTunes.

Step 5: From the 'Devices' section on the left pane of iTunes, select your iPhone 3G device. Now, hold the option key down and click the 'Restore' button.

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 6: Navigate to the Pwnage folder on the desktop and select the downloaded IPSW firmware file (iPhone1,2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw or use iPhone1,2_4.0.1_8A306_Restore.ipsw to jailbreak iOS 4.0.1). Click on the 'Choose' button to let iTunes update your iPhone with the required firmware.

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 7: Navigate back to the Pwnage folder and launch the Redsn0w application.

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 8: You will be asked to select the corresponding IPSW file. Click on the Browse button and select the same IPSW firmware file (iPhone1,2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw) from the Pwnage folder. Click 'Open' to continue. NOTE: You need to select the iPhone1,2_4.0_8A293_Restore.ipsw firmware file rather than the iPhone1,2_4.0.1_8A306_Restore.ipsw file even if you are trying to jailbreak iOS 4.0.1.

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 9: Redsn0w will verify the firmware file and inform you if it has successfully identified it. Click on 'Next' to proceed.

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 10: Redsn0w will now start preparing the jailbreak data

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 11: You will now be prompted to select the jailbreak options you would like. Check the following options. A few of these may have already been selected by default. 

  • Install Cydia
  • Enable Multitasking
  • Enable Homescreen Wallpaper
  • Enable Battery percentage

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

'Verbose boot' offers detailed booting information to users. This may not be necessary for common users and need not be selected. You may also choose to not check 'Custom boot logo' and 'Custom recovery logo' options if you prefer the default icons. However, if you wish to provide your own boot and recovery logos, do remember that these images have to be PNG files in RGB or grayscale mode and inside 320×480 resolution.

Step 12: Select 'Next' to continue. You will now be prompted to switch OFF your iPhone 3G and plug it to the computer. Follow the instructions and click on 'Next' to move to the next screen:

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 13: You will now need to put your iPhone 3G into the DFU mode. Redsn0w will take you through the necessary steps: 

(a) Hold the Power button on iPhone 3G down for 2 seconds:

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

(b) Now simultaneously hold the iPhone button and keep the two buttons pressed for 10 seconds:

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

(c) Now release the Power button while keeping the Home button depressed. Redsn0w will now identify the device:

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 14: Your iPhone 3G should reboot now.

Step 15: Redsn0w will now begin uploading the new RAM disk and kernel

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 16: You will now be notified once the jailbreaking process is complete. Click on the 'Finish' button to exit the application.

Jailbreak iOS 4 on iPhone 3G

Step 17: Your iPhone will reboot once again (which could take approximately 5 minutes). After it has rebooted, your iPhone 3G should be successfully jailbroken. You should find Cydia jailbreak app on your iPhone 3G's home screen. 

Update 1: 

Some of our readers are reporting that MMS feature isn't available after using this guide. There seems to be a bug in Redsn0w 0.9.5b5-4, which is causing this issue. So if you want MMS, you can try using the previous version of Redsn0w, Redsn0w 0.9.5b5-3. But please note that Redsn0w 0.9.5b5-4 fixes an issue with iBooks for iPhone that was reported in Redsn0w 0.9.5b5-3. 

Update 2:

iPhone Dev Team has just released a new version of Redsn0w to fix any MMS or APN issues.

Update 3:

The guide has been updated to jailbreak iOS 4.0.1.

Update 4:

Checkout the step-by-step guide for iOS 4.0.2: Jailbreak iOS 4.0.2 Using Redsn0w For iPhone 3G Users [Mac]

Hope this helped. Please don't forget to drop us a line to tell us how it goes.

[via iClarified]