Jailbreaking is the process of exploiting an electronic device to install software that its original manufacturer has not made available for that device. Essentially, it gives you the highest access possible to manage your device as you see fit. It’s worth noting that jailbreaking is more commonly associated with iPhones, though it can also be done on Android devices.
You may also hear the terms “rooting” and “cracking” when reading about jailbreaking, but they are two different concepts. “Rooting refers to gaining administrative privileges (getting root access) of an Android operating system, and “cracking” describes breaking software copy protections.
While jailbreaking can be tempting for its customization options, it’s important to know the security risks involved.
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The two types of jailbreaking
There are two types of jailbreaking methods used on iPhones. These are:
- Tethered. This jailbreak is only temporary and requires you to re-jailbreak your phone every time you reboot or reset your phone.
- Untethered. This sets your iPhone in a permanent jailbreak state.
Is jailbreaking legal?
Despite the harsh terminology, jailbreaking is legal and complies with provisions set in the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA)—but it can get a little complicated. While the act itself is legal, you still have to follow the DMCA when deciding which apps to download and install on your iPhone. So if, for example, you use a pirated copy of an app on your iPhone (or if you “crack” one), you would be breaking the law.
Nevertheless, Apple has maintained that jailbreaking as a whole could be dangerous to users, especially if they work with inexperienced and underground cybercriminals. For their safety, the company discourages its users from jailbreaking their phones and working with software restrictions.
As seen in their official support guide, jailbreaking “bypasses security features (in your iOS) and can cause numerous issues such as security vulnerabilities, instability, and shortened battery life to the hacked phone.”
Why would you want to jailbreak your iPhone? Some benefits
Jailbreaking may be beneficial if you prefer complete control over your phone. Some actions you can perform on a jailbroken phone include:
- Downloading and installing apps from outside the official Apple app store. One of the main benefits of jailbreaking an iPhone is installing apps not offered in the official Apple app store. This significantly expands your access to other third-party apps and software.
- Customizing your iPhone. After jailbreaking your phone, you can access new themes, icons, and sounds.
- Removing pre-installed apps. Depending on your version of iOS, you may want to remove pre-installed apps, especially if they’re taking up a lot of storage space and are rarely or never used.
- Installing more anti-theft features. All iPhones have various security features, from Find My iPhone to Touch ID. However, jailbreaking your phone can allow you to install other security apps that would otherwise be impossible.
Expert tip: It’s highly recommended that you back up your phone before attempting any jailbreak. While backup software is always recommended for any phone or endpoint device, it is particularly useful for jailbreaking.
Risks of jailbreaking your iPhone
For many people, the benefits of jailbreaking far outweigh the risks. However, knowing these risks is important for making a more informed decision. Let’s look at some of them:
- Immediately voids your device’s warranty. To stop users from jailbreaking their phones, Apple has clearly stated that any “unauthorized modification of iOS” will automatically void any warranty on that device, including repair coverage and technical support.
- Increases your risk of malware and data breaches. Jailbreaking requires that you bypass Apple’s inherent security measures to customize it. This exposes your device to malware and data breaches if you are not careful.
- Easier to get hacked. Similar to the previous point, jailbreaking may make your device vulnerable to hacking, especially through man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.
- Difficulty updating your phone & no automated updates. Most jailbreaks disable over-the-air (OTA) updates to prevent Apple from influencing your jailbroken state. However, this also means you may no longer update your phone or need to update it manually. This could result in weaker performance and constant crashes.
- Shortened battery life. Hacked or cracked software could accelerate battery drain and significantly shorten battery life.
Is your iPhone jailbroken?
Exercise caution when buying used iPhones. You may inadvertently have a jailbroken iPhone.
How to check if your iPhone is jailbroken
- Look for jailbreak tools and apps. Go through your App Library and look for unfamiliar apps or software you are certain are not offered at the Apple Store.
- Check your security settings. Look for any unusual or non-standard settings or icons in your iPhone.
- Search for alternative app stores. If you notice an app store other than the Apple store, your phone may be jailbroken.
How do you reverse a jailbreak?
The easiest and most effective way to reverse a jailbreak is to restore your device to its factory settings. This will remove all non-authorized apps and any modified settings. Occasionally, untethered jailbreaks may survive a factory reset. In these cases, it’s best to go to an authorized Apple store and have their professionals fix your phone.
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Jailbreaking can be beneficial, but mistakes may happen, even to the best of us. NinjaOne significantly reduces this risk with its Data Recovery software that offers comprehensive backup and swift data recovery to ensure seamless business continuity.
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