Jailbreaking An iPod Touch

1/16/08 UPDATE
Please be advised that upgrading to the new 1.1.3 firmware will un-jailbrake your Touch. In other words, it will be restored back to its original state (with the new firmware). Use the comment form at the bottom of the post if you have questions!

This is a quick video review of how to jailbreak an iPod Touch. Jailbreaking is a process of hacking the device so you can install 3rd party applications on it. Please be advised that jailbreaking is not supported by Apple. You assume all risk if you undergo this process. Also, please be advised that this quick video review is not intended to be an instructional guide, but rather, it is an informational summary of the process.

Jailbreaking (Hacking) An iPod Touch - Quick Video Review

If the video does not appear above, you can view it here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qhcnw0q46ko

LINKS

iPod Touch Firmware 1.1.1 (right click to save)
Pod1,1_1.1.1_3A110a_Restore.ipsw

Jailbreakme.com

If you are looking for more detailed instructions on jailbreaking, visit ConceitedSoftware.com and download their jailbreaking package.
http://conceitedsoftware.com/iphone/site/112jb.html

Also, if you plan on keeping your Touch jailbroken, you will need to use their package.

Written Review
Have you ever wanted to turn your iPod Touch or iPhone into an Emergency blinker? Or perhaps use it as an encyclopedia?

Now you can if you jailbreak your Touch or iPhone. Jailbreaking is essentially a way of hacking a Touch or iPhone, so it can be opened up for 3rd party applications. As you might imagine, jailbreaking is not supported by Apple, and so you assume all risk if you want to venture into the underworld of hacking. However, it is remarkably easy, and so if you don’t mind loosing Apple support to gain the ability to install 3rd party apps, jailbreaking might be for you.

Please note that this review is focused on jailbreaking the iPod Touch. Also, I am starting with firmware version 1.1.2, which is the most recent release.

The very first step is to downgrade your Touch firmware to version 1.1.1. A link to download the file is provided above. Be sure to remember you save it.

This is probably a good time to mention that during this process you will lose any content you have saved on your Touch.

Next, you’ll need to put your Touch into recovery mode. This is done by first powering down the device by holding down the sleep button on the top of the unit for about 10 seconds. Then, hold down the home key and plug it into your computer at the same time. Continue to hold down the Home Key until you see a window appear on your screen stating that the Touch is in recovery mode.

Now that your Touch in recovery mode, iTunes will ask you to restore it. This is when you’ll use the firmware file you downloaded.

Click the restore button while holding down the shift key. You’re asked for the location of the firmware file. Locate it, and click open. iTunes takes it from there.

After a few minutes you should see this window, telling you that your iPod Touch has been restored.

At this point your Touch will attempt to sync again. You can do this now if you’d like, or just check set up a new iPod to skip it, and in the next window uncheck the automatic syncing feature. then click done.

Now the actual jailbreaking begins. Connect your Touch a wi-fi network using the standard set up. Then open the Safari browser and enter the address “jailbreakme.com”. Then press go.

Once the page loads, you can read through it if you’d like. When you’re done, scroll down to the very bottom and press “Install AppSnapp”.

And that’s about it. In a minute or two the installer will finish and your Touch will be jailbroken. Now when I open up the home screen, there is a new app called Installer.

This app will become the hub for all of the new third party apps that are now available to you. You can find new applications, or uninstall applications you’ve previously installed. Play around and see if you find anything you like.

At some point you will have to decide if you want to keep your Touch jailbroken. If you do, there are a few more steps you’ll need to take to secure the break. Follow the link above this review to ConceitedSoftware.com’s site. There you will be able to download a package containing detailed instructions on how to proceed.

If, after playing around with your jailbroken Touch, you decide it isn’t for you, then all you need to do is plug it back into your computer. When you do, iTunes will inform you that a firmware upgrade is available. When you upgrade back to firmware version 1.1.2, you’re Touch will be returned to its original, unbroken state.

Again, please remember that iPod Touches and iPhones are not designed to be jailbroken, and you assume all risk if you choose to undergo this process. No support is available if your device gets tripped up along the way and can no longer function. If you don’t feel comfortable with this risk, do not attempt what you’ve read here.