Is Jailbreaking an iPhone Illegal

Is jailbreaking an iPhone illegal? That's what many people ask and while it is not illegal, there are a few issues surrounding it but it also has its advantages. This article will explain those thoroughly for the user to understand.

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Sofia Albert

Updated on Feb 27, 2024

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Part 1. What Does It Mean to Jailbreak an iPhone

Jailbreaking is a term used in various devices where modifications allow the users to remove modifications made by the manufacturer. The term "jailbreaking" was first used for consoles only and it allows the user to insert pirated or non-verified discs into their consoles.

Nowadays, jailbreaking is a form of hack and modification that allows the user to remove specific restrictions that are imposed by its maker. These restrictions usually mean the manufacturer's kernel won't allow the user to do specific things.

That means it will receive updates regularly and keep in touch with Apple's servers. So, that's why people jailbreak iPhone on Mac or Windows as it can lead to a few advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the key advantages of jailbreaking an iPhone:

  • Unlock themes, icons, and fonts for a personalized experience;
  • Install third-party apps not available on the App Store;
  • Manage system settings and permissions more extensively;
  • Apply system-level modifications for added functionality;
  • And run retro games and software not available on the App Store.
  • Jailbreak an iCloud locked iPhone.

Now there are disadvantages too and that makes people ask "Is jailbreaking an iPhone illegal?" But we'll answer that later, as here are some of the disadvantages of jailbreaking an iPhone:

  • Voids the warranty of any device that's still in Apple's warranty period;
  • Vulnerable to malware and data breaches without Apple's protection;
  • Increased crashes and instability due to modified system files;
  • Jailbreaking can void a device's warranty with Apple;
  • And delayed or limited access to official iOS updates and features.

That's why it's important to consider all of the advantages and then make a decision whether the user wants to Jailbreak their iPhone or not.

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Part 2. Is It Illegal to Jailbreak an iPhone

Jailbreaking an iPhone is not illegal as DMCA prevents any sort of repercussions from manufacturers. DMCA means Digital Millennium Copyright ACT and it's only applicable in the United States and that's why this might vary from country to country.

Now it's imperative to remember that Apple does not entertain any warranty once an iPhone has been Jailbroken into. That means there won't be any sort of reprieve for the user if there is hardware or any other sort of issue with the iPhone, as jailbreaking voids the warranty in all cases.

Moreover, jailbreaking isn't illegal but it can cause issues if the user is trying to jailbreak to:

  • Use a stolen or illegally imported iPhone;
  • If the user plans to use illegal or pirated apps,
  • If the user plans to use copyrighted material illegally;
  • And to conduct any other fraudulent or wrong activities.

If that's not the case then the user has nothing to worry about because most jailbreaking users only do it to access fun apps and games that aren't available otherwise. Some advanced developers also do it to ensure they test the apps to find and fix any information-leaking loopholes.

Part 3. How to Jailbreak iPhone for Elevated Privileges

Jailbreaking an iPhone is mainly meant to allow the user to access features that aren't available otherwise. This sort of jailbreaking lets one download unverified apps and install such games on their iPhone. That's why it's quite a straightforward thing to do on newer iPhones.

This section will show iPhone users how they can easily jailbreak their iPhone for elevated privileges in a simple technique, and here's how to do it:

Step 1. Download and install AltServer on a PC or Mac.

Step 2. Now open AltServer in Finder (Mac) or Start Menu (Windows).

Step 3. Now tap on the primary options and head into Install AltStore and Select Apollo.

Install AltStore and Select Apollo

Step 4. Provide Apple ID and Password when prompted.

enter Apple ID and Password when prompted.

Step 5. Install the plugins if the installation prompts to do so.

Step 6. Now go into the Settings app on the iPhone.

Step 7. Go to General > Device Management and tap Apple ID under Developer App option.

Step 8. Tap on Trust when prompted and confirm when asked.

Tap on Trust when prompted and confirm when asked

Step 9. Now visit https://unc0ver.dev on any browser on the iPhone.

Step 10. Download and install the Uncover app.

Download and install the Uncover app.

Step 11. Now tap the Jailbreak option to begin the process.

Step 12. Do not touch the iPhone until the process is finished.

The user will know that the process has finished when the app stops jailbreaking signature and the Cydia package manager is installed on their home screen. Then they would be able to install third-party and unverified apps and do everything else that a Jailbroken iPhone is able to do. Refer to: What to Do If the Jailbreaking Failed to learn how to fix when the jailbreaking failed.

Part 4. How to Unlock iCloud-Locked iPhone by Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking a locked iPhone is nearly impossible without the right tools. But luckily for users today, here I'd like to introduce a third-party tool - EaseUS MobiUnlock, which presents users with a specific jailbreaking tutorial for iCloud-locked iPhone and help unlock the jailbroken device with one click. This remarkable program is known for being the best option to bypass Activation Lock from iPhones.

That's why it's also the best option to unlock an iCloud-locked iPhone without any hassles or obstacles. There are a few particular issues that it can fix, such as when the iPhone is disabled or if the user has a second-hand iPhone and wants to unlock an unknown screen passcode.

Then it can also remove all sorts of screen passcodes that allow the user to jailbreak the iPhone, such as:

  • Ability to remove Apple ID;
  • Removes touch and face ID;
  • Gets rid of 4 and 6-digit codes;
  • Bypasses internal security to unlock iPhone with Activation Lock after jailbreaking.

Here's how to download and use EaseUS MobiUnlock to bypass Activation Lock from iPhone after jailbreaking:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS MobiUnlock on your computer and connect your iPhone or iPad to the PC. Click "Bypass Activation Lock." Check out the "Term of Use" and click "I Agree" to proceed if you agree with all content.

Remove Activation Lock - Step 1

Step 2. Click "Start" to move to the next step - jailbreack your iPhone or iPad. Click "Jailbreak Tutorial" to see how to jailbreak your Apple device. (Note that if your iPhone is running iOS 15 - iOS 16.4, the EaseUS tool will jailbreak the device automatically.) If you already jailbroke your device, click "Jailbreak Completed" to proceed.

Remove Activation Lock - Step 2

Step 3. Click "Bypass Now," and EaseUS MobiUnlock will start removing Activation Lock from your iPhone or iPad.

Remove Activation Lock - Step 3

Step 4. Wait for the process to complete. After the process, click "OK" to confirm, and you can set up your iPhone or iPad without obstacles. 

Remove Activation Lock - Step 4

The Bottom Line

That's all that's important to understand about removing security and jailbreaking an iPhone. It's important to follow the steps mentioned in this article according to the newer iOS interfaces. Older iPhone jailbreaking methods might be a bit different from the one shown here.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked queries about jailbreaking an iPhone and if it is legal:

1. How to jailbreak an iPhone without a computer?

Installing unC0ver is one of the best ways to jailbreak an iPhone without a computer. But that has the potential of bricking the iPhone completely. That's why it's safer to use a PC  or Mac to jailbreak an iPhone safely.

2. Which mode is allowed to jailbreak iPhone?

DFU or Device Firmware Update mode is the one where users can jailbreak their iPhones. This mode is required for the jailbreaking process to work.

3. Does Jailbreak allow any carrier?

No. You can't unlock any carrier just by jailbreaking. Jailbreaking iPad or iPhone doesn't unlock sim-locked or geo-blocked carriers. However, if you need to bypass the carrier restrictions, you can jailbreak and then use EaseUS MobiUnlock to bypass it.

I sincerely hope this post is useful and help you out of this dilemma. You are welcome to contact me on Twitter if you have any further questions or concerns about this guide. If you found this guide useful, you can click the button below to share it with your friends.

 

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Updated by Sofia Albert

Sofia has been involved with tech ever since she joined the EaseUS editor team in March 2011 and now she is a senior website editor. She is good at solving various iPhone and Android issues, such as iPhone or Android data transfer & recovery.

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