How to Jailbreak the iPod Touch

The iPod touch comes with many different programs and applications that allow users to check email, stock prices, weather reports and surf the Web while they listen to music or watch videos. However fully loaded the iPod touch may be, it is a "closed" device, meaning that it has read-only features and third-party applications cannot run on the iPod. Some users prefer using an "open" iPod with both read and write capabilities and decide to jailbreak their iPods. This opens the machine to allow the use of programs that weren't loaded at the factory.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with available hard drive space
• Wireless Internet connection
• USB cable

1. Refrain from upgrading the software on your iPod touch if you plan to jailbreak it. Jailbreaking may work with current system updates but is more likely to be successful with software versions of 1.1.1 or lower. If you have system updates for your iPod, be sure to save them on the hard drive of your computer to use after you have opened up the iPod through the jailbreak process.

2. Prepare for the jailbreak process by making sure you are in a Wi-Fi hotspot, whether it is in your home, a public library or cafe. You will need a wireless Internet connection for your iPod touch to initiate the jailbreaking.

3. Back up all music, photos and other media from your iPod touch onto your computer. During jailbreaking, the media will be erased from the iPod. Connect your iPod to your computer, open iTunes and click on "Transfer purchases" to save music and video files to your computer.

4. Disconnect your iPod from your computer and open Safari from the home screen. Through Safari, you can run the required application that unlocks the iPod touch to make it write-accessible. Point your iPod browser to the AppSnapp Website and the necessary code will automatically run on your iPod (see Resources below).

5. Expect Safari to quit and then your iPod to restart itself after the jailbreak code downloads. This is normal and part of the jailbreak process. This may take a few minutes.

6. Use the USB cable to connect your iPod to your computer after your iPod restarts. Launch iTunes and sync your favorite music, videos and photos to your newly jailbroken iPod touch. You can now update the system software if you wish.

7. View video tutorials regarding jailbreaking an iPod touch at YouTube if you want a visual guide (see Resources below).

8. Visit the iPod touch website at Apple.com to buy the most current software upgrades (see Resources below). By purchasing authorized software from Apple, you can have the peace of mind that your iPod touch will function as it should.

Tips & Warnings

• Restore the original software on your iPod touch if your attempt to jailbreak the device fails or applications crash on a regular basis. Connect the iPod to your computer and click "Check for Update" in iTunes. Once you click on "Restore," all of the media you have stored on your iPod touch will be erased and all default settings will be restored.
• Jailbreaking can be very risky to the proper functioning of your iPod touch. Some users may be successful in restoring settings to their iPods after an application crashes. Others may not be as lucky and end up "bricking" their iPod. Bricking means the iPod no longer works. Adding third-party programs to an iPod touch is not authorized by Apple. Any damage sustained to your iPod after you jailbreak it may not be covered under normal warranty terms.

Resources

• Jailbreak code from AppSnapp
• Jailbreak tutorials at YouTube
• Buy iPod touch software at Apple.com