What is RedSn0w?

If you are a new to the world of Jailbreaking this is most common name that should be visible in the search results for jailbreak related tasks. It was initially termed QuickPWN and achieved success in quick roll, which was more than the Dev-Team expected. It was thereafter renamed RedSn0w and very soon it became the most widely used application for Apple devices. It is the most trusted brand name in the world of jailbreaking applications.

What is the Latest Version?

• The last updated version of RedSn0w is – 0.9.14b2
• The last untethered Jailbreak for RedSn0w is – iOS 5.1.1
• The last tethered Jailbreak for RedSn0w is – iOS 5.1.1
• Newest Beta build for jailbreak – iOS 6.0

RedSn0w Supporting Operating Systems

It supports both Windows and Mac devices. The flexibility to work under both these platforms has made this program more successful in both US and Eurasian region.

How to check iOS version of my Device?

1. Open your device
2. Browse to the settings tab
3. Click the about button
4. Find the version mentioned there

What iOS devices are supported by Redsn0w?

This is an up to date List of supporting devices as of 17 July 2012

Apple iPad

• iPad 1 – 3.22, 4.2.1, 4.3, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, iOS 5, iOS 5.0.1, iOS 5.1.1
• iPad 2 – iOS 5.0.1, iOS 5.1
• iPad 3 – iOS 5.1.1

• iPhone 3G – 3.1.3, 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.1, 4.2.1, 4.3.4
• iPhone 3GS – 3.1.3, 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.1, 4.2.1, 4.2.6, 4.3, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, iOS 5, iOS 5.1, iOS 5.0.1, iOS 5.1.1
• iPhone 4 – 3.1.3, 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.1, 4.2.1, 4.2.6, 4.3, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, iOS 5, iOS 5.0.1, iOS 5.1.1
• iPhone 4S – iOS 5.0, iOS 5.0.1, iOS 5.1.1

• iPod Touch 2G – 3.1.3, 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.1, 4.2.1, 4.3.4
• iPod Touch 3G – 3.1.3, 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.1, 4.2.1, 4.3, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, iOS 5, iOS 5.0.1, iOS 5.1, iOS 5.1.1
• iPod Touch 4G – 3.1.3, 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.1, 4.2.1, 4.3, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, iOS 5, iOS 5.0.1, iOS 5.1, iOS 5.1.1

We will be updating this list as soon as new versions are added to the official dev site.

Download RedSn0w

You can download RedSn0w directly from the official dev team website. It is always advisable to use the official download link under such case where you need to install a third party Root App. Do NOT download this program from any other unofficial links as they might have patched virus/Malware or binary codes which might brick your device.

Difference between tethered and untethered Jailbreak

This are the two common confusing terms which surrounds the mind of a user while jailbreaking iOS devices. This term is not to be confused with the Tethering terminology for Internet connections. These are completely unrelated fields. Let us see what the real difference is.

tethered-untethered-jailbreak image

Tethered Jailbreak

This is very irritating procedure, as it requires you to connect the device to your computer for booting process. It is the older of the two Jailbreaking methods and is used as an added aid for the iOS device to boot if the battery fails or (if) the device suddenly crashes. The process of connecting the device is termed as Tether and hence the word Tethering.

Untethered Jailbreak

As explained above this process is simply opposite of Tethered procedure. You do not need to connect your iOS device each time you reboot or restart it. This is hence a more flexible option and a highly recommendable option for normal users. Once Jailbroken, you need not worry about anything else later on. You are free to use the device as you like.

You should however keep in mind that the Tethering process is the first available option whenever a new version is available. So, if you are very impatient about keeping your device up to date you might reconsider waiting and try the Tethered Jailbreak as well.

Put Device in DFU Mode

Starting with DU mode might look simple but it needs to be practiced to attain the perfection. You have to memorize these simple steps, for effective Jailbreaking. If  under any situation you make a mistake, you will get stuck in DFU mode and will have to Re-start from the beginning again.

You can read the following articles about safely connecting your iPhone, iPad or iPod into DFU mode.

• DFU Mode Enter/Exit Instruction Manual
• Enter DFU mode without Power/Home button

How to Tethered Boot Using RedSn0w?

Tethered Booting is the task of booting an iOS jailbroken device. It is not as easy as the untethered boot which requires no connected systems. If you want to boot or reboot a jailbroken device which has tethered jailbreak installed, you must use this process. It is not a matter of choice as there is no other way of rebooting a tethered device.

Follow the steps correctly in the same sequential manner

1. Download RedSn0w
2. Extract Files from the archive to “RedSnow”
3. Double click “Redsnow” folder and find RedSn0w.exe
4. Make a copy of RedSn0w.exe in the same directory
5. Rename it to Boot_Redsnow.exe (Make sure the word Boot is included)
6. Now move this file to your desktop

Now, whenever you want to reboot you iPad, iPhone or iPod which has the tethered Jailbreak installed, simple double click this file after connecting your device to the computer. It will automatically enable your device to boot.

How to Jailbreak A4 devices with RedSn0w

Jailbreaking A4 devices are slightly different than the conventional A5 models. You are advised not to use the DFU mode. This process works only for A4 versions or below devices. You MUST NOT try this on A5 models. This is a video which will guide through the complete process and we will update this when any newer version is available for A4 devices.

How to Jailbreak A5 devices with RedSn0w

We will be using the Rocky Racoon Exploit to jailbreak A5 devices. This might sound awkward as there was no previous option for using this Exploit with RedSn0w. But now the latest version 0.9.21b1 can use it to Jailbreak iPad2, iPhone 4S and iPad 3 devices which are running iOS 5.1.1. This method might work with lower versions as well but personally I would suggest you apply the older trick for A4 devices.

As for all new models and standard A5 devices you must use this method while using the RedSn0w program.

Reference for A4 and A5 devices

How to Preserve Baseband with RedSn0w?

If you find that your present baseband is not lockable you must preserve your baseband and still upgrade your device firmware to the latest available version. The older version of RedSn0w was missing this feature but the newer ones are now designed to successfully preserve the baseband of your device. The following video clearly describes how this can be done in easy instructional steps.

How to Use the Recovery Fix with RedSn0w?

If you are having problems running the newer firmware, you can easily downgrade iOS version using the RedSn0w tool. It is quite helpful if you are downgrading to a version which is no longer supported by the Apple Family. The standard iTunes fix fails to recover under certain situations and you have to rely on the third party tool to fix it up. This video will guide you on how to use Recovery Fix while downgrading your iOS version

How to Use Pwned DFU Mode?

The Pwned DFU mode uses the custom IPSW firmware, which can be used with the iTunes for restoring an Apple device in case of malfunctioning or error. You can refer on how to preserve baseband tab and Recovery Fix with RedSn0w for more understanding.

However, it is more likely to be helpful if you are trying to restore a crashed or malfunctioning jailbreak version. For all other purposes you should not use this method. The Device Firmware Upgrade mode can help you out for all situations.

Final Words from the Author

We at SirajSoft have collected this information and videos from all across Jailbreak discussion boards and Tech forums. We have also added many associated information which might come handy for many users. If you think that we have missed out anything important you can leave your suggestions in the comment section. We will add it to the list during the next update for sure. Happy Jailbreaking.