iOS 5.1.1 Released By Apple, Jailbreak Using Redsn0w Now [How-To]

Apple released iOS 5.1.1 – a software update for all iDevices – just yesterday. The update contains the usual bug fixes and has basically been released in order to appease users who have been complaining about the new iPad’s performance. The update brings the following bug patches and improvements with it:

Improves the reliability of using the HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in certain circumstances
Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase

This update has come two months after iOS 5.1 was released alongside the new iPad. The update is now available to everybody as both an iTunes and OTA update. Just plug in your device and upgrade away. To do so via iTunes, select the ‘check for updates’ option. Otherwise, just check if an OTA update has been made available to you by navigating to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Software Update’ on your iOS device.

As usual, it is recommended that users with jailbroken devices stay wary of this upgrade. If they are running an untethered jailbreak they will lose it and there’s no knowing when the next one will be publicly available. In the past, we have written about three distinct developers having jailbroken iOS 5.1 using three different methods. However, those methods are not fit for public release and the developers are still working on finding vulnerabilities to be able to make a jailbreak tool.

The update does come with various useful features though. The upgrade itself isn’t all that exciting. The good part of this is that it can be tethered jailbroken using the latest version of Redsn0w, so you can still upgrade to it and have a tethered jailbreak running on your device. This means that the jailbreak isn’t permanent; you will need to boot your device into tethered mode every time you restart it. Still, most people fond of jailbreaks will agree that this is far better than nothing at all. It is only for older, A4 powered devices such as iPhone 4, iPad 1, iPod touch 4G and below, however.

The fact that it can be tethered jailbroken using Redsn0w is confirmed by Musclenerd, the famous developer.

Follow the steps given below to jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 using Redsn0w:

Step 1: Download the latest version of the jailbreaking tool Redsn0w for your OS (Windows/Mac)

Step 2: As a precautionary step, connect your device to iTunes and backup your content. This step isn’t necessary but it is better to be safe than sorry. As an alternate, you can also backup your content to iCloud.

Step 3: Once done with backing up your data, upgrade to iOS 5.1.1. You can upgrade via the methods detailed above, or you can perform a manual install via iTunes, the device specific links for which are as follows:

Step 4: Download iOS 5.1 IPSW file that corresponds to your device from the links given below. Not that the IPSW file for iOS 5.1.1 is not asked for.

Here are the official download links to iOS 5.1 directly from Apple:

Step 5: Locate the Redsn0w folder you downloaded back in Step 1, unzip it, and run to launch Redsn0w.

Step 6: Select the ‘Extras’ option and then opt for the ‘Select IPSW’ option.

Step 7: Point to the IPSW file from Step 4, iOS 5.1, when you are prompted to do so.

Step 8: Select ‘Jailbreak’ from the main homescreen of Redsn0w and then ascertain that the ‘Install Cydia’ option is selected before going on.

Step 9: Follow the on-screen prompts carefully to put your device into DFU mode. This needs to be done in order for the jailbreak to be successful.

Step 10: Once DFU mode is detected, Redsn0w will simply automate the rest of the process. Do not get worried by white lines of text scrolling down the screen of your device; it is normal and to be expected.

When the device reboots the jailbreak process will be completed, evidenced by the presence of the Cydia icon on your homescreen.

As aforementioned, this jailbreak is tethered. To boot your device into tethered boot whenever you restart, launch Redsn0w, select ‘Extras’ and then ‘Just Boot’. That’s all.

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