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Jailbreak Your Apple TV2 on 4.3.1 with PwnageTool [Tutorial]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

For those of you who own an Apple TV2 and have been looking to jailbreak it, the time has arrived. Although the ATV2 has been hacked before, this is the first official solution available for those who have the latest iOS 4.3 software.

Even the tutorial we released last week on jailbreaking your Apple TV 4.3 with Seas0nPass wasn't an official release. It was extremely buggy and required you to connect your ATV2 to your computer every time it restarted.

Well, thanks to the hard work of the Dev Team, Saurik and NitoTV, we finally have an official jailbreak solution for iOS 4.3. So for those interested in hacking their Apple TVs and adding tons of extra capabilities to that little black box, let's get started.

Important Note: This is only for 2nd generation Apple TVs, the black one. Also this particular tutorial is only for Mac users, as it uses PwnageTool which is currently only available for Mac OS.

Before we start hacking, you want to make sure your Apple TV is on the latest software version. You can do this by connecting the device to a computer with iTunes or from the Apple TV main menu. Just go to Settings > General > Update Software.

Step 1: You will need a micro-USB cable. This are the most common USB cables and are typically used to charge smartphones. Also you will need the latest version of iTunes. Finally, you need PwnageTool 4.3, which can be downloaded here. I always download tools to my desktop so I can keep track of them.

Step 2: If you updated your software via the Apple TV itself, you will still need the firmware file which you can get here. If you updated through iTunes, move along to step 3.

Step 3: Open up PwnageTool and select your device. Obviously for this tutorial we want the Apple TV2. Click the blue arrow and let the software find the file. When it's done, select the Apple TV firmware file and click next.

Step 4: PwnageTool will now create a custom jailbroken file out of the firmware, so give it some time. Once it's done working its magic, plug your Apple TV into your computer using the micro-USB cable. Make sure your power and HDMI cables are left unplugged.

Step 5: The software will walk you through the DFU process, which will prep your Apple TV for the custom firmware. If successful, it should look like this:

Step 6: You can now close PwnageTool and open up iTunes. With your Apple TV plugged in, iTunes should immediately go to the ATV page. You'll see a big button that says restore. While holding down your Mac's Option key, click restore. This should launch a Finder window and allow you to choose the custom firmware, that PwnageTool made, from your desktop.

Step 7: Let iTunes do its thing and once it says completed, you're done. Unplug your Apple TV from your computer and back into your TV set. If you see the NitoTV option in the main menu, you're jailbroken!

From here you can begin to experiment. Stay tuned to our blog as we post more tutorials on some of the cool things you can do with your new jailbroken Apple TV, such as browse the web and even watch Hulu.

Jailbreak Your iPad on 4.3.1 with PwnageTool [Tutorial]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

The long-awaited jailbreak for Apple's iOS 4.3.1 is finally here. It is the first official jailbreak since Apple released iOS 4.3 almost a month ago. Those with iDevices wanting to take advantage of some of the new features in 4.3, haven't been able to upgrade without losing their jailbreaks.

That all changed in the wee hours of last night, when the Dev Team members finally released the anticipated software. The exploit is available in 2 different forms of software: PwnageTool, which is for Mac users only, and RedSn0w, which will work on either Windows or Mac.

This step by step tutorial will show you how to jailbreak your iPad on iOS 4.3.1, using PwnageTool. This software is for Mac users only. If you are on a PC, follow our RedSn0w tutorial here.

Important Note: Just remember this is not for the iPad 2, there is no jailbreak available for this device yet.

Before we get started, you want to make sure your iPad is on iOS 4.3.1. Backing up your iPad to iTunes is also recommended, better safe than sorry. But don't worry, the process is super simple and will have your iPad jailbroken in no time.

Step 1: For this tutorial, you'll need PwnageTool 4.3, which you can download here. Make sure you select the 4.3 version, as it is the only one that will work. I always download my tools to my desktop so they're easier to find.

Step 2: Load up PwnageTool, select the iPad/Apple TV option and click the blue arrow. With this method, PwnageTool should actually locate your iPad firmware on your hard drive for you, so there is no need to download the .ipsw file. Select the iPad firmware and click next.

Step 3: Sit tight as PwnageTool does its thing, it can take a while. It is taking the file you selected and jailbreaking it. Then we will load the jailbroken firmware onto your iPad.

Step 4: Once done, you will be prompted to connect your device via usb. PwnageTool will now help you put your device into DFU mode. If you don't get it the first time, don't fret. Just wait until it's finished giving DFU instructions, and click try again. If you did it correctly, it should look like this:

Step 5: Now you can close PwnageTool. Open iTunes with your iPad still connected, and you should receive this message:

Step 6: Don't just click restore because you will just install Apple's original firmware. While holding down your Mac's Option key, click restore. This should open up a window for you to browse for the file. Select the custom firmware from your Desktop that PwnageTool just created, and restore it.

Step 7: It may take a while for iTunes to install the custom firmware on your iPad. But once completed, your iPad should restart itself and the Cydia icon should be on your home screen.

That is how you jailbreak your iPad on 4.3.1 with PwnageTool, any questions?

Jailbreak Your iPad on 4.3.1 with RedSn0w [Tutorial]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

This step by step tutorial will show you how to jailbreak your iPad on iOS 4.3.1, using RedSn0w. If you are a Mac user and prefer to use Pwnage Tool, stay tuned. We will provide a tutorial for that software shortly. Either method is extremely easy, and will have your iPad jailbroken in no time.

Important Note: Just remember this is not for the iPad 2, there is no jailbreak available for this device yet.

Before we get started, you want to make sure your iPad is on iOS 4.3.1. Backing up your iPad to iTunes is also recommended, better safe than sorry.

Step 1: For this tutorial, you'll need RedSn0w which you can download here. Make sure you select version 0.9.6rc9, as it is the only one that will work. I always download my tools to my desktop so they're easier to find.

Step 2: For this method, you will need the actual 4.3.1 firmware file. If you don't know where to find it on your hard drive, just download it to your desktop from here. Make sure you download the iPad file, 4.3.1.

Step 3: Launch RedSn0w and click Browse. Find your 4.3.1 firmware from the previous step and select it.

Step 4: The software will then give you a few options before continuing. For most of us, all we need is the Cydia icon. Make sure there is a checkmark by Install Cydia and click Next.

Step 5: Plug in your device to your computer and turn it off. Now get ready to follow some onscreen instructions. RedSn0w will walk your through a few steps to put your iPad into DFU mode.

Step 6: If you're successful, RedSn0w will start its magic. Don't worry if it doesn't happen right away, just turn your iPad off, click back and try it again.

Step 7: Once the software is done loading the exploit, your iPad will restarted, and your home screen should load up with the Cydia icon installed. Success!

That is how you jailbreak your iPad on iOS 4.3.1 with RedSn0w. Any questions?

Jailbreak iPhone 4.3.1 with Sn0wBreeze [Tutorial]

Alex Heath ∙ April 4, 2011

iH8sn0w has updated his Windows jailbreak tool, called Sn0wBreeze, with the untethered jailbreak for iOS 4.3.1. Sn0wBreeze is now the third tool available for an untethered jailbreak on iOS 4.3.1 (alongside PwnageTool and RedSn0w).

Sn0wbreeze 2.5 is hardly different from its last beta, except that is uses i0n1c's untethered exploit. An added bonus is that the hidden multitouch gestures in iOS 4.3 are enabled with Sn0wBreeze. These gestures were unearthed a couple of months ago, and iH8sn0w has found a way to enable them in his latest jailbreak tool.

Sn0wBreeze is not recommended for those wishing to preserve their unlock. Again, Sn0wBreeze is Windows only.

Jailbreak iPhone 4.3.1 with RedSn0w [Tutorial]

Sébastien Page ∙ April 3, 2011

After weeks of anticipation, the Dev Team released a jailbreak for iOS 4.3.1 tonight, thanks to iPhone hacker i0n1c. This jailbreak will work with iPhone 4G, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 4G, iPod Touch 3G, and the second generation of Apple TV.

In this step by step guide and tutorial, we will show you how to jailbreak your iPhone 4.3.1 using RedSn0w. RedSn0w is a jailbreak that works both for Mac and Windows. Unlike PwnageTool, RedSn0w updates your baseband, so this is probably your preferred jailbreak method if you don't rely on an unlock....

Jailbreak iPhone 4.3.1 with PwnageTool [Tutorial]

Sébastien Page ∙ April 3, 2011

The Dev Team just released a jailbreak for iPhone iOS 4.3.1, compliments of hacker i0n1c. This jailbreak will work with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 4G, iPod Touch 3G, iPad 1, and Apple TV 2nd generation.

In this tutorial, we will show you how to use PwnageTool to jailbreak your iPhone 4.3.1 while preserving your baseband. PwnageTool is a Mac only tool and is the only way to preserve your baseband to make sure you can unlock later on...

Tutorial: How to Use Skype for Your iPhone as a Home Security Camera Monitor

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 5, 2018

If you have a small child that is watched by a baby sitter in your house, or just want to know what your really weird roommate does when you aren't home, listen up! If you have a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam, then you already have a security camera.

Now all you need is an iPad 3G or iPhone that is compatible with Skype's iOS app to act as the monitor. This way you will be able to see what is going on in your home using your iDevice, from anywhere that you can get 3G service...

Tutorial: How to Install Cydia 1.1

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Saurik has released a major Cydia update for jailbreakers. Cydia 1.1 includes many improvements and additions to the already beloved jailbreak store.

Cydia 1.1 was released this morning, and the update can be found in Cydia's "Changes" section. We've put together a step-by-step tutorial to guide you through updating to Cydia 1.1 on your iPhone...

How to Backup iPhone Game Progress [Without Jailbreaking]

Guest Author ∙ March 17, 2011

They say game saves are the most prized possessions for gamers. If you play the likes of Angry Birds and Cut the Rope on your iPhone, you surely will worry a bit about losing the game progress when restoring your iOS devices. Unless you restore from a previous backup, which is not always possible, you will lose all the gameplay progress and the levels you had earlier unlocked and gained access to.

Previously, Alex shared a tutorial on how to backup games using a Cydia application called AppLinks. However, that's only available to those with jailbroken devices. Let me show you how to do the same without jailbreaking your iPhone...

How to Recover Your iPhone Restrictions Passcode

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 13, 2019

Passwords come by the hundreds these days. People are juggling multiple email accounts, online accounts, and computer logins. If one of those passwords should escape you for any reason, there's generally a way to get it back. I'm sure we've all clicked the famous 'Forgot Password' link at some point in our lives.

But what about your iPhone? What if you set a 'Restrictions Passcode' a long time ago and now you can't remember the digits? You've got a couple of options. For starters, you could restore your iPhone as a new device through iTunes. You can't restore from a previous backup, because your passcode is saved in that file.....

How To Jailbreak Apple TV 4.3 Using Seas0nPass

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2016

Some of you might be familiar with the term 'jailbreak'. Apple products like the iPhone and iPad, have been jailbroken for a few years now. To jailbreak is to gain access, to the hard drive of the device, with read and write capabilities.

This allows you to load media and applications that aren't filtered through Apple's iTunes Store. Although you've probably heard of the above mentioned devices being jailbroken, you may not have known that the Apple TV2 is also susceptible to the same exploits.

"Why on earth would I want to jailbreak my Apple TV2?" Good question, it's not for everyone. The jailbreak alone will do you little good, but the possibilities it opens up are quite interesting.

For instance, you would have the ability to install software on your Apple TV2 that would allow you stream DivX and other media types from your computer. You can also install plugins, such as a web browser. There are also tweaks to enable a jailbroken Apple TV2 to receive input from a bluetooth keyboard.

So whether you are a veteran iPhone hacker or an audacious beginner, anyone is capable of jailbreaking their Apple TV2. Don't worry! There's no actual hacking involved, we use free software that makes the entire process simple. Let's begin!

Important Notes: Jailbreaking is not for everyone. Although deemed legal by federal law, it most likely will void your warranty. If something goes wrong during the jailbreak process, your Apple TV2 should be restorable through iTunes. Please follow directions carefully, and proceed at your own risk. This is also not a full jailbreak, it is tethered, meaning you must connect to your computer every time your Apple TV reboots to make it work. A full jailbreak, with no tether required, could be a ways away. Finally this is only for Mac OSX users, a Windows version of Seas0nPass has not been released yet.

Step 1: You are obviously going to need some tools. For starters, an Apple TV2 (Black) running the latest 4.3 iOS software. You will also need a Micro-USB cable (extremely common charging chord in modern smart phones).

Step 2: The latest iTunes version 10.2.1, is required, so update it first if you need to. You will need to download Seas0nPass for Mac OSX.

Step 3: After your iTunes is updated and your 2 items are done downloading, launch Seas0nPass.

Step 4: Let it download the needed files, this took me about 20 min. (depends on your connection speed)

Step 5: Once done, Seas0nPass will prompt you connect your AppleTV2 to your computer via that micro-USB cable we mentioned earlier. DO NOT plug your power chord in yet.

Step 6: Follow the directions for putting your Apple TV2 in DFU mode. Basically you just hold down the 'Play/Pause' button and 'Menu' button, simultaneously for 7 seconds. If you did this correctly, iTunes should automatically launch and start the restore process.

Step 7: iTunes should confirm the restore is complete. Your Apple TV2 is now jailbroken, you just have to do the tethered boot!

Important note: Before proceeding, disconnect your micro-USB cable. You will be prompted to plug it in soon. Never unplug your power chord during the process.

Step 8: Restart Seas0nPass and select the 'Boot Tethered' option this time. Again, when prompted by the software, connect your Apple TV2 to your computer via the micro-USB cable. It will prompt you to put your device in DFU mode again by holding the 'Menu' and 'Play/Pause' buttons for 7 seconds, simultaneously.

Step 9: You're done! Seas0nPass will now complete the tethered boot. Once done, remove the USB cable and plug in your HDMI chord.

Don't worry if you don't get it the first time, just unplug your chords and start it again.

Stay tuned for more Apple TV2 tutorials, including how to install jailbreak plug ins and software.

How to SSH Into Your iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 3, 2018

First, I will explain what SSH is and why we do it. SSH (Secure Shell) allows you to exchange data between two networked devices, using a secure channel. A jailbroken iPhone has the ability to connect with your computer via SSH, giving you read and write access to your iDevice's hard drive.

You can repair damaged files, install games that aren't in the App Store, and even turn your iDevice into a portable hard drive. I know it all sounds complicated, but we use applications to make the process as easy as browsing a folder on your computer. This is my quick and easy guide to SSH into your iPhone....