You can now jailbreak your iPhone from an Android device

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iPhone-jailbreak-Android
The first jailbreak that works on Android.
Photo: Stblr/Reddit

Checkra1n, the newest jailbreaking tool for iPhone, has some big advantages over its predecessors. It’s the first to successfully crack iOS 13. It works across system updates. And it’s the only one that lets you jailbreak your iPhone using an Android.

Still in beta for now, but very much a working tool, Checkra1n supports a whole host of iPhone and iPad models, and can jailbreak iOS 12.3 and up. It’s based on the Checkm8 bootrom exploit that has been used in previous cracking tools, and it brings some nice improvements.

The downside to Checkra1n is that it’s a tethered jailbreak. That means every time you reboot your iOS device, you must run Checkra1n to jailbreak it again. Now that the tool works on Android, however, it’s easier than ever to do that on the go.

Jailbreaking your iPhone with an Android

Jailbreaking with Checkra1n is a relatively simple process. You download the tool on a compatible device, put your iPhone or iPad into DFU mode, and allow Checkra1n to “auto-magically” do its work. When it’s finished, your device is jailbroken with Cydia access.

Checkra1n officially runs on macOS, with support for Windows coming later, and it’s the first jailbreaking tool that also works with Linux. This is important because it’s what allows Checkra1n to be used on an Android device using some unofficial tweaks.

Using Checkra1n on an Android device is a rather lengthy, but not extremely complicated process. Full instructions on how to do it, and details on the setup you’ll need, can be found on Reddit. Is it worth the effort? It is if you need to jailbreak anywhere.

Carrying a backup Android device that has the ability to jailbreak your iPhone is simpler than carrying a MacBook everywhere you do. And it ensures that if for any reason you have to reboot your iPhone while away from home, you won’t lose all your unofficial apps and tools.

There is a catch

Note that you must have root access on the Android device that you use to do this. And because the process is long-winded and unofficial, there is a greater chance things might go wrong. Checkra1n is considered a safe tool, but as with all jailbreaks, there are risks attached.

If those risks don’t put you off, you can get started by visiting the Checkra1n website where you’ll find the tool itself.

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