Complete Guide to Checkra1n Jailbreak

Published: September 15, 2023 Category: Tutorials Reading Time: 12 minutes

Jailbreaking has been a cornerstone of the iPhone customization community since the first iPhone was released. Among the various jailbreaking tools that have emerged over the years, Checkra1n stands out for its reliability, stability, and wide device compatibility. Based on the unpatchable checkm8 bootrom exploit, Checkra1n provides a consistent jailbreaking experience across multiple iOS versions.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about using Checkra1n to jailbreak your iPhone, from preparation to post-jailbreak tweaks and troubleshooting.

What is Checkra1n?

Checkra1n is a semi-tethered jailbreak tool that leverages the checkm8 bootrom exploit discovered by axi0mX in 2019. Unlike software exploits that Apple can patch with iOS updates, checkm8 exploits a vulnerability in the bootrom (read-only memory) of A5-A11 devices, making it unpatchable through software updates.

The term "semi-tethered" means that your device will need to be connected to a computer and re-jailbroken each time it restarts. However, the device will still function normally in its non-jailbroken state after a reboot.

Compatible Devices and iOS Versions

Checkra1n supports a wide range of devices and iOS versions:

• iPhone 5s through iPhone X (A7-A11 devices)
• iPad 5th generation through iPad 7th generation
• iPad Air through iPad Air 3
• iPad mini 2 through iPad mini 5
• iPad Pro 1st and 2nd generation
• iOS/iPadOS versions from 12.0 through 14.8.1

A12 devices and newer (iPhone XS and later) are not supported as they don't have the bootrom vulnerability exploited by checkm8.

Preparing for Jailbreak

Before you begin the jailbreak process, there are several important steps to take to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Backup Your Device

Always create a full backup of your device before jailbreaking. You can use iTunes/Finder or iCloud to back up your data. This ensures that if anything goes wrong, you can restore your device without losing important information.

Update to a Compatible iOS Version

Check the Checkra1n website to verify which iOS versions are supported. As of this writing, Checkra1n supports iOS 12.0 through 14.8.1. If you're already on a higher version, unfortunately, you won't be able to downgrade due to Apple's signing policies.

Disable Security Features

For devices with A11 chips (iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X) running iOS 14, you'll need to disable certain security features:

1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode)
2. Turn off the passcode
3. If using an iPhone X, disable Face ID

These security measures can be re-enabled after the jailbreak is complete, although you'll need to disable them again if you need to re-jailbreak after a reboot.

Download Checkra1n

You'll need to download the Checkra1n application for your computer. Checkra1n is available for:

• macOS (10.10 Yosemite and newer)
• Linux (most distributions)
• Windows (through a workaround using a Linux live USB)

Download the latest version from the official Checkra1n website.

Step-by-Step Jailbreak Process

Now that you've prepared your device, let's walk through the jailbreak process step by step:

For macOS Users:

1. Download and open the Checkra1n application
2. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning cable
3. Put your device in DFU mode when prompted by the application (Checkra1n will provide instructions)
4. Follow the on-screen instructions as Checkra1n jailbreaks your device

For Linux Users:

1. Download the Checkra1n Linux binary
2. Open Terminal and navigate to the directory containing the Checkra1n binary
3. Make the binary executable with the command: chmod +x ./checkra1n
4. Run the application with: sudo ./checkra1n
5. Connect your iPhone and follow the same steps as the macOS instructions

For Windows Users (via bootable Linux USB):

1. Create a bootable Linux USB drive (Ubuntu or Linux Mint are good options)
2. Boot your PC from the USB drive
3. Download the Checkra1n Linux binary
4. Follow the Linux instructions above

Putting Your Device in DFU Mode

One of the trickiest parts of the jailbreak process can be entering DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. Checkra1n will provide on-screen instructions, but here's a general guide:

For iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
3. Press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black
4. While still holding the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds
5. Release the Side button while continuing to hold the Volume Down button for an additional 5 seconds

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

1. Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down button together for 10 seconds
2. Release the Side button but continue holding the Volume Down button for another 5 seconds

For iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad with Home button:

1. Press and hold the Home button and Power button together for 10 seconds
2. Release the Power button but continue holding the Home button for another 5 seconds

When done correctly, your device's screen will remain black, and Checkra1n will detect that it's in DFU mode.

Installing Cydia or Sileo

Once the jailbreak process is complete, your device will reboot and you'll see the Checkra1n loader app on your home screen. Open it and:

1. Tap on "Cydia" to install the package manager
2. Wait for the installation to complete
3. Once installed, Cydia will appear on your home screen

Alternatively, you can install Sileo, Zebra, or other package managers through the Checkra1n loader or by adding their respective repositories in Cydia.

Post-Jailbreak Setup

After successfully jailbreaking your device, there are several important steps to take:

Update System Packages

Open Cydia and go to the "Changes" tab. You'll likely see several pending updates for essential packages. It's important to install these updates to ensure stability and compatibility.

Install Essential Tweaks

There are several tweaks that are considered essential for a stable jailbreak experience:

• PreferenceLoader: Allows tweaks to add entries to the Settings app
• AppList: Provides a list of installed apps to tweaks that need it
• RocketBootstrap: Helps tweaks communicate with system services
• Substrate Safe Mode: Protects your device from boot loops caused by problematic tweaks

Add Trusted Repositories

While Cydia comes with some default repositories, you may want to add additional sources for more tweaks. Some popular and trusted repositories include:

• Havoc Repo: https://havoc.app/
• Chariz: https://repo.chariz.com/
• Dynastic Repo: https://repo.dynastic.co/

Re-enable Security Features

If you disabled Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before jailbreaking, you can now re-enable these features. Keep in mind that if your device reboots, you'll need to disable them again before re-jailbreaking.

Maintaining Your Jailbreak

Maintaining a stable jailbreak requires some ongoing attention:

Be Selective with Tweaks

Not all tweaks are created equal. Before installing a tweak:

• Check compatibility with your iOS version
• Read reviews and comments from other users
• Install from trusted repositories only
• Install tweaks one at a time to identify problematic ones

Handle Reboots

Since Checkra1n is a semi-tethered jailbreak, your device will lose its jailbroken state after a reboot. To re-jailbreak:

1. Connect your device to your computer
2. Run Checkra1n again
3. Follow the same process as before

Your tweaks and settings will be preserved, so you won't need to reinstall them.

Update Cautiously

Be careful about updating iOS. While Checkra1n works on iOS versions up to 14.8.1, it's always wise to wait for confirmation that a new iOS version is supported before updating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a stable tool like Checkra1n, issues can arise. Here are solutions to common problems:

Device Won't Enter DFU Mode

This is one of the most common issues. Try these solutions:

• Use a different Lightning cable, preferably an official Apple one
• Connect directly to your computer (not through a hub)
• Try a different USB port
• Follow the DFU mode instructions precisely, timing is crucial

Jailbreak Process Fails

If the jailbreak process fails or gets stuck:

• Force restart your device and try again
• Update Checkra1n to the latest version
• Try verbose boot mode in Checkra1n options
• Disable "Load Tweaks" in Checkra1n options and re-enable after a successful jailbreak

Boot Loop or Safe Mode

If your device gets stuck in a boot loop or keeps entering Safe Mode:

• Jailbreak with the "Safe Mode" option enabled in Checkra1n
• Uninstall recently added tweaks
• Use iCleaner Pro to disable tweaks and identify the problematic one

Removing the Jailbreak

If you ever want to remove your jailbreak, there are a few options:

Using Checkra1n

The cleanest way to remove a Checkra1n jailbreak:

1. Open the Checkra1n loader app on your device
2. Tap "Restore System"
3. Wait for the process to complete and your device to reboot

Using iTunes/Finder

If you can't access the Checkra1n loader:

1. Put your device in Recovery Mode
2. Connect to iTunes or Finder
3. Click "Restore" to perform a full restore (this will erase all data)

Conclusion

Checkra1n offers one of the most reliable jailbreaking experiences available, thanks to its use of the unpatchable checkm8 exploit. While it requires a computer for each jailbreak and re-jailbreak, the stability and compatibility across multiple iOS versions make it an excellent choice for those looking to customize their iOS experience.

Remember that jailbreaking is a technical process that carries some risks. Always back up your data before jailbreaking, be selective about the tweaks you install, and consider the security implications of modifying your device's operating system.

With this guide, you should be well-equipped to jailbreak your device using Checkra1n and enjoy the world of customization that jailbreaking opens up.