How to Jailbreak iOS 13 – 13.3 using checkra1n on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

Not too long ago the historic announcement was made that a new un-patchable bootrom exploit named checkm8 was being released to the public. Since this exploit is hardware-based, it can never be patched by Apple, meaning A5 to A11 chip devices will be jailbreakable forever.

Now, after a few weeks of work, the first jailbreak to use this exploit, checkra1n, has been released to the public. While still experimental, and not recommended to be used on a primary device, the jailbreak can be used on almost all devices up to the iPhone X running iOS 12 or iOS 13.

Since this jailbreak takes advantage of a bootrom exploit, a computer is and always will be required to use this jailbreak. Another side effect of using a bootrom exploit is that the jailbreak is semi-tethered, meaning that if your device reboots for any reason you will need to re-run the jailbreak with your computer to re-enable all jailbreak tweaks and apps.

At the time of writing checkra1n has only been released for macOS, meaning either a Mac computer, a macOS virtual machine, or a Hackintosh will be required to use this jailbreak. Windows and Linux versions of the tool will be released at a later date.

Requirements & Notes

• This is compatible with iOS 12.3 – 13.2.2
• This is a semi-tethered jailbreak (read step 9 below)
• This currently works with the following devices:
  – iPhone X
  – iPhone 8/8 Plus
  – iPhone 7/7 Plus
  – iPhone SE
  – iPhone 6s/6s Plus
  – iPhone 6/6 Plus
  – iPhone 5s (experimental)
  – iPad Air 1 (experimental)
  – iPad Mini 2 (experimental)
  – iPad Mini 3 (experimental)
  – iPad Mini 4
  – iPad Pro 2
• This does not YET work with:
  – iPad Air 2
  – iPad 5
  – iPad 6
  – iPad Pro 1
• This does NOT (and never will) work with:
  – iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max
  – iPhone 11
  – iPhone Xs/Xs Max
  – iPhone Xr
  – iPad Pro 3
  – iPad Air 3
  – iPad Mini 5
• This jailbreak requires a Mac computer (Windows support coming soon).
• Make sure to backup all your data to iTunes or iCloud before attempting this jailbreak
• This jailbreak is in early development and is therefore NOT RECOMMENDED to be used with a primary device. Proceed with caution.

Download Links

• checkra1n

Written Guide

1. Ensure your device is on compatible with the checkra1n jailbreak (see list above) and that it is running iOS 12.3 or above.
2. On a macOS computer download the latest version of checkra1n from the official website. Once downloaded, open the .DMG file and drag the checkra1n app into the Applications folder.
   
3. Open the checkra1n app either from Launchpad or the Application folder. If you’re using a Mac you’ll likely need to allow the app to launch from within ‘System Preferences -> Security & Privacy’ before it will launch.
   
4. Plug your device into the computer and wait for it to be detected by the checkra1n app. When it is, click ‘Start’ then ‘Next’ to put the device into recovery mode.
   
5. Once the device is in recovery mode, instructions will appear to put the device into DFU mode. The process for this differs for each device, so click ‘Start’ and follow the instructions shown within the checkra1n app.
   
6. Once checkra1n detects the device in DFU mode the jailbreak will begin. Do not unplug the device until checkra1n says it is done.
   
7. Once the device boots there should be a new checkra1n app on the home screen. Open this and you will be given the option to install Cydia.
   
8. Tap ‘Cydia’, then tap ‘Install Cydia’. Once installed the checkra1n app will close and Cydia will be on the home screen. You should now be able to use the jailbreak!~
   
9. IMPORTANT: Since this is a semi-tethered jailbreak, whenever you reboot your device all jailbreak tweaks and apps will stop working. To re-enable these you need to plug your device back into your computer and re-run the jailbreak as described in steps 3 to 6.

If while following the steps above you experience any problems, check out this article which outlines fixes for common checkra1n problems.

Video Guide

ALSO SEE: Is it Still Worth Jailbreaking Your iPhone in 2019?