Daily Tip: How to find out what iOS software and baseband version you're running

Interested in Jailbreaking and Unlocking your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad but can't determine which version of iOS you're running, or what your iPhone baseband (i.e. modem firmware) is? Just get a new device and not sure if it's been updated yet? Some Jailbreak methods only work with certain software versions and some Unlocks only work on certain modem firmware, so they're important to know before you start. Luckily they're easy to find. We'll show you where to look, after the break.

To find your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad software version, and your iPhone modem firmware:

  1. Tap Settings
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap About

iOS software version

At the bottom you'll see Version in bold on the left, and a number series on the right. The current version of iOS as of this writing is 4.2.1. If you have older software you might see 4.1 or something similar. Note the number down somewhere convenient. (You can ignore any numbers or letters in parenthesis, that's the actual build identifier and you won't typically need it.)

Modem Firmware (baseband)

Next scroll down to the very end of the About page and near the bottom you'll see Modem Firmware (what's called the Baseband). The current Modem Firmware is 03.10.01. Again, note the number down somewhere convenient.

Now that you know your software version and baseband, you're ready to Jailbreak. Check out our Jailbreak Starter Guide to get started, and our Jailbreak Forum if you need extra help!

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward...)

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.