How to jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 with redsn0w 0.9.12b1

By Allyson Kazmucha
last updated

If you haven't already jailbroken iOS 5.1.1 with greenpois0n Absinthe, or if you had issues with it and are looking for alternatives, you may want to give the newest version of redsn0w a try. Before proceeding, make sure your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad are compatible first.

Supported devices

At this time redsn0w supports all iOS 5.1.1 compatible devices. The difference is that A4, iPhone 4 and earlier, devices will need to use DFU mode while A5 (iPad 2, new iPad, and iPhone 4S) will need to use non-DFU mode with redsn0w. If you've got an iPhone 4S, iPad 2, or new iPad, you'll need the non-DFU mode directions listed below. Or you can jailbreak with Greenpois0n Absinthe instead.

How to jailbreak in DFU mode

  1. Download redsn0w 0.9.12b1 from our downloads section. There are versions for both Mac and Windows.
  2. Plug your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into your computer and open up redsn0w.

  1. Select Jailbreak from the menu.

  1. Read the information redsn0w gives you about what devices are compatible. Once you're sure you can jailbreak, select Next and you will be guided through putting your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into DFU mode.

  1. If you successfully got your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into DFU mode redsn0w will ask you what you'd like to do. Make sure Install Cydia is checked and click Next.
  2. Let redsn0w do its thing. When you're done you should be able to slide and unlock. You should now see Cydia on one of your Home screens.

How to jailbreak with non-DFU mode

If you've got an iPhone 4S, iPad 2, or new iPad - your process will be a bit easier.

  1. Download redsn0w 0.9.12b1 from our downloads section. There are versions for both Mac and Windows.
  2. Plug your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into your computer and open up redsn0w.

  1. Click Jailbreak and wait for redsn0w to do its thing. Once your iPhone or iPad reboots, just slide to unlock and find Cydia.

The first time you run Cydia it will probably need to build the file system and respring and that's normal. You're now jailbroken and good to go. Run into problems? Check out our additional help and resource links below.

Additional Resources:

Allyson Kazmucha
Allyson Kazmucha

iMore senior editor from 2011 to 2015.

10 Comments
  • Not just A4 devices!
    The latest redsn0w jailbroke my New iPad (3) GSM with 5.1.1 no problem. I was never able get Absinthe to work.
  • That's what I thought. From my understanding, A5 devices work with redsn0w but aren't able to utilize the DFU mode style jailbreak. Can't remember the specifics at the moment.
  • Am I the only one that has redsn0w crash on them every time i try and run it? iTunes crashes as well. Boo.
  • Thank you, I've recently been looking for information about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have came upon so far. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you certain about the supply?|What i do not understood is if truth be told how you are not actually a lot more well-liked than you may be now. You're very intelligent.
  • because the haters on this site don't understand there are more people in this world then them and they also cannot grasp the concept that some people are new to iphones and need more basic knowledge.
  • tried this twice on my iphone 4 5.1.1 and both times, everything goes thru but cydia wont open when i click on the icon. any advice?
  • This POS app not only never worked, but it maged to erase all the of photos on my phone and iPad!
  • hi!,I like your writing very a lot! percentage we communicate extra about your article on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to unravel my problem. Maybe that's you! Looking ahead to see you.
  • Should you do a full restore to factory BEFORE the jailbreak? I used Absinthe on my iPhone4 and had to do a full restore BEFORE and then when I restored my backup, none of my apps started to re-download so I was hoping to avoid that this time with my iPad
  • what if you are already jailbroken for 5.0. Can I follow these instructions or do I need to restore first and then jailbreak to 5.1.1?