How to jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 with redsn0w 0.9.12b1

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

iMore senior editor from 2011 to 2015.