How to Jailbreak iPhone 4S, 5.1.1 iOS Using Redsn0w and a Windows PC

This step-by-step guide will work only for the iPhone 4S running 5.1.1 iOS, via Redsn0w and a Windows PC. If you run into problems, check that you are running 5.1.1 and not iOS 6 and remember unlocking and jailbreaking are different processes with different outcomes so make sure you know what you want. The jailbreak for iOS 6 on iPhone 5 and 4S is currently under development. Stay tuned for updates on jailbreaking iOS 6.

Before starting the actual untethered jailbreak process for 5.1.1 iOS on iPhone 4S, with Reds0w (Cydia) via a Windows PC, it is advised you back up your iPhone SHSH Blobs (there is a tutorial for that on our website). SHSH Blobs are needed if you want to unlock your devices later on, and since upgrading to iOS 5.1.1 means updating baseband, SHSH Blobs could be impacted.

Step 1

Go your Windows PC’s desktop and create a folder you will name Pwnage. Download the most recent version of Redsn0w, download 5.1.1 and place all these files in the Pwnage folder on your desktop. Double click on the Redsn0w zipe file and extract it.

Step 2
This step is a must only if you haven’t already upgraded to iOS 5.1.1 and teaches you how to download and install the firmware. Connect your iPhone to the computer, launch iTunes, find and select your device in the list on the left, press Shift on your keyboard and then click Restore  button. In the Pwnage folder on your desktop, select the 5.1.1 firmware ipsw file, click Choose and iTunes will update your device to this iOS version.

Step 3

Again in the Pwnage folder, you have to launch the Redsn0w app file (right click on .exe, select Run as Administrator in the menu that opens). Click the Jailbreak button when Redsn0w launches, which will then install Cydia for you.

Step 4

Lay back and let Redsn0w and the Rocky Racoon work their magic. It will go through three stages, which don’t require any action from you. The Windows jailbreak wizard will run by itself through preparing, processing and finishing up. Once it has completed the process, Redsn0w will let you know if it was a success, while Windows will display the following message: “Jailbreak was successfully installed. Please leave device alone until it reboots on its own. After Cydia appears, please wait for one final respring to happen”.

How to Jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 on iPhone 4S with Redsn0w for Mac

If you are one of the few patient iPhone 4S owners that haven’t upgraded to iOS 6, you can still jailbreak your device and enjoy the perks until developers release the iOS 6 jailbreak for iPhone 4S and iPhone 5. There are two jailbreaks available: one is RedSn0w offered by the iPhone Dev-Team and the other is Absinthe by Chronic Dev-Team.

These jailbreak procedures are different so make sure you aren’t scrambling the steps. It’s also important to follow the step-by-step guide for the particular PC OS you are using: Windows or Mac.

This step-by-step guide is provided by a certified jailbreak source and pertains to the jailbreak of iOS 5.1.1 on iPhone 4S, using Redsn0w and a Mac. Remember to always use the jailbreak software version compatible with your current iOS.

Step 1

Start the iPhone 4S, iOS5, jailbreak by creating a folder on your Mac’s desktop and name it Pwnage. Download the latest version of Redsn0w and the 5.1.1 iOS (no need to download it if you already have it) and move these to the Pwnage folder. Double click and extract the Redsn0w zip file.

Step 2

This step is not needed if you already have iOS 5 on your iPhone. If you haven’t, you need to connect your device to your Mac computer, start iTunes, select your smartphone, hold down Option, click Restore button, navigate to the Pwnage folder and select with your mouse the 5.1.1 iOS. Click Choose to continue and update your iPhone to iOS 5.1.1.

Step 3

Go to the redsn0w folder you have previously extracted and launch the application. Click on the Jailbreak button when redsn0w launches.

Step 4

Redsn0w does most of the job for you, preparing, processing and finishing up. When it’s done it will notify the jailbreak process is completed, while your iPhone 4S will need about 5 minutes to reboot. When iPhone is done rebooting, if the jailbreak was successful, you will see the Cydia icon on the SpringBoard.

Jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 on iPhone 4S with Absinthe 2.0 for Mac

Jailbreaking iOS on iPhone devices is possibly via two procedures. A previous post talked about and showed you the steps of jailbreaking iPhone 4S using Redsn0w on Mac. Today we are providing you with the Absinthe 2.0 for Mac, iPhone 4S iOS 5.1.1 jailbreak guide.

Absinthe is a jailbreak software basically just as popular as iPhone Dev-Team’s Redsn0w. The tool compatible with iOS 5.0.1/5.0 firmware for iPhone 4S and iPad 2 was released in January 2012 and it is an untethered jailbreak. Absinthe 2.0 (and newer versions) is a hassle-free jailbreak tool that supports the following devices on 5.1.1 firmware: iPad 1, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch 3rd generation and iPod touch 4th generation.

Step 1

Backup your device in iTunes, to make sure you are not losing Camera Roll during the jailbreak process.

Step 2

Download the latest Absinthe version from a certified source, mount the downloaded dmg and move the Absinthe app to your Mac’s desktop. Launch the Absinthe jailbreak tool from your desktop.

Step 3

Remove any passcodes, VPN settings before connecting your iPhone to the Mac. The window that pops up reiterates the backup recommendation. Once you’ve checked these, you are ready to plug in your iDevice and begin the jailbreak process.

Step 4

Once your iPhone 4S is connected to your Mac (via USB) the Jailbreak button becomes available. Click it and the software will begin the process, performing several tasks without requiring you to something. Absinthe initiates the jailbreak, sends initial jailbreak data and final jailbreak data, waits for the iPhone’s reboot and then informs you the process is done.

Step 5

When the jailbreak procedure is done, you will find a Cydia icon on your Springboard.

This jailbreak tutorial pertains to iOS 5, not iOS 6! Remember that before trying to jailbreak iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S using this guide. This jailbreak tool will not work on your iPhone 4S if you have already upgraded to iOS 6 from iOS 5.