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.