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The hardworking hackers at ModMyiPhone.com discovered how to break free from the software restrictions that, until now, prevented you from modifying everything on your iPhone, including adding your own custom ringtones.
The developers created a free application that is aptly named Jailbreak, because it breaks open the iPhone’s file system so that you can modify the user interface.
Update:
A faster way to Jailbreak your iPhoneJailbreaking is now 1000 times easier. You can Jailbreak your iPhone in under a minute using ZiPhone.
It’s so easy, a caveman can do it (see my video).
Jailbreak your iPhone at your own risk
WARNING: While no one has reported about Jailbreak damaging an iPhone, there is still a risk involved in using the software, which is unauthorized by Apple.
Update (6-5-08): I’ve Jailbroken my iPhone two times and was able to successfully restore the iPhone via iTunes both times.
However, when I posted a funny video on YouTube based on my experience using ZiPhone to Jailbreak my iPhone, the video spread rapidly and comments by viewers suggested Jailbreaking has not worked for everyone. Considering the iPhone’s high price, you should be very cautious when Jailbreaking your iPhone.
If your iPhone does ever start to act up, restore it via iTunes (don’t worry, you won’t lose your data, because iTunes backs it up).
NOTE: iPhone software updates undo the following hacks.
To Jailbreak iPhone on Windows and install custom ringtones, I recommend Nate True’s thorough Windows Jailbreak guide.
For a Mac how-to (Intel Mac only right now), you might want to try this Intel Mac Jailbreak guide from Hack the iPhone.
Jailbreaking your iPhone is a moderately time-consuming process, but worth the thrill of having an “open iPhone,” in my opinion.
iPhone Jailbreak at work
I Jailbroke my iPhone on Windows, but instead of using the iPhoneInterface program to load custom ringtones on the iPhone as Nate True describes, I used the iRingtoner application, which lets you simply drag & drop songs into a list of custom iPhone ringtones (as shown below).
Custom iPhone ringtones
I had no trouble syncing my iPhone’s custom ringtones using iRingtoner. Update: iRingtoner does not work for me anymore after installing the latest iPhone software update. After each ringtone synced, it appeared immediately in Settings >> Sounds >> Ringtone, but did not appear at first when assigning individual ringtones for contacts. This problem was solved each time by powering off and powering back on my iPhone.
For Intel Mac users, a good alternative to iRingtoner might be bitSplit’s user-friendly iFuntastic software (screenshot below).
I’m glad to finally be rid of those annoying preloaded Apple ringtones — though unfortunately you can’t remove them from the iPhone (yet?). But now I get to listen to my own choice of music when people call me, as I believe I should have always been allowed to do with my iPhone.
Did you also Jailbreak your iPhone and sync your own custom ringtones? Let me know how it went in the comments below.
34 Comments So Far...
It is easier to use the program ifuntastic to jailbreak your iphone. It does everything for you and makes it much easier to put on ringtones. You can even use the itunes 30 second demos. ifuntastic only works on macs though. I have done it multiple times and it works great.
Good to know, Tasso. Thanks for your input.
This is fantastic news, Chris!
Thanks for the well-written piece.
I’ll definitely forward your article to my Malaysian friend who’s still trying to figure out how to get around the numerous limitations on the iPhone.
Thanks, David. Glad I could help.
I downloaded the iphone jailbreak…and then i connected my iphone and then the application first froze about everytime. then i disconnected my iphone from the computer and it was competely screwed up. it wouldn’t even go into the iphone menu, and it wouldn’t even restore. I took the iphone to apple the following day. It took them a couple of hours, but they luckily restored my iphone. I had recently went on vacation and taken many pictures. ALL of my vacation pictures were deleted!!!iFuntastic does not work!
the new version of iringtoner works with the new firmware.
Jailbreak is awesome…works flawlessly and thanks to all the guys/girls who were involved in this project for making if happen for all of us. Although i didnt use the iRingtone program, but instead used the iphoneinterface program. Worked like a charm and doesnt require that much time. I believe the longest part out of all would be gathering your ringtone and waiting for Jailbreak to send the files to the phone. Once again, I thank all the hard work you guys did.
@d- wouldn’t it make sense to have saved your photos (or really anything of value) before starting a process with the work “break” in it? Glad you posted though, now other people will know not to make that mistake.
[...] as “slide to unlock“. In order to use this unlock software you must first accomplish a jailbreak. A jailbreak basically allows you to install third-party apps and ring-tones on your iPhone. [...]
Hi,
Here is a link to get the Jail break software for both windows & Mac users.
Hope this help you in enjoying your iPhone!
http://www.channel2corp.com/
[...] Grammar alert: iPhone hack controversy expands jailbreak into a verb. [...]
It would be nice if he would open up the source to connect to the iPhone. That app could be much-improved upon! It’s a great start already though
I was able to make/load custom ringtones without jailbreaking my iphone. Requires iTune 7.5+, 1.1.2 firmware, 30sec mp3 clips (edited longer mp3s using Nero Soundtrax but any editor should work). Convert the 30sec mp3 to m4a using iTunes importer then rename the m4a to m4r and copy to your iPhone. Worked for me but I’m still considering jailbreaking to enable other features.
Jailbreak is cool, but with them improving the iPhone with each update I would rather wait.
just found out something AMAZING!!! using a combination of independence (beta) and ziphone i was able to on the 1.1.4 firmware to downgrade my boot-loader to 3.9 from 4.6!!!!!!
spread the word, it CAN be done…Without test points
oh and yes, i am 15.
[...] Twitxr, a Twitter-like app with photo, releases an iPhone client that simplifies the shoot and send process. iPhone users will need to make their phone jailbroken. [...]
FYI, Bad to the Bone was NOT recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was recorded by George Thorogood. You’re going to want to update that filename that was in that list of ringtones you added.
iPhones smell like twinkies FTW!!!!!
Hey Guys!
I got my iphone thru At&T and wanted to jailbreak.. just wondering if everything works fine after unlocking the phone.. how do I uplaod videos and songs?? plz help..
Also, is it possible to restore once I jailbreak??
Will jailbreaking an iphone/iPod Touch void the warranty.
Hi,
will jailbrake also “uncripple” the bluetooth? What I mean is, that iPhone’s blouetooth only works for headsets, but you cannot exchange file e.g. with you mac or another mobile phone, bluetooth device etc.
Would be great to hear what you know about it!
Thanks!
Yes it will void the warranty
How exactly do you install the iringtone program on the iphone using windows. I have already downloaded the iringtone application on my desktop and need help. Thanks!
i just got an 8GB iphone very recently. I had tried to jailbreak my ipod touch, but it completely crashed it and it could not be restored. i really wanna jailbreak my iphone, but i’ve been told it’s a huge risk. does this thing work on brand new iPhones, and is it a huge risk to try and jailbreak it?
Can the Apple SDKs do the same things for the iPhone or iTouch as jailbreaking can?
Myxertones.com, search ringtones, click “download to my iphone” and download them to a file you can easily find. sync them to your iphone thru itunes. for those of you who may not want to jailbreak!
This sounds like a dumb question but I just got an iPhone and I was wondering what does jailbreaking do for your phone.
just a little FYI jailbreak does cause random problems on the phone like muti touch not working or safari is unable to find wifi. you NEVER what to restore your phone in itunes if you did jailbreak because itunes will recognize the unathorized software and basically turn the iphone into a fancy paperweight not to mention that if you ever did have any problems with your iphone, which trust me you will, and you need to send it in for repair apple will not touch your phone what so ever because you voided out your warrenty. these phones arent cheap at all. so unless you have the money to blow i would advise you not to jail break your phone
@Dre — Jailbreak is an unauthorized software that hacks your iPhone to “crack open” the file system, so that you can install third-party apps and modifications on your iPhone.
@Desiree — You’re right. I’ve added an update to this post on the risks of Jailbreaking. When I first wrote this post, Jailbreak was not as widespread as it is now. Thanks for pointing these things out.
Hoping to get some help. When I first got my iPhone (v. 1.1.2) I got Installer happy and began downloading a couple. One of the apps downloaded and installed on top of my Installer program thus stopping me from in/unistalling any apps. Is there a way of uninstalling this new app so that I am able to see my Installer icon again without having to restore the phone and start all over again? Any help is greatly appreciated.
[...] There have been numerous jailbreak applications developed - for free - since iPhone was released. AppleiPhoneReview, for example, reviewed this app back in Aug 2007 The hardworking hackers at ModMyiPhone.com [...]
does it help u and will it hurt my phone
my iphone has previously been jailbroken..i used ibrickr almost as soon as i got the phone which was right when it came out… however i was able to restore the phone and update to the latest version without problem for the duration of the year…now a portion of my touch screen is unresponsive and i want to take it back to apple to get it fixed under warranty….my question is will they know that my iphone has previously been jailbroken?