How to Tell if iPhone Is Jailbroken

What does it mean to jailbreak an iPhone

iPhone jailbreaking removes device restrictions implemented by Apple. Jailbreaking gives you root access to the operating system (iOS), which lets you install any software, remove default apps, and customize your phone beyond what is usually possible. Apple considers jailbreaking a violation of its license agreement. Jailbreaking your iPhone involves serious cybersecurity risks.

What is jailbreaking from a technical standpoint? Let’s answer that question in a bit more depth.

How does jailbreaking work

Jailbreaking an iOS exploits system vulnerabilities to gain root access to iOS. Jailbreaking modifies the kernel, the operating system's “central control system, " by running patches (or software modifications) every time you start the device.

This lets you install third-party app managers like Cydia to download apps unavailable on the App Store and make other system-level modifications otherwise prohibited.

Is it legal to jailbreak an iPhone

Jailbreaking an iPhone is legal in the United States and most other countries and jurisdictions.

Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) protects copyrighted works, including software. However, a series of exemptions by the US Copyright Office has made it legal for users to jailbreak their phones and other devices through a series of exemptions.

The US Copyright Office added iPhones to the exemptions list in 2010. It also included devices like smartwatches and tablets in 2015. Jailbreaking is not legal for installing illegally acquired apps (because of copyright laws).

How will Apple know you have jailbroken your iPhone? Does iPhone spy on you? The short answer is no. Apple is unlikely to collect data about your jailbreak status or to see if your iPhone is jailbroken. They can only know if you take your jailbroken phone into one of its shops for repairs.

Can someone jailbreak your iPhone without you knowing

It’s difficult but possible for somebody to jailbreak your iPhone without you knowing—they will need direct access and your passcode.

The other way somebody could jailbreak your iPhone is by hacking it remotely and installing jailbreaking software. However, this scenario is extremely unlikely.

Can an iPhone be hacked remotely? This is a complex question. While it is technically possible to hack an iPhone remotely, you are almost certainly not the victim of a remote attack. Conducting such an attack is extremely difficult and expensive and requires advanced tools and hacking skills.

If somebody has jailbroken your iPhone without your knowledge, the person responsible is likely in your immediate network. Consider that your spouse or a friend is tracking you.

Run a device scan with Clario Anti Spy to tell if your iPhone is jailbroken immediately.

Here’s how to use Clario Anti Spy’s Jailbreak detector :

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and create your account.
2. Select Review results from the Device system check section.
3. Review your results in the Jailbreak detector section.

What happens if your iPhone is jailbroken

If your iPhone is jailbroken, you gain superuser access, meaning you can interact with the operating system (iOS) however you like, including installing apps not available on the App Store. However, you open yourself to various risks, including data theft, malware, and tracking.

If your iPhone is jailbroken, it cannot receive normal iOS updates, and your warranty is no longer viable.

Your jailbroken iPhone may experience the following performance issues:

1. Low battery
2. System crashes
3. Reduced speed
4. Software bugs and device instability
5. Difficulty installing the latest iOS version
6. Limited access to saved app data
7. Security vulnerabilities

Because jailbreaking circumvents many built-in security features, your phone is at greater risk of malware and hacking. Learning how to check for viruses on iPhone is important if you suspect your iPhone is jailbroken. In some cases, jailbreaking can lead to a “bricked” phone, which is completely unusable and difficult to restore.

How to check if iPhone is jailbroken

Checking if your iPhone is jailbroken is a relatively straightforward process. The easiest way is through a third-party app like Clario Anti Spy. Simply install the app and run the Jailbreak detector. Alternatively, you can check for suspicious apps like Cyndia.

1. See if you have Cydia or Sileo installed on your iPhone

Cydia and Sileo are alternatives to the App Store, built specifically for jailbroken devices. Looking for them is a good way to see if your iPhone is jailbroken.

Here’s how to find Cydia or Sileo on your iPhone:

1. Swipe to the left until you reach the App Library.
2. Type “Cydia” or “Sileo” into the search bar.

2. Check your iPhone for unknown and suspicious apps

Someone who has jailbroken your app may have installed a third-party installer or launcher. If you see any suspicious apps in your App Library, run a quick Google search to identify them.

Here’s how to check for third-party software in your iPhone settings:

1. Swipe to the left until you reach the App Library.
2. Check for unusual app names like “checkra1n” and “unc0ver.”
3. Run a Google search to check if any of these are jailbreaking apps.

3. Scan your iPhone with third-party programs

Checking if somebody has jailbroken your iPhone is tricky, especially if they have taken steps to hide third-party apps from you.

The safest and quickest way to detect a jailbreak on an iPhone is to download an app like Clario Anti Spy and run a system check. An anti-spyware app is also an excellent option.

Here’s how to use Clario Anti Spy’s Jailbreak detector:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and create your account.
2. Select Review results from the Device system check section.
3. Review your results in the Jailbreak detector section.

What to do if you see your iPhone is jailbroken

If your iPhone is jailbroken, you should run an anti-spyware scan to detect malicious software. You can then remove this software and restore your iPhone through a factory reset or loading a backup.

How to delete jailbreak from your iPhone

Deleting jailbreak from your phone is a fairly straightforward process. The method you choose depends on how much data you want to save.

You have four options to un-jailbreak your iPhone:

1. Restore iPhone via iCloud
2. Restore iPhone through iTunes
3. Update iOS on your iPhone
4. Perform a factory reset on your iPhone

1. Restore iPhone via iCloud

Use iCloud to restore your iPhone by erasing all content and settings and loading your latest iCloud backup.

Here’s how to restore your iPhone via iCloud:

1. First, create a backup by going to Settings > Your Profile > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Backup Now.
2. Perform a factory reset on your iPhone.
3. Reboot your phone and follow the on-screen prompts until you see the Transfer Your Apps and Data screen.
4. Select From iCloud Backup.
5. Sign into your iCloud account and select the latest backup (the jailbreak settings won’t transfer).
6. Maintain your Wi-Fi connection and wait for the backup to complete.

2. Restore iPhone through iTunes

Many will ask, “Why would I still have iTunes on my computer in 2024?” You might not have it, but it still exists on Macs and Windows devices. If you use the iTunes app on your device, you may find this instruction useful.

Here’s how to restore your iPhone via iTunes:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB or Wi-Fi.
2. Open iTunes and select the Device icon in the top left.
3. Select Summary.
4. Select Restore and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Update iOS on your iPhone

Here’s how to update the iOS software directly on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings and select General.
2. Choose Software Update at the top of the screen.
3. If an update is available, you can select Update Now.

4. Perform a factory reset on your iPhone

Reset your iPhone to its factory settings by following the steps below:

1. Go to Settings and select General.
2. Pick the Transfer or Reset iPhone option.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings and Continue.
4. Enter your passcode.
5. Your phone will automatically run a backup.
6. Enter your Apple ID Password.
7. Select Turn off in the top right corner of the phone.
8. Select Erase iPhone.

If the reset is successful, your phone will reboot, and you’ll see the setup assistant.

Сonclusion

If somebody has access to your iPhone and knows your passcode, they can jailbreak it without your knowledge. They may do this to install tracking apps or viruses.

The quickest way to check if your iPhone is jailbroken is to look for apps like Cydia or Sileo or use Clario Antispy’s jailbreak detector.

You can then take steps to reset your iPhone (removing the jailbreak) and install a backup so you don’t lose your settings.

FAQs about iPhone jailbreaking

1. Do people still jailbreak iPhones?

Yes, jailbreaking is a fairly common practice. People jailbreak iPhones for various reasons, including downloading apps unavailable through the App Store.

2. Can jailbreaking break your iPhone?

While jailbreaking is unlikely to completely break your iPhone (sometimes known as “bricking”), it opens the door to serious privacy threats and performance issues. This is why it’s important to find out as soon as possible if your iPhone is jailbroken.

3. Can Apple detect jailbreak?

If you restore your iPhone to its original factory settings, Apple will unlikely detect a jailbreak on your iPhone. Apple can recognize a jailbroken phone if you attempt to repair it under warranty.

4. Can you un-jailbreak an iPhone?

There are several ways to un-jailbreak an iPhone. You can restore a backup using iCloud or iTunes, install the latest version of iOS, or perform a full factory reset on the iPhone itself.