The "I've Updated My iPhone to 3.1, Now What?" FAQ

[thelatinist]

(Please Note: I believe that the information in the following FAQ is accurate. If anyone finds any errors, please let me know so that I can correct them.)

So, for whatever reason, you've upgraded your iPhone to iPhone OS version 3.1.1 through iTunes. Perhaps you clicked the button by accident. Perhaps you didn't see all the warnings. Perhaps you didn't believe all the warnings. Whatever the reason, you're wondering where you stand regarding jailbreaking and unlocking. I've prepared this FAQ just for you.

Can I jailbreak now?

No. No jailbreak has been released for the version 3.1 operating system.​

Will I be able to jailbreak in the future?

iPhone 3GS:That depends. If you have saved your iPhone's iBEC and iBSS files or have backed up your ECID using Cydia, probably. It looks like the Dev-Team already knows that the release version is still vulnerable to jailbreak, but it will probably require uploading custom firmware, and that will need to be signed using that information. But nobody knows how long it will be before they can release the necessary tools.

iPhone 2G & 3G:You should be able to jailbreak in the future, since the 3G doesn't use signed firmware. But nobody knows how long it will be before the Dev Team releases the jailbreak tools for the new firmware.​

Can I downgrade to 3.0.1 and jailbreak?

iPhone 3GS: No. Apple has stopped signing 3.0 versions of the OS for the iPhone 3GS. Even if you currently have version 3.0.1 installed, iTunes will only restore to version 3.1. Someone will probably release a tool to allow this soon, but it may require the iBEC and iBSS files or ECID.

Update 9/14: Saurik has released instructions which will allow the approximately 50,000 people who clicked "Make my life easier" in Cydia during the brief window it was available last week to downgrade from 3.1 to 3.0. This is so far the only working method for downgrading a 3GS, and it is only possible for those with their ECID SHSH on file. This will not downgrade your baseband. You will still be unable to unlock for the forseeable future.

This method will also work for DFU restores if you FUBAR your iPhone and need to restore.

iPhone 2G & 3G: Yes. iTunes still allows you to downgrade your firmware to version 3.0.1. Note 1: I have had several reports of people getting into an error 1015 loop when downgrading the 3G. I am told that it is possible to downgrade if you first put it into DFU mode rather than regular recovery mode. Note 2: I have several reports that even after a downgrade people have been unable to jailbreak 3G. I am not sure why this is, yet.​

Can I unlock now?

No. Your phone's baseband was upgraded to a new version that cannot currently be unlocked.​

Will I be able to unlock if I downgrade to version 3.0.1?

3G & 3GS: No, downgrading the OS will not downgrade your baseband. You will still be unable to unlock for the forseeable future.

2G: You should be able to unlock using redsn0w if you downgrade to 3.0.1.​

Will I be able to unlock in the future?

Possibly never. The Dev Team, at least, does not seem hopeful. If it is ever unlocked, it may be months.​

 

[thedudeAbides]

Unlock

Will I be able to unlock in the future?

Possibly never. The Dev Team, at least, does not seem hopeful. If it is ever unlocked, it may be months.​

Thank you very much for this information, i am sure this answers a lot of peoples questions. my question about unlocking though, aren't many/most European iphones sold "unlocked"? I have an italian friend in my lab who bought his iphone there in Italy and uses a prepaid t-mobile sim card (he did NOT unlock/JB it, iphone 3G)

 

[MikePA]

Will I be able to jailbreak in the future?

That depends. If you have saved your iPhone's iBEC and iBSS files or have backed up your ECID using Cydia, probably. It looks like the Dev Team already knows that the release version is still vulnerable to jailbreak, but it will probably require uploading custom firmware, and that will need to be signed using that information. But nobody knows how long it will be before they can release the necessary tools.​

I thought this was only true for 3GS phones??

 

[thelatinist]

my question about unlocking though, aren't many/most European iphones sold "unlocked"?

Factory unlocked iPhones should not be affected by the upgrade, as far as I know.

I thought this was only true for 3GS phones??

I believe you are right. I have corrected this information.

 

[Vegastouch]

(Please Note: I believe that the information in the following FAQ is accurate. If anyone finds any errors, please let me know so that I can correct them.)

So, for whatever reason, you've upgraded your iPhone to iPhone OS version 3.1.1 through iTunes. Perhaps you clicked the button by accident. Perhaps you didn't see all the warnings. Perhaps you didn't believe all the warnings. Whatever the reason, you're wondering where you stand regarding jailbreaking and unlocking. I've prepared this FAQ just for you.

Can I jailbreak now?

No. No jailbreak has been released for the version 3.1 operating system.​

Will I be able to jailbreak in the future?

That depends. If you have saved your iPhone's iBEC and iBSS files or have backed up your ECID using Cydia, probably. It looks like the Dev Team already knows that the release version is still vulnerable to jailbreak, but it will probably require uploading custom firmware, and that will need to be signed using that information. But nobody knows how long it will be before they can release the necessary tools.

If you did not save your iBEC and iBSS files or back up your ECID, it is possible that will never be able to jailbreak again.​

Can I downgrade to 3.0.1 and jailbreak?

That also depends, this time on which version of the iPhone you have:

iPhone 3GS: No. Apple has stopped signing 3.0 versions of the OS for the iPhone 3GS. Even if you currently have version 3.0.1 installed, iTunes will only restore to version 3.1. Someone will probably release a tool to allow this soon, but it may require the iBEC and iBSS files or ECID.

iPhone 3G: Yes. iTunes still allows you to downgrade your firmware to version 3.0.1.​

Can I unlock now?

No. Your phone's baseband was upgraded to a new version that cannot currently be unlocked.​

Will I be able to unlock if I downgrade to version 3.0.1?

No, downgrading the OS will not downgrade your baseband. You will still be unable to unlock for the forseeable future.​

Will I be able to unlock in the future?

Possibly never. The Dev Team, at least, does not seem hopeful. If it is ever unlocked, it may be months.​

If you have a 3GS you need to have those files. It isnt clear if you need to do that for the 3G but it didnt look like it to me.

And yes you can unlock if you have a 2G.

This FAQ's doesnt give all the info it should.

 

[ozzyman500]

I'm glad I don't care about jailbreaking anymore.

 

[obievil]

if Apple would integrate the Lockinfo theme into the OS software I wouldn't jailbreak anymore. it's the only reason why I do.

 

[romo]

Some 2G info would be nice. I, for example, have been wondering what these iBEC and iBSS files are. Cydia made no mention of having me upload them. Do I need to worry about having them for future jailbreaking if I have a 2G iPhone?

 

[thelatinist]

This FAQ's doesnt give all the info it should.

What other info do you think I should add? I was just answering the most common questions I have seen on this thread.

I will add a bit about the 2G iphone.

 

[Vegastouch]

What other info do you think I should add? I was just answering the most common questions I have seen on this thread.

I will add a bit about the 2G iphone.

Im not bagging on you. I think it is a good idea but to have info to the questions for all three phones would be good.

As far as i have seen , those files only need to be saved for the 3GS so if you have a 2G, you should be fine and the 3G hasnt been clarified yet. No real concrete answers yet.

 

[thelatinist]

As far as i have seen , those files only need to be saved for the 3GS so if you have a 2G, you should be fine and the 3G hasnt been clarified yet. No real concrete answers yet.

I believe only the 3GS uses signed firmware. This is why it is still possible to downgrade the 3G and 2G. Because of this, there should be no problem with future jailbreaks for those phones. That is my understanding. Please correct me if you know otherwise.

 

[obievil]

Can I jailbreak now?

No. No jailbreak has been released for the version 3.1 operating system.​

Will I be able to jailbreak in the future?

iPhone 3GS:That depends. If you have saved your iPhone's iBEC and iBSS files or have backed up your ECID using Cydia, probably. It looks like the Dev Team already knows that the release version is still vulnerable to jailbreak, but it will probably require uploading custom firmware, and that will need to be signed using that information. But nobody knows how long it will be before they can release the necessary tools.

If you did not save your iBEC and iBSS files or back up your ECID, it is very possible that will never be able to jailbreak again.

iPhone 2G & 3G:You should be able to unlock in the future, since the 3G doesn't use signed firmware. But nobody knows how long it will be before the Dev Team releases the jailbreak tools for the new firmware.​

Can I downgrade to 3.0.1 and jailbreak?

so if your 3gs comes with 3.1 on it, you will not be able to jailbreak it?

 

[thelatinist]

so if your 3gs comes with 3.1 on it, you will not be able to jailbreak it?

That is correct. It is possible that someone will discover a workaround, but the Dev Team seems doubtful.

 

[Dominat0r]

wow, they might not be able to unlock ever?

imo thats dumb move on Apples part....they going to lose buisness from the people who are buying iPhones for use on another carrier....granted its not ATT, but its still Apple selling a iPhone.

good info though, thanks

 

[jkarp]

thanks for this info. this is great. one question i do have...

if i have a jailbroken 3GS that i DID NOT save the iBEC and iBSS files from, are they still of use now that the phone is jailbroken or do they need to be saved BEFORE you jailbreak the phone?

thanks again... josh

 

[thelatinist]

wow, they might not be able to unlock ever?

In the past some baseband updates were not able to be unlocked. That's why PwnageTool was created, to allow firmware upgrades without upgrading the baseband.

if i have a jailbroken 3GS that i DID NOT save the iBEC and iBSS files from, are they still of use now that the phone is jailbroken or do they need to be saved BEFORE you jailbreak the phone?

You could only get the iBEC and iBSS certificates during a DFU restore in iTunes, and that is no longer possible for the 3GS since restoring 3.0 versions of the firmware has been disabled. You can still have Cydia store your ECID hash on Saurik's server, however. Saurik seems to believe that he will be able to generate customized iBSS and iBEC files from this information in the future.

 

[bytethese]

wow, they might not be able to unlock ever?

imo thats dumb move on Apples part....they going to lose buisness from the people who are buying iPhones for use on another carrier....granted its not ATT, but its still Apple selling a iPhone.

good info though, thanks

Yes. It's a dumb move for Apple to protect their investment? They'd lose more business if they didn't. I'm not saying that we shouldn't be able to (I jailbreak mine and want to continue in hopes of being abel to perform forensic analyses) but they have every right to protect their product.

thanks for this info. this is great. one question i do have...

if i have a jailbroken 3GS that i DID NOT save the iBEC and iBSS files from, are they still of use now that the phone is jailbroken or do they need to be saved BEFORE you jailbreak the phone?

thanks again... josh

Yes they are still of use. If you wanted to jailbreak 3.1 or future firmware, you'll need those files (once the Dev Team is able to jailbreak them). I don't believe you can load 3.0.1 any longer so for now, at least use Cydia to upload your ECID.

 

[tnisatard]

Question

I have a iPhone 3G with 3.0 software running on t-mobile jailbroken/unlocked of course


there is no way for me to upgrade to 3.1 now right? i have to wait for an announcement from the dev team? or are people already downloading the 3.1 software and creating a new ISPW (i think thats what its called) on redsn0w?

sorry if that doesnt make sense, usually my cousin helps me out wiht jailbreaking/unlocking

 

[Dominat0r]

Yes. It's a dumb move for Apple to protect their investment? They'd lose more business if they didn't. I'm not saying that we shouldn't be able to (I jailbreak mine and want to continue in hopes of being abel to perform forensic analyses) but they have every right to protect their product.

hows is it protecting them? imo they are making money from people who want a iphone but dont have ATT, thats alot of people dont you think? Its ALMOST as good as having the iPhone from another carrier.

Since people know they can do this, people will buy the iphone, unlock it and use it with their carrier....in the long run, this can only make Apple more money. Of course, they will prob piss off ATT in the process.

I dunno, i dont see the need to block it really....now if they would offer a unlocked phone it wouldnt be as bad...however, can you get a factory unlocked iphone in the US?

 

[dhlizard]

Question

I have a iPhone 3G with 3.0 software running on t-mobile jailbroken/unlocked of course


there is no way for me to upgrade to 3.1 now right? i have to wait for an announcement from the dev team? or are people already downloading the 3.1 software and creating a new ISPW (i think thats what its called) on redsn0w?

sorry if that doesnt make sense, usually my cousin helps me out wiht jailbreaking/unlocking

You cannot JB or UL version 3.1 yet.

If you upgrade, you will lose your JB/UL.

 

[ghall]

My iPhone 2G remained unlocked after the update, as it uses the baseband unlock, but now I can't activate, so I can only make 'emergency calls'. I don't jailbreak for the apps just for the activation. Is there an alternative way to activate an iPhone with 3.1?

 

[lionheartednyhc]

hows is it protecting them? imo they are making money from people who want a iphone but dont have ATT, thats alot of people dont you think? Its ALMOST as good as having the iPhone from another carrier.

Since people know they can do this, people will buy the iphone, unlock it and use it with their carrier....in the long run, this can only make Apple more money. Of course, they will prob piss off ATT in the process.

I dunno, i dont see the need to block it really....now if they would offer a unlocked phone it wouldnt be as bad...however, can you get a factory unlocked iphone in the US?

Not only that, but they are losing ATT customers as well. If they disable JB completely in the future, Im done with the iphone. As far as Im concerned, without JB the iPhone is completely crippled and loses a ton of functionality. I will switch to a Pre.

 

[Vegastouch]

hows is it protecting them? imo they are making money from people who want a iphone but dont have ATT, thats alot of people dont you think? Its ALMOST as good as having the iPhone from another carrier.

Since people know they can do this, people will buy the iphone, unlock it and use it with their carrier....in the long run, this can only make Apple more money. Of course, they will prob piss off ATT in the process.

I dunno, i dont see the need to block it really....now if they would offer a unlocked phone it wouldnt be as bad...however, can you get a factory unlocked iphone in the US?

Yes but you cant just buy an iPhone from Apple and use it on another carrier.
And yes if you call Apple and tell them you are going to be in another country and need to be able to use your phone there, i have heard of them unlocking the phone for them.

 

[ghall]

And yes if you call Apple and tell them you are going to be in another country and need to be able to use your phone there, i have heard of them unlocking the phone for them.

How does this work? I would be very interested in doing this.

 

[Vegastouch]

How does this work? I would be very interested in doing this.

I myself have never tried it but i have read that some have done what i posted and they got a factory unlock from Apple. What i do not recall and maybe this is what you mean........is if they were told over the phone how to do it or they got it done at an Apple store.