Checkra1n

Checkra1n can be installed using a Mac or Linux computer. You need a compatible iPhone or iPad, a USB cable and a supported iOS version.

Installation steps:

1. Open Settings → General → About on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Check your device model and installed iOS version.
3. Make sure your device supports Checkra1n.
4. Open your Mac or Linux computer.
5. Visit the Checkra1n download website.
6. Download Checkra1n v0.12.4 for your computer.
7. Install or open Checkra1n.
8. Connect your iPhone or iPad using a USB cable.
9. Make sure Checkra1n detects your device.
10. Click Start to begin the jailbreak process.
11. Follow the instructions to enter Recovery Mode and DFU Mode.
12. Allow Checkra1n to complete the jailbreak.
13. Once your device restarts, open the Checkra1n Loader app.
14. Select Cydia and complete the installation.
15. Open Cydia and allow its repositories to load.

How to install Checkra1n using Windows

Checkra1n does not provide an official native Windows version.

Windows users can use a separate bootable Linux USB environment that includes Checkra1n, such as Odysseyn1x. This requires restarting the computer into the USB environment.

How to re-jailbreak after restarting

Checkra1n is semi-tethered. After restarting your iPhone, the jailbreak is no longer active.

Connect your device to a supported computer and run Checkra1n again to restore the jailbreak environment.

You do not normally need to reinstall Cydia after every restart.

Important: Back up your iPhone or iPad before jailbreaking. On iOS 14, A11 devices such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X have important passcode and biometric restrictions.

Checkra1n supports selected older iPhone and iPad devices using Apple A7–A11 processors.

Supported iPhone models:

1. iPhone 5s
2. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
3. iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
4. iPhone SE (1st generation)
5. iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
6. iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
7. iPhone X

Supported iPad models include:

1. iPad Air and iPad Air 2
2. iPad mini 2, 3 and 4
3. iPad (5th, 6th and 7th generation)
4. Selected iPad Pro models using A9X and A10X processors

Some older A7 devices and specific iPad models require additional steps or have limited compatibility.

Supported iOS versions:

1. iOS 12.0–12.5.7: Compatible older devices, depending on the release.
2. iOS 13.0–13.7: Supported compatible devices.
3. iOS 14.0–14.4.2: Selected A8–A11 devices with processor-specific restrictions.
4. iOS 14.5: Supported by Checkra1n v0.12.4 on compatible devices.
5. iOS 14.6–14.8.1: May work on selected devices using an untested firmware option, but not officially confirmed for every configuration.

Important iPhone 8 and iPhone X restriction

On iOS 14, A11 devices cannot use normal passcode, Face ID, Touch ID or Apple Pay functionality while jailbroken with Checkra1n.

This is an important limitation for people who use their iPhone as their primary device.

Unsupported iPhones:

1. iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
2. iPhone 11 series
3. iPhone 12 series
4. iPhone 13 series
5. iPhone 14 series and newer models

Unsupported iOS versions:

Checkra1n does not provide confirmed support for iOS 15, iOS 16, iOS 17, iOS 18, iOS 26 or iOS 27.

Users with newer firmware should check the compatibility of other jailbreak tools rather than attempting to use Checkra1n.

Always confirm your exact iPhone or iPad model and firmware before downloading.

If Checkra1n is not detecting your iPhone or the jailbreak process fails, try these simple checks.

Checkra1n Is Not Detecting iPhone

Make sure your USB cable works correctly. Try another USB port and check that the computer recognizes your device.

Checkra1n Is Not Opening on Mac

Check your macOS version and make sure you downloaded Checkra1n from the developer's website. Review any security warning before opening the application.

Checkra1n Is Not Working on Linux

Make sure your Linux system meets the requirements. Some older A7 devices are not supported by the Linux version.

Checkra1n Is Not Available on Windows

There is no official native Windows version. Use a supported Mac or Linux computer, or follow a trusted bootable Linux USB guide.

Cannot Enter DFU Mode

Follow the instructions for your exact iPhone or iPad model. Different devices require different button combinations.

Checkra1n Error -20

This error may be related to a jailbreak or tweak problem. The developer recommends using the available no-substrate mode to check whether an incompatible tweak is causing the error.

Checkra1n Stuck on Booting

Check the USB connection and device compatibility. Some supported devices may require another attempt or a different compatible Checkra1n release.

Cydia Is Not Showing

After successfully jailbreaking, open Checkra1n Loader and choose the option to install Cydia.

Cydia Is Not Opening

Make sure the jailbreak is active. If you restarted your iPhone, connect it to your computer and run Checkra1n again.

Cydia Repositories Are Not Loading

Check your internet connection and refresh the sources. Make sure you entered the repository URLs correctly.

iPhone Restarts After Jailbreaking

Checkra1n is semi-tethered. After a normal restart, your device returns to its non-jailbroken state until you run Checkra1n again.

Passcode and Face ID Problems

On iOS 14, A11 devices have security feature restrictions while jailbroken. Check these limitations before starting.

Tweaks Are Not Working

Install only tweaks compatible with your iOS version and jailbreak environment. Remove recently installed packages if problems begin.

Safety Tips

Back up your device before jailbreaking. Download Checkra1n only from trusted sources, avoid unknown repositories and install compatible tweaks one at a time.