Ever thought about breathing new life into your old iPad 2? An iPad 2 running iOS 9.3.5 might feel a bit sluggish and limited in today's app ecosystem. But what if you could unlock its full potential, customize it to your heart's content, and even run apps that are no longer supported? That's where jailbreaking comes in!
Jailbreaking your iPad 2 with iOS 9.3.5 allows you to break free from Apple's restrictions, giving you root access to the device. This opens up a world of possibilities, from installing themes and tweaks that completely change the look and feel of your iPad, to downloading apps from alternative app stores like Cydia that offer functionalities Apple wouldn't approve.
This guide will walk you through the process of jailbreaking your iPad 2 on iOS 9.3.5 using your computer. While the process can seem daunting, with careful attention to each step, you'll have your iPad unlocked and ready for a new chapter!
Important Considerations Before You Begin
Before we dive into the technical steps, it's crucial to understand a few things about jailbreaking:
- Semi-Untethered Jailbreak: The jailbreak for iOS 9.3.5 on the iPad 2 is typically "semi-untethered." This means that while Cydia (the alternative app store) will remain on your device, if your iPad reboots or powers off, you'll need to re-run the jailbreak application on the device itself to get back into a jailbroken state and use Cydia or any jailbreak tweaks. It's not a "tethered" jailbreak where you'd need a computer every time, but it's not fully "untethered" either.
- Warranty Void: Jailbreaking voids your Apple warranty. Since the iPad 2 is an older device, this might not be a major concern for most users, but it's something to be aware of.
- Security Risks: Jailbreaking removes some of Apple's built-in security features. This means your device could be more vulnerable to malware or security exploits if you're not careful about what you download and install from unofficial sources.
- Stability Issues: While generally stable, some jailbreak tweaks can cause instability, crashes, or battery drain. It's best to install tweaks from reputable sources and avoid too many at once.
- No Official Updates: Once jailbroken, you cannot install official iOS updates directly from Apple without losing your jailbreak. If you update, you'll lose all your jailbreak modifications, and you might not be able to re-jailbreak on the newer iOS version.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. I am not responsible for any damage or issues that may arise from following these instructions. Proceed at your own risk.
Step 1: Prepare Your iPad and Computer
Let's get started by ensuring your iPad and computer are ready for the jailbreaking process.
Sub-heading 1.1: Back Up Your iPad
This is the most critical step. While jailbreaking generally doesn't erase your data, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
- Engage User: Have you backed up your iPad yet? If not, stop right here! This is paramount to avoiding potential data loss.
- Using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later):
- Connect your iPad 2 to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
- Select your iPad when it appears in the sidebar (Finder) or the device icon (iTunes).
- Under the "Summary" tab (iTunes) or "General" tab (Finder), select "Back Up Now."
- Optional but Recommended: Encrypt your backup with a password if you want to save health data, Wi-Fi passwords, and other sensitive information. Make sure you remember this password!
- Using iCloud:
- On your iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap "Back Up Now." Ensure you have enough iCloud storage.
Sub-heading 1.2: Disable Passcode, Touch ID, and Find My iPad
These features can interfere with the jailbreaking process. You can re-enable them after the jailbreak is complete.
- Go to Settings > Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and turn off your passcode.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Find My iPad and turn it off. You'll need to enter your Apple ID password.
Sub-heading 1.3: Update iTunes (or macOS)
Ensure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your Windows PC, or the latest macOS updates if you're on a Mac. This ensures proper communication with your iPad.
- Windows: Open iTunes, go to Help > Check for Updates.
- macOS: Updates are handled through the App Store or System Settings.
Sub-heading 1.4: Charge Your iPad
Make sure your iPad is at least 50% charged to avoid any interruptions during the process. A fully charged device is always recommended.
Step 2: Download Necessary Tools
You'll need two main tools for this jailbreak: the Phoenix jailbreak IPA file and Cydia Impactor (or Sideloadly).
Sub-heading 2.1: Download Phoenix Jailbreak IPA
The Phoenix jailbreak is specifically designed for 32-bit devices like the iPad 2 running iOS 9.3.5.
- Open your web browser and search for "Phoenix Jailbreak IPA". You'll typically find it on reputable jailbreaking websites or GitHub repositories.
- Be cautious: Always download from trusted sources to avoid malicious files. A good starting point would be sites like
ipodhacks142.com
orphoenixpwn.com
(though availability can change over time). - Download the
.ipa
file to a readily accessible location on your computer, like your Desktop.
Sub-heading 2.2: Download Cydia Impactor (or Sideloadly)
Cydia Impactor is a tool that allows you to "sideload" IPA files onto your iOS device. However, Cydia Impactor has faced issues with free Apple developer accounts and newer iOS versions, so Sideloadly is often a more reliable alternative for modern systems.
- For Cydia Impactor: Search for "Cydia Impactor download". Download the version compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- For Sideloadly (Recommended): Search for "Sideloadly download". Download the version compatible with your operating system. Sideloadly is actively maintained and generally works better with free Apple IDs.
Step 3: Sideload the Phoenix App onto Your iPad
This step involves using Cydia Impactor or Sideloadly to install the Phoenix jailbreak app onto your iPad.
Sub-heading 3.1: Using Sideloadly (Recommended Method)
- Install Sideloadly:
- If you downloaded Sideloadly, extract the downloaded ZIP file (if applicable) and install the application on your computer.
- For macOS users: You might need to go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and allow apps downloaded from "App Store and identified developers" or explicitly click "Open Anyway" for Sideloadly if it's blocked.
- Connect iPad: Connect your iPad 2 to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open Sideloadly: Launch Sideloadly. It should automatically detect your connected iPad in the "iDevice" dropdown.
- Drag and Drop IPA: Drag the downloaded Phoenix.ipa file into the Sideloadly window.
- Enter Apple ID: Sideloadly will prompt you to enter your Apple ID and password. This is used to sign the application so it can be installed on your device. It's recommended to use an alternate Apple ID if you have any security concerns, though Saurik (creator of Cydia Impactor) and the Sideloadly developers state that credentials are sent directly to Apple for signing.
- Start Installation: Click the "Start" button. Sideloadly will begin installing the Phoenix app onto your iPad. This might take a few minutes.
- "Developer Warning" (if any): If you encounter an "Apple Developer Warning," simply click "OK."
- Wait for Completion: Sideloadly will show "Done" when the installation is complete. You should now see the Phoenix app icon on your iPad's Home screen.
Sub-heading 3.2: Trust the Developer Profile on Your iPad
Before you can open the Phoenix app, you need to trust its developer profile.
- On your iPad, go to Settings > General > Device Management (or Profiles & Device Management).
- You should see an entry with your Apple ID. Tap on it.
- Tap "Trust [Your Apple ID]" and confirm.
Step 4: Run the Phoenix Jailbreak App on Your iPad
Now that the Phoenix app is on your iPad and trusted, it's time to perform the jailbreak.
- Open Phoenix App: Go back to your iPad's Home screen and open the newly installed Phoenix app.
- Prepare for Jailbreak: Tap on "Prepare For Jailbreak".
- Use Provided Offsets: When prompted, select "Use Provided Offsets." (In rare cases, if the app crashes, you might need to try "Specify Custom Offsets" and find them online for your specific iPad 2 model, but start with "Use Provided Offsets").
- Accept/Dismiss: You might see some on-screen prompts or ads within the app. Dismiss them as needed.
- "Begin Installation" / "Proceed with Jailbreak": Tap the appropriate button to begin the jailbreak process.
- Lock Your Device: The app will instruct you to lock your device (press the power button once) after a few seconds. Do this exactly when it tells you to.
- Wait for Respring: Your iPad screen will go black, and it will then respring (restart the SpringBoard, which is the iOS graphical user interface). This means the jailbreak is taking effect.
Step 5: Verify Jailbreak and Install Essential Tweaks
Congratulations! If everything went well, your iPad 2 should now be jailbroken.
Sub-heading 5.1: Look for Cydia
- After the respring, you should see the Cydia icon on your Home screen. This is the ultimate sign of a successful jailbreak.
- If you don't see Cydia, or if Cydia crashes immediately upon opening, repeat Step 4. Sometimes it takes a couple of attempts.
Sub-heading 5.2: Launch Cydia for the First Time
- Tap the Cydia icon.
- Cydia will likely "Prepare Filesystem" on its first launch. Let it complete this process. Your device will respring again.
- Once it restarts, open Cydia again. You should now be in the main Cydia interface.
Sub-heading 5.3: Update Cydia Sources
Upon entering Cydia for the first time, it's essential to update its sources.
- At the bottom of Cydia, tap "Sources".
- Tap "Refresh" (or "Changes" and then "Refresh") in the top left corner.
- Cydia will download and update its package lists. This might take a few minutes, and you may see some errors – this is often normal, especially for older iOS versions, as some repositories might be offline. Let it finish.
- Once done, you'll be prompted to "Return to Cydia." Tap it.
Sub-heading 5.4: Install Essential Tweaks (Optional but Recommended)
Now that Cydia is ready, you can start exploring! Here are a couple of essential tweaks to consider for older iPads:
- Filza File Manager: This allows you to access and modify your iPad's file system, giving you deeper control. Search for "Filza File Manager" in Cydia and install it.
- iCleaner Pro: A powerful tool to clean up temporary files, caches, and free up space on your device, which can be very beneficial for older iPads. Search for "iCleaner Pro" in Cydia and install it.
- Activator: A truly revolutionary tweak that lets you create custom gestures and shortcuts for almost anything on your device. Search for "Activator" and install it.
Important Note on Semi-Untethered Jailbreak
Remember, this is a semi-untethered jailbreak. If your iPad 2 dies or is rebooted, you'll need to do the following:
- Your iPad will boot up in a non-jailbroken state. Cydia and your tweaks won't work (they'll crash upon opening).
- Open the Phoenix app on your iPad's Home screen.
- Tap "Kickstart Jailbreak" (or "Prepare For Jailbreak" again, depending on the Phoenix version).
- Follow the on-screen instructions, including locking your device at the appropriate time.
- Your iPad will respring, and you'll be back in the jailbroken state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to check if my iPad 2 is truly jailbroken?
The easiest way is to look for the Cydia icon on your home screen. If it's there and opens successfully, your device is jailbroken.
How to safely remove a jailbreak from my iPad 2?
The safest way to remove a jailbreak and restore your iPad to stock iOS is to connect it to your computer, open iTunes (or Finder), and perform a "Restore iPad". This will erase all content and settings and install the latest iOS version compatible with your iPad 2 (which is 9.3.5 for cellular models, or 9.3.6 for WiFi-only models). Do not use "Erase All Content and Settings" from the iPad itself while jailbroken, as it can cause issues.
How to install tweaks from Cydia?
Open Cydia, go to the "Search" tab, type the name of the tweak you want, tap on it, then tap "Install" or "Modify" (if it's an update), and confirm the installation. Cydia will handle the download and installation.
How to fix Cydia crashing after a reboot on my iPad 2?
This is normal for a semi-untethered jailbreak. Simply open the Phoenix app on your iPad and tap "Kickstart Jailbreak" to re-enable the jailbreak.
How to find compatible tweaks for iOS 9.3.5?
When Browse Cydia, many tweaks will specify their compatible iOS versions. You can also search online forums and communities (like r/LegacyJailbreak on Reddit) for lists of tweaks known to work well on iOS 9.3.5.
How to downgrade my iPad 2 to an older iOS version for an untethered jailbreak?
Downgrading is generally not straightforward and often requires saved "SHSH blobs" for specific iOS versions, which are unique digital signatures. For the iPad 2 on iOS 9.3.5, an untethered jailbreak is not publicly available. Some older iOS versions (like iOS 8.4.1) have untethered jailbreaks for the iPad 2, but downgrading without saved blobs is difficult to impossible for most users.
How to fix "Storage Almost Full" error after jailbreaking?
This is a common notification after jailbreaking, as the jailbreak process creates some files. It typically doesn't mean your storage is actually full. You can usually ignore it or use a tweak like iCleaner Pro to manage storage if you're concerned.
How to deal with certificate expiration for the Phoenix app?
If you're using a free Apple ID, the Phoenix app installed via Sideloadly will expire after 7 days. When this happens, the Phoenix app will no longer open, and you won't be able to "Kickstart Jailbreak" after a reboot. You'll need to reconnect your iPad to your computer and repeat Step 3 (sideloading the Phoenix app) to re-sign and reinstall it. Your jailbreak tweaks and Cydia will remain, but you just need to re-enable the ability to "Kickstart" the jailbreak.
How to check my iPad 2 model for compatibility?
The iPad 2 (all models: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + 3G) is a 32-bit device, which is why Phoenix is the appropriate jailbreak for iOS 9.3.5. You can check your model number in Settings > General > About > Model Number. Look up the model number online to confirm it's an iPad 2.
How to get more apps on my jailbroken iPad 2?
Beyond Cydia tweaks, jailbreaking also enables you to potentially install older, unsupported apps from sources like AppStore++
(a Cydia tweak) or by finding .ipa
files online. Be aware that newer apps often require more recent iOS versions or 64-bit architecture, which your iPad 2 doesn't support.