What Does It Mean to Jailbreak Your Mobile Device?

In this article, I discuss what exactly it means to jailbreak a mobile device. I also discuss the use of jailbreak software, and it's legality. Finally, I discuss the pros and cons of jailbreaking a phone.

You've probably heard the term "jailbreak" used to refer to hacking iPhones or other mobile devices. What does this actually refer to, though? Well, when you use jailbreak software to crack an iPhone, iPad, or other mobile electronic device, it means that you are getting around the limitations that the maker has put on your unit. Whenever a new mobile device, such as the 3G, 4G, iPhone, etc, for example, are put out into wide release, someone always ends up figuring out how it can be cracked. Then, normally, they put instructions out on the web for other geeks.

Unfortunately, most owners of these types of devices aren't geeks. So for each of these hacks, someone needs to make some type of JailBreak Software available so that normal people can also reap the benefits of having their phone unlocked. (By the way, in case you were wondering, congress legalized jailbreaking in early 2010) So rather than having to pore over lines of code when you want to jailbreak your device, you can just grab a software application that does it automatically. This application, normally called Jailbreak Software, "cracks" the unit's IOS. You can then use it free from the maker's restrictions ? installing third party apps or whatever else you want to do with it.

So why should you use JailBreak Software to crack your Phone?
By cracking, or jailbreaking, an electronic unit, you are opening it up to all kinds of new uses. It will allow you to start doing all kinds of new things. From installing custom skins (even of the so called "adult" variety, installing awesome third party software, downloading music, videos, and ringtones for free, and more.

In another article that I've got in the workds, I'll be showing you the sites where you can get these unapproved apps, and I'll show you some of the best apps that you can get for the iPhone and iPad specifically.

So ? Do you know the coolest thing about using Jailbreak Software on Apple Devices?

On a normal basis, Apple restricts you to using your iPhone with AT&T. However, once you've cracked your phone, you can use it on any provider that you want. Legally. No joke. Under new federal law, it's totally legal under what is called the fair use statute. Other phone companies are thrilled to sign you up for their network with a cracked iPhone or iPad. So if you use Sprint, and your contract isn't up for another year, you can buy an iPhone, crack it with Jailbreak Software, and then use it on the Sprint plan that you're already using.

Is there any reason NOT to jailbreak your phone?
Not from my point of view. It is legal after all. And you can get so much more functionality out of your device this way. It's almost like you'll have the phone that Apple should have released in the first place. Howevver ? there is a bad part of this that a few people might not like. Once you've jailbroken your device, you've technically voided the warranty. So in theory, if something goes wrong with your phone, you're stuck paying for it out of pocket to get it fixed. On the other hand ? I've never heard of this actually happening to anyone.

By jailbreaking your phone or iPad, you're just getting past restrictions that manufacturers have little recourse to enforce anyway. So go ahead and crack that phone. You won't regret it!

Trever Clark is an avid mobile phone hacker and afficianado of copyright law. His current obsession is jailbreak software