The iOS 5.0.1 firmware was released by Apple recently to fix bugs present in the iOS 5 firmware. If you are looking to jailbreak the iOS 5.0.1 firmware tethered or semi-tethered using RedSn0w 0.9.9b8, you can follow this how to guide.

Note: Do not update to the iOS 5.0.1 firmware if you do not need to. You may not be able to jailbreak untethered in the future.

Step 1: Download RedSn0w 0.9.9b8 for the Mac operating system using the download mirror below or through the iJailbreak Downloads Section.

Download RedSn0w 0.9.9b8 (Mac OS X)

Step 2: Once you have downloaded RedSn0w you will need to simply launch it by double clicking on the redsn0w app.

Step 3: With RedSn0w 0.9.9b8 up and running you will simply need to click the Extras button. You will now see a few buttons presented to you. The button you are interested in is the Select IPSW button. Click this now and select your devices corresponding iOS 5.0 firmware.

Step 4: Upon selecting the firmware click the back button, followed by the Jailbreak button.

Step 5: After clicking the Jailbreak button ensure that the “Install Cydia” option is checked, click the Next button and you will come to a screen where you will need to put your iPod Touch into DFU mode. Read through and follow the instructions presented to you which is to plug in and power off your iPod Touch and click the next button.

Step 6: When you click the next button you will need to follow the instructions presented to you to put your iPod Touch into DFU mode.

  • Hold down Power (corner) button for 5 seconds.
  • Without releasing the Power button, also hold down the Home (bottom center) button along with the Power button for 10 seconds.
  • Without releasing the home button, stop holding down the power button for up to 15 seconds.

Step 7: After you successfully enter DFU mode RedSn0w will begin jailbreaking your iPod Touch. DO NOT interrupt or use your computer during this time. When your iPod Touch is finished being jailbroken it will reboot into a jailbroken state.

Optional: Booting Tethered - When you Jailbreak the iPod Touch running the iOS 5.0.1 firmware you will have a tethered jailbreak. Meaning in order for your iPod Touch to turn back on you will need to boot it using RedSn0w (this applies every time your iPod Touch loses power). To do this launch RedSn0w again and click the Extras Button > then click the Just boot button and you will need to put your iPod Touch into DFU mode again.

Note: Yes, you need to do this every time your iPod Touch loses power.

Optional: SemiTethered Jailbreak – Now you have jailbroken your iPod Touch tethered on the iOS 5.0.1 firmware, you can actually SemiTether your iPod Touch. SemiTethering your iPod Touch basically means that you will be able to still use it if it ever loses power (with limited functionality). In order to SemiTether your iPod Touch you will need to add the following repository through Cydia:

http://thebigboss.org/semitether

Once you have added the repository, search for the SemiTether Cydia package, install it and then reboot your iPod Touch (yes, you will need to boot tethered again). If you are looking for a more detailed guide please click here.

Congrats! You should now have a jailbroken iPod Touch 4G, 3G running iOS 5.0.1. Visit the How To Jailbreak Section for more how to’s from iJailbreak.com. Leave any questions in the comments section below…