Apple released the iOS 5.0.1 firmware to fix issues such as the battery draining bug. By following this how to guide you will learn how to Jailbreak the official iOS 5.0.1 firmware tethered or semi-tethered on iPod Touch 4G/3G using RedSn0w 0.9.9b8.

Note #1: This iOS 5.0.1 jailbreak on the iPod Touch 4G and iPod Touch 3G is still tethered.

Note #2: Do not update to iOS 5.0.1 if you do not need to. You may not be able to Jailbreak untethered in the future.

Step 1) – Download RedSn0w version 0.9.9b8 for the Windows operating system using the download mirror below or through the iJailbreak Downloads Section.

Download RedSn0w 0.9.9b8 (Windows)

Step 2) – Once you have downloaded RedSn0w to your desktop you will need to launch it. Do this now by clicking the executable file.

Step 3) – With RedSn0w running you will 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 (not iOS 5.0.1).

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 your iPod Touch running iOS 5.0.1 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 simply 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 – Though you have now 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

Then 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.

Voila! You should now have a Jailbroken iPod Touch 4G or 3G running iOS 5.0.1. For more tutorials visit the How To Jailbreak Section. Leave any questions in the comments below…