This guide teaches you how to jailbreak your iPhone using Dopamine, nathanlr, palera1n, and Chimera. These tools are easy to use and work on most newer iPhones, allowing you to install apps and tweaks not available in the App Store. Be aware that Apple does not recommend jailbreaking and may not provide support after doing so.
Before you start: Back up your iPhone data before jailbreaking. Ensure your device is charged and you have a compatible iOS version installed. You may need a PC or Mac for certain methods.
Warning: Jailbreaking can void your warranty and may cause system instability or data loss. Proceed at your own risk. Apple does not support jailbroken devices.
How to jailbreak an iPhone using four different methods
Follow these steps carefully to jailbreak your iPhone based on your device model and iOS version.
Method 1: Using Dopamine (iOS 15-16.6.1)
- Check your device compatibility: Dopamine supports iPhone 6S to X on iOS 15.0-16.6.1, iPhone XR/XS/11/SE 2nd/12 series on iOS 15.0-16.5.1, and iPhone 13/SE 3rd/14 series up to iOS 16.5. Verify your version in Settings > General > About.
- Install TrollStore: The process varies by iOS version. For iOS 15.5-16.6.1 on iPhone 6S to X or iOS 15.7-16.5.1 on newer models, use the TrollInstallerX method. For iOS 15.0-15.4.1 on iPhone 6S to X or iOS 15.0-15.6.1 on newer models, use the TrollHelperOTA method.
- Download the Dopamine IPA on your iPhone and open the TrollStore app. Tap the plus button at the top-right, select the Dopamine IPA file, and tap Install. Reboot your iPhone after installation.
- Open the Dopamine app and tap Jailbreak to start the process. Your iPhone will reboot, and Sileo should appear on the home screen. If it crashes, rerun the jailbreak.
- Install necessary tweaks: Open Sileo, search for ElleKit, and tap Get > Queued > Confirm. Repeat for PreferenceLoader, then tap Restart SpringBoard.
Method 2: Using nathanlr (iPhone XR/XS & later, iOS 16.5.1-17.0)
- Check your device compatibility: nathanlr supports iPhone XR, XS, 11-15 series, and SE 2nd/3rd generations on iOS 16.5.1-16.6.1, iOS 16.7 RC, or iOS 17.0. It is a semi-jailbreak, so some tweaks may not work. Verify your version in Settings > General > About.
- Install TrollStore: For iOS 16.5.1-16.6.1, use the TrollInstallerX method. For iOS 16.7 RC or 17.0, use the TrollRestore method. If using TrollRestore, disable Find My in Settings > [Your Apple Account] > Find My > Find My iPhone (toggle off).
- Download the nathanlr IPA and open TrollStore. Tap the plus button, select the IPA file, and tap Install. Reboot your iPhone afterward.
- Open the nathanlr app and tap Bootstrap > Jailbreak. After reboot, Sileo should install. If it crashes, rerun the jailbreak.
- Update packages: Open Sileo, go to the Packages tab, tap Upgrade All, and confirm.
Method 3: Using palera1n (iPhone 6S to X, iOS 15-16.7.14)
- Check your device compatibility: palera1n supports iPhone 6S, SE 1st gen, 7, 8, and X on iOS 15.0-16.7.14. It requires macOS or Linux (Intel CPUs preferred). This is a semi-tethered jailbreak, meaning a computer is needed to rejailbreak. Verify your version in Settings > General > About.
- Disable passcode on iPhone 8/8 Plus/X: Go to Settings > General > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and tap Turn Off Passcode. For iOS 16+, also factory reset your iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB-A to Lightning cable.
- Install palera1n: Open a terminal and run sudo /bin/sh -c “$(curl -fsSL https://static.palera.in/scripts/install.sh)”. On Linux, run sudo systemctl stop usbmuxd and sudo usbmuxd -f -p first.
- Run the jailbreak: Type sudo palera1n -l and press Enter. Follow prompts to enter DFU mode. After reboot, the palera1n loader app appears. If stuck, press Ctrl + C and rerun the command.
- Install Sileo: Open the palera1n loader app, tap Sileo, and set a password. Sileo will install.
Method 4: Using Chimera (iOS 12.x)
- Check your device compatibility: Chimera supports iPhone 5S, 6, 6S, SE 1st gen, 7, 8, and X on iOS 12.0-12.5.8, and iPhone XR/XS on iOS 12.0-12.1.2. Verify your version in Settings > General > About.
- Download the Chimera IPA and PlumeImpactor on your computer. Install PlumeImpactor. On Windows, also download and install iTunes (non-Microsoft Store version).
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB-A to Lightning cable. Trust the connection on both devices.
- Install Chimera: Open PlumeImpactor, click Settings > Sign In, enter your Apple Account details, drag the Chimera IPA into the window, and click Install.
- Trust the developer: On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Device Management > [Your Apple Account] and tap Trust. Reboot your iPhone.
- Run the jailbreak: Open the Chimera app and tap Jailbreak. Wait for a prompt, reboot, then open Chimera and tap Jailbreak again. Sileo should install.
- Install necessary tweaks: Open Sileo, search for libiosexec1, tap Modify > Upgrade > Queued > Confirm. Then search for libhooker, PreferenceLoader, and RocketBootstrap, tap Install > Queued > Confirm. Tap Restart SpringBoard.
- Rejailbreak without app (iPhone 5S, 6, 6S, SE 1, 7 only): Open Safari and go to http://jbme.h4ck.kr/. Tap re-jailbreak, then userspace reboot. If the page crashes, close Safari and retry.
Pro tip: Always research tweaks before installing them to avoid conflicts. Use trusted sources like the default Sileo repositories to minimize risks.
After successfully jailbreaking your iPhone, you can explore various tweaks and apps available through Sileo to customize your device. Start with essential tweaks like theming tools or system enhancements, but always check compatibility with your iOS version.
Additionally, join online communities like Reddit’s r/jailbreak to stay updated on new tools and troubleshooting tips. Remember to back up your device regularly and monitor for iOS updates that might affect your jailbreak status.
