iPhone 3GS Firmware 3.1 Jailbreak and Unlock Guide

3 October 2009 35 Comments

iPhone 3GS Firmware 3.1 Jailbreak and Unlock Guide

I hope all the iPhone 3GS users will be very happy as the iPhone Dev Team has just released the Pwnagetool 3.1.3! You can use the Pwnagetool 3.1.3 to jaibreak iPhone 3GS with iPhone OS 3.1. The Pwnagetool 3.1.3 is Mac only for now… Once you have done with jailbreaking iPhone 3GS with iPhone OS 3.1, you can use Ultrasn0w to unlock iPhone 3GS.

Before proceeding with the Jailbreaking of your iPhone 3GS on 3.1 firmware you will need:

How To Jailbreak iPhone 3GS OS 3.1 Using PwnageTool 3.1.3:

iPhone3GSJailbreak

* This Will not work on OTB iPhone 3GS Firmware 3.1 or iPhone 3GS updated via iTunes to OS 3.1 in this case use GeoHot’s new Tool Blackra1n *

Download and install the latest version of iTunes.
Before proceeding, just take a backup of all your important data.
Keep the iPhone 3GS 3.1 Firmware and the PwnageTool 3.1.3 into a folder on your computer.
Connect your iPhone 3GS to Mac computer.
Double click the PwnageTool 3.1.3 to mount it and create a shortcut.
Launch the PwnageTool and click ok on warring message “PwnageTool is a free tool” and select “Expert Mode” from top left menu.
Now select your device “iPhone 3GS” in this case and click on the Blue Arrow.
Pwanage Tool will automatically find the .ipsw file (Iif it doesnt then browse for it and select the file).
In the next step, there will be a General Setting Screen.
If you are using an Official service provider (i.e. AT&T) you do not need to “Unlock Baseband”, therefore you can Uncheck “Activate the phone” and Check “Enable baseband update”.
If You are using an Unofficial service provider (i.e. T-Mobile) then Uncheck “Enable baseband update” So you can use Ultrasn0w with the 3.1
In the next step you can choose the apps of your choice from the install menu. Install Cydia installer and then click on the blue Button.
Click on the Build button and then on the blue arrow to begin the custom firmware building (Pwnage) process.
Save the .ipsw file built by the PwnageTool.
PwangeTool will ask you “has your iPhone 3G been pwned before?”, if you are not sure then click on NO.
You need to put your iPhone in DFU mode now. Turn off your iPhone and then press the following keys in sequence – Hold down the home button for 5 seconds and then hold the Home and Power buttons for 10 seconds. Now release the Power button while continuing to hold the Home button until the iPhone is in DFU mode. Once the iPhone 3GS is in DFU mode a message is displayed.
Now Launch iTunes 9 to restore your iPhone with the custom Firmware built by PwnageTool 3.1.3.
In iTunes, hold the “Alt/Option” key and click on “Restore”.
Browse and Select the custom IPSW file and click on “Open”.
iTunes will restore the custom firmware and this might take upto 10 mins.
After this your iPhone 3GS will restart automatically.

Now that your iPhone 3GS Jailbreak is Complete, follow this guide to unlock it with ultrasn0w :

Unlock-iPhone-3GS-3.1-ultrasn0w

Check whether you installed Cydia while Jail-breaking your iPhone 3GS
Now Run Cydia to install Ultrasnow,then click on “Manage” tab at the bottom and select “Sources”.
Add repository,by typing following repository URL http://repo666.ultrasn0w.com/ and tap on “Add Source”.
Now Search for Ultrasnow, install it.
Once Installation is completed, restart your iPhone 3GS and use it with any SIM/Carrier.

35 Responses to “iPhone 3GS Firmware 3.1 Jailbreak and Unlock Guide”

admin 27 October 2009 at 4:33 am #

Promising news from Geohot just coming through:

Geohot: “ok, 05.11.07 exploit finding starts NOW!!! 10:00 PM EST”

http://twitter.com/geohot/status/5189978911
admin 26 October 2009 at 5:08 pm #

Like2Know,

There’s none at the moment. They kinda patched things from the older versions.
If that’s very important to you there are are multiple solutions with a jailbroken phone for tethering
Like2Know 26 October 2009 at 3:37 pm #

Will there be an Internet tethering 3.1 version like the 3.0 just download and use without jailbreaking
admin 26 October 2009 at 3:58 am #

Sid,

My previous iPhone was bought from ebay and locked to AT&T.

Since I don’t live in the US I jailbreaked and unlocked it on all versions since 1.0 to 3.x and never had any problems with apps for getting push notifications or mobile ME.

Hope this helps
Sid 26 October 2009 at 1:18 am #

I guess what I was really looking for was whether push notifications would work on an unlocked phone. I read in a few places – 1, 2 that they are having trouble with unlocked iPhones on another carrier.
Thanks for letting me know about the App Store. Definitely makes sense now since you get more options for apps! Thanks for taking the time to answer these newbie questions!
admin 23 October 2009 at 8:37 am #

I personally am using Microsoft Exchage Servers to push my Gmail & Calendars and never had any problems to do so on a jailbroken iPhone.

The few apps that I allow them do Push work just fine as well. Jailbreaking Never affected the App Store.. I don’t see why Apple would NOT want you to purchase Apps

Now once you will have your iPhone jailbroken you’ll have just more options through Cydia which is similar to the App Store in that it will allow you to add many more applications..
Sid 23 October 2009 at 3:17 am #

I was just wondering if the App Store and the Push notifications work on an unlocked iPhone 3GS. I definitely read some reports about push not working on unlocked phones since every push notification actually comes through Apple’s servers where a check can be done.

What about the App Store, once unlocked will it still be possible to install Apps from there or are there some alternatives to that?
admin 21 October 2009 at 9:44 am #

You can jailbreak your iPhone with Dev Team Releases Pwnage Tool 3.1.4 without losing any of your apps.

The process is already explained in this post
dani 21 October 2009 at 6:59 am #

i have service provider i phone 3gs 3.1.2 he worked all services but i just want to install cydia on my iphone without any loss my apps please tell me complete processe
admin 19 October 2009 at 4:26 am #

OTB 3GS 3.1 Still cannot be unlocked at this time as it comes with the baseband version 05.11.07. Unlock tools are only effective for baseband 4.x.

Jailbreaking isn’t an issue you can go ahead and use Blackra1n:

http://iphoneoverdose.com/2009/blackra1n-the-universal-iphone-and-ipod-touch-3-1-2-jailbreak-tool-for-windows-released/
Shah 18 October 2009 at 12:19 pm #

Hi, Anyone know if the baseband will be unlocked for 5.x…? I know Musclenerd said they will be working on it but now ETA. Anyone can confirm if whats been said is true. The reason is i got a brand spanking new 3GS and its 3.1, so at the moment, i do nothing with it as i cannot use it with my carrier..!
admin 17 October 2009 at 3:39 pm #
The baseband is the same as “Modem Firmware”

General->About->Modem Firmware.

Basically if it was updated through iTunes automatically or was purchased out of the box as 3.1 it will be 5.x & won’t work.

If he/she updated it using Pwnage Tool properly when jailbreaking (without updating the baseband) it’ll be fine..

Guess you’ll know soon enough!
Michmere 17 October 2009 at 2:39 pm #

Thanks for the info. How do I check the baseband?
admin 17 October 2009 at 12:10 pm #

Jailbreaking and unlocking are two very different things and assuming that you can unlock because it’s jaibroken is false.

If your baseband has not been updated to 5.x then it’s still possible with redsn0w 0.8 as it supports only baseband 4.x

Otherwise it’s basically going to be a iPod Touch until someone (if) finds a way to unlock the new baseband 5.x

I would strongly consider returning it if you can’t…
Michmere 17 October 2009 at 11:57 am #

Hi,

I just bought a iPhone 3gs 32 gb off an ebayer – currently en route to me. It was purchased through AT&T on 10/8/09. The ebayer had it jailbroken with Cydia but not unlocked. He says it’s 3.1. Will I be able to unlock it since it was jailbroken? Is this considered a custom jailbreak? Do I follow the instructions above for the unlock? Forgive my ignorance but this my first iPhone and I’m new to all of this. Thanks so much for your help!
admin 16 October 2009 at 11:46 am #

I really don’t know Dede,

Did you try the process more than once or with another SIM card?
dede 15 October 2009 at 8:09 pm #

PLEASE HELP! I have iphone 3G with 3.1 firmware. Jailbroke it and unlocked but says no service or has 1 tiny bar with no service specified. How do i patch this or get my service from Tmobile to work???? PLEASE!! Desperately waiting.
faz alshaby 13 October 2009 at 4:30 am #

chamnap it wont work as you’ve updated your iPhone via iTunes to 3.1
The baseband has been updated and ultrasn0w will only work on 3.0 firmware.
Hope this helps.
You’ll have to wait for a new unlocking software.
chamnap 12 October 2009 at 6:02 pm #

I jailbreak my iphone used blackra1n and it has Cydia and I did the same thing

5. Once the source has been added press the large Return to Cydia button.

6. Go to repo666.ultrasn0w.com from the list of user entered sources and select Ultrasn0w from list

7. Click on Install Button and confirm the installation and wait for installation to complete

8. Now press the Home button then power off and power on the iPhone. You do this by holding down the power button for 3 seconds then moving the power slider that appears to the right. Press the power button again to turn on the phone.

Finally when I insert Tmobile Sim card and Disable 3g network. It still doesn’t has service. I try many times.
admin 12 October 2009 at 11:43 am #

For your unlock to work you have to used the jailbreak Pwnage Tool method specified forehand:

If this was done then follow these few steps:

1. You must install Cydia when you jailbreak iPhone 3GS 3.1

2. Launch Cydia/ Icy

3. Select Manage Tab at the bottom of screen and go to Sources

4. Press edit button and Add following Repo URL

http://repo666.ultrasn0w.com/

5. Once the source has been added press the large Return to Cydia button.

6. Go to repo666.ultrasn0w.com from the list of user entered sources and select Ultrasn0w from list

7. Click on Install Button and confirm the installation and wait for installation to complete

8. Now press the Home button then power off and power on the iPhone. You do this by holding down the power button for 3 seconds then moving the power slider that appears to the right. Press the power button again to turn on the phone.

9. That’s it, Now insert SIM card of your choice

http://www.blogsdna.com/5048/how-to-unlock-iphone-3gs-3-1-with-ultrasn0w.htm
chamnap 12 October 2009 at 11:26 am #

My iphone is 3gs not 3g. I read the topic is now iPhone 3GS Jailbreak is Complete, follow this guide to unlock it with ultrasn0w. but it doesn’t work. How could I do? please help me.
chamnap 12 October 2009 at 11:17 am #

Unlock iPhone 3GS with firmware 3.1 with Ultrasn0w. I try to that many time but it doesn’t has service. It still searching service. I think Ultrasn0w it not support for the Iphone 3gs os 3.1.
dare666 12 October 2009 at 8:18 am #

I got my iphone 3gs with OS 3.1 OTB and jb it last night using blackra1n. Got cydia installed and got the required tasks installed, i.e. (appsync, bossperf, folders..and some games.)

The question is now I m jb, can I unlock this baby using ultrasn0w? pls if someone did it pls advise how to.

Thanks
admin 12 October 2009 at 6:38 am #

You explanations sound pretty unclear to me.. Are you looking to have it Unlocked, Hacktivated or Jailbroken?

Ultrasn0w is a jailbreak tool for iPhone 3G’s not 3GS.
chamnap 11 October 2009 at 12:21 pm #

I have problem with my 32gig iphone 3gs 3.1 after I jailbreak already and install Ultrasn0w from http://repo666.ultrasn0w.com/ but it doesn’t has service I’m tested it with Tmobile. I try to restore the custom firmware 3gs 3.1 and still the same no service on Tmobile even have cydia.
Tson 8 October 2009 at 12:14 pm #

Whoever brought an Iphone and the iphone has 3.1 firmware right out of the box or you updated it straight from Itune (direct from apple) without restore your iPhone with the custom Firmware 3.1 built by PwnageTool 3.1.3 then you are out of luck until Hacker find a way to change your baseband 05.11.07 to 04.26.08. Direction above are showing you to upgrade your iphone to 3.1 firmware (not direct from apple) using PwnageTool 3.1.3 to create a custom 3.1 firmware without changing the baseband so you can unlock later. Hope this explanation help for who don’t know why.
Ole 8 October 2009 at 11:30 am #

Hey

OK, I get it, I’m f….. for now My bad, but I’ll have to wait a little longer for Blackra1n, or something else, that can make my phone work again…
Thanks a lot for nice fast responses… Very cool.

/Ole
admin 8 October 2009 at 8:35 am #

Ole,

I am sorry it’s true this could be misleading as I was trying to reply to Roxana’s comment.

Let me try to be clearer:

You Can’t Jaibreak your iPhone 3GS with PwnageTool 3.1.3:

If you have purchased a OTB iPhone 3GS 3.1 (Bought your iPhone from apple and it was already at firmware 3.1) or if you upgraded your iPhone 3GS directly through iTunes to OS 3.1 (this causes a baseband upgrade) you won’t be able to jailbreak it.

You Can Jaibreak your iPhone 3GS with PwnageTool 3.1.3:

If you have an iPhone 3GS that’s not yet been automatically upgraded to Firmware 3.1 then you can follow this guide and end up with a custom firmware 3.1 that’s Jaibreaked.

Hope this helps!

PS: Don’t worry, an awesome new Jailbreak Tool is on the way within the next few days called Blackra1n that will work on all devices regardless of the Firmware !
Ole 8 October 2009 at 5:11 am #

Hi again…

Then I don’t understand the article?
You write: “iPhone 3GS Firmware 3.1 Jailbreak and Unlock Guide”
And ….”You can use the Pwnagetool 3.1.3 to jaibreak iPhone 3GS with iPhone OS 3.1″..!
And then you write: “Currently there is no solution for jailbreaking an iPhone 3GS 3.1.”
I have 3.1 on my iPhone 3GS, and it’s useless, so I really hope for a solution soon..
/Ole
admin 7 October 2009 at 8:23 pm #

Currently there is no solution for jailbreaking an iPhone 3GS purchased Out of the Box on Firmware 3.1 or iPhone 3GS that’s been upgraded directly through iTunes to OS 3.1.

Only things you can do is:

1. Wait for either GeoHot’s unlock toolin the works or http://www.greenpois0n.com to come out.

2. If you saved your ECID Key Downgrade to 3.0 and Jailbreak it.
Roxana 7 October 2009 at 10:52 am #

I have an Iphone 3gs bought in August and I updated the OS by Itunes, not being aware that this will keep me from unlocking it later. Is it possible to use PwnageTool 3.1.3?
Thank you
admin 6 October 2009 at 11:16 am #

I never encountered this error myself but this is what I could find regarding the issue:

iREB is a new program for Windows and Mac that can solve the mistakes “16xx” and “21″ from iTunes that are displayed after a reset or a firmware downgrade.

iREB downloads for Windows or Mac

iREB Homepage: http://ttapple.net/
iREB Instructions: http://www.aboutonlinetips.com/ireb-31-with-iphone-3gs-shsh-grabber/
Ole 6 October 2009 at 11:04 am #

Error 1604
admin 4 October 2009 at 4:26 am #

OTB 3GS 3.1 Still cannot be jailbroken or unlocked at this time. As of right now it seems the only option is to wait for greenpois0n, a new jailbreak for the iPhone 3GS which is still in very early development stages that was created by the Chronic Dev Team. Using a previously discovered exploit held secret to keep Apple from patching it, Greenpois0n will provide a jailbreak for Firmware 3.1 for all devices, OTB included!

So hold on a bit
Sid 4 October 2009 at 1:01 am #

I have iphone 3gs 3.1 right out of the box. Will the above mentioned steps to jailbreak & unlock will work with my iphone? Also this is my first iphone and i have never before jailbroken or unlocked any phones. Pls advice