Tips

Now that redsn0w has been updated to jailbreak iOS 4.2.1 you may be wondering what's involved in actually jailbreaking your iPhone. Here are some tips and instructions to help. First of all, if you have an unlocked iPhone don't update your device to the official iOS 4.2.1 or use the redsn0w 0.9.6b4 jailbreak. You will lose your unlock.

UPDATE: Comex has released an easier method for newer 4.x firmwares. Click here for instructions on how to use JailbreakMe 3.0 to jailbreak your device.

Always back up your SHSH files before jailbreaking. This will preserve your ability to downgrade in the future. You must also find out if a tethered jailbreak is necessary on your device.

Your iPhone has plenty of storage space, only thing is every time you connect it to your computer iTunes runs the show. Wouldn't it be great to carry your files around with you and not have to worry about a separate USB drive? iPhone Explorer is free software for Mac and Windows that makes this possible.

The application opens up the flash memory of your iPhone into simple-to-use drag and drop folders. Files can be transferred to and from your computer hard drive right over the USB connection. iPhone Explorer is compatible with all iPhone models and works with OR without a jailbreak.

Looking for more ways to improve your jailbroken iPhone? Many applications are available that expand the features and functions of your iPhone beyond what Apple allows. Tethering is one such function that makes it possible to use your 3G data connection to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices. AT&T has finally made an official tethering solution available, but many customers don't want to pay the extra expense.

Enter MyWi 4.0. This jailbreak app creates a Wi-Fi hotspot instantly and allows multiple notebooks or other devices to use the iPhone data connection. USB tethering is also an option, and the Wi-Fi network you create will feature WEP security.

Even though jailbreaking is more accessible to iPhone users than ever before, some may question whether or not apps developed outside the App Store are really necessary. The fact is that Apple limits some functionality for security and other reasons. Here are two great apps that make it possible to do more with your 3G connection if your iPhone is jailbroken.

Auto3G switches your iPhone's 3G cellular data connection to EDGE (2G) automatically every time you lock your device. Why not stay connected to the 3G network when the iPhone is locked? Battery life, that's why. Your battery life can be extended when the 3G network is only used when necessary.

Now you can store and run up to 2,160 iPhone apps on your home screen with iOS 4 folders. That's the maximum capacity with 180 folders holding 12 apps each. Although you may not come close to this limit folders are an excellent way to get organized and more efficiently use your iPhone.

Creating folders on the iPhone is simple and intuitive. Just drag one app on top of another app and a grey box will appear. iOS 4 will put both apps in the same folder and prompt you with a text box naming the folder. If you don't like the automatic name just type a new one in the box. Tapping the home screen will exit.