Unlocking iPhone 3GS with iOS 4.1 and Baseband 5.14.02

This is not a sysadmin topic. But still I would like to share my experience of Unlocking an iPhone 3GS.

PDF Version

The following method first Jailbreaks the Iphone with the help of Redsnow 0.9.6b5 and then unlocks using Ultrasnow 1.2. The method can be used with iOS 4.1, iOS 4.2.1 with Basebands 5.14.02 and 5.15.04.

The method requires that you download all the required softwares. WIFI need not be enabled for the process. All the files needed can be downloaded to the PC from the below links and then the process of unlocking can be commenced. (While using Redsnow, the PC has to be connected to the Internet as it has to fetch baseband files from the Apple Server)

Required Software :

iTunes - Download

Redsnow 0.9.6b5 - Download

Ultrasnow 1.2 - Download

iOS 4.1 - Download       

iExplorer - Download

After all the above has been downloaded continue to the steps described below.

Word of Caution : During all the steps mentioned below the iPhone must be plugged in to the PC through the data cable. Disconnecting the phone or turning it off can cause damage to the iPhone. So keep the phone fully charged and plugged in at all times till the process is over.

1. Install iTunes

Install iTunes 10 or above. This will help redsnow detect the iPhone when the phone restarts in recovery mode. The drivers required will be copied automatically during the iTunes Installation.

2. Running Redsnow (Jailbreaking)

The process that redsnow does is that :

a) It changes the baseband of the iPhone from 5.14.02 to 6.15.00. This is done since no unlock has been released for 5.14.02.

b) It installs Cydia Installer. This will be needed to Install Ultrasnow needed to unlock the iPhone.

If you are going to run Redsnow in Windows 7 or Vista be sure you run it in a compatibility mode for Windows XP and also run it as Administrator to avoid any problems.

Start Redsnow and click the 'Browse' Button and direct it to the Path of the iOS image that you have downloaded earlier.

Wait for the firmware to be processed. Once it is done click next. Choose “Install Cydia” and “Install iPad Baseband” options. A popup message will pop up with a warning, click Yes to continue.

Now follow the instructions by Redsnow to put the iPhone in the DFU mode.

After this redsnow will download the baseband files from the Apple Server, create a custom firware file and flash it into the device. (Please be patient while this step proceeds as it can take some time. Please don't do anything until this step is completed).

Once you get a confirmation message, the iPhone will restart and you will get a fully Jailbroken iPhone with baseband changed to 6.15.00 and Cydia Installer installed.

You can check the new baseband settings in Settings > General > About > Modem Firmware. It will be 6.15.00

3. Installing Ultrasnow

Install iExplorer. Using iExplorer browse to the folder private/var/root/Media.

Create a folder Cydia. Inside the folder Cydia again create a folder AutoInstall (the names are case sensitive)

Unzip the Ultrasnow_1.2.zip file you have downloaded and copy the contents to the AutoInstall Folder.

Restart the iPhone twice.

The iPhone will be unlocked and you can use the SIM card of the service provider you desire.