How to Jailbreak iPod Touch OS 5.1

These are instructions on how to jailbreak your iPod Touch 4G on the iOS 5.1 firmware using RedSn0w for Mac. 

Step One
Create a folder on your desktop called Pwnage

Download the latest version of RedSn0w from and place it in the Pwnage folder. Likewise, download the 5.1 firmware from and place it in the Pwnage folder. (Note: you do not need to download the 5.1 firmware if you are already on iOS 5.1)

Extract the RedSn0w zip file by double clicking it.


Step Two: (Skip this step if you're on iOS 5.1 already)
Connect your iPod to the computer and launch iTunes.


Select your iPod from the list of devices on the left. Now hold down Option and click the Restore button. Restore is preferred as it won't create any wasted space on your iPod.


Navigate to the Pwnage folder on your desktop and select the 5.1 firmware ipsw. Click the Choose button to continue.


iTunes will now update your iPod to the new firmware.

Step Three
Launch the redsn0w application from the redsn0w folder we extracted earlier.


Step Four
Once RedSn0w opens click the Jailbreak button


Step Five
Plug your iPod into the computer and make sure its OFF then click the Next button


Step Six
RedSn0w will now guide you through the steps to get into DFU mode. You can find more help with DFU mode here


Hold down both the Home button and the Power button for 10 seconds.


Release the Power button and continue holding the Home button until RedSn0w detects the device.


Step Seven
Your iPod will now reboot


Step Eight
RedSn0w will prepare the jailbreak data.


Step Nine
Select Cydia from the list of options and click Next.


Step Ten
Your iPod will now be rebooted again and RedSn0w will begin uploading the new RAM Disk and Kernel.


Step Eleven
Once this is complete you will be notified that RedSn0w is done. When your iPod finishes rebooting (5 minutes or so) it will be jailbroken with Cydia on the SpringBoard.



BOOT TETHERED
Once you have jailbroken you will need to rerun redsn0w to boot tethered.

Step One
From the main RedSn0w menu click the Extras button.


Step Two
Select Just boot from the Extras menu to just boot tethered.

How to Put iPhone in DFU Mode

To put the iPhone into DFU mode so you can do an iTunes firmware restore follow these steps:

Step One
Open iTunes and connect the iPhone to your Mac.


Step Two
Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button at the same time.


Step Three
After exactly 10 seconds release the Sleep/Wake button. Continue holding the home button until you iTunes pops up a message telling you that it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.


The iPhone screen will remain black like this:


It may take a few attempts to get your iPhone into DFU mode.
I hold down both buttons then release the Home button just before I think the Apple logo would appear. If you are still holding both buttons down and you see the Apple logo you are holding them down for too long!