How to Jailbreak iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS Running iOS 5.1.1 Using Absinthe 2.0.4

In this guide, we will take you through the step by step procedure to jailbreak your iPhone running iOS 5.1.1 using Absinthe for both Mac and Windows users.

Here are some important points to note before you proceed.

• This guide is meant for iPhone users. iPod touch can check out this step-by-step guide, while iPad users can check out this guide.
• Absinthe 2.0 performs an untethered jailbreak
• Absinthe 2.0 supports iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS
• Please do not forget to backup your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes before you proceed.
• Please ensure you've updated iTunes to the latest version.
• Absinthe 2.0 is compatible with only iOS 5.1.1, so if you're on iOS 5.1 or lower (Settings -> General -> About - Version), then you should update your iPhone to iOS 5.1.1 either using iTunes or using the OTA software update before proceeding further.
• Warning: If you depend on Ultrasn0w to unlock your iPhone, then do not update to iOS 5.1.1. You should wait for iPhone Dev team to release Redsn0w that adds support for iOS 5.1.1 untethered jailbreak, which will allow you to create a custom iOS firmware file, which will allow you to update to iOS 5.1.1 while preserving the baseband
• Please note that jailbreaking your iPhone may void your warranty and hence proceed with caution and at your own risk
• Please do not jailbreak your iPhone to pirate apps from the App Store

Step 1: Download the latest version of Absinthe from this link and save it in a folder named "Absinthe" on your desktop.

Step 2: Double click the Absinthe zip file and extract the application to the Absinthe folder (Windows users). Navigate back to the Absinthe folder and launch the Absinthe application.

Windows users: Please launch the application as an Administrator. Right Click on the Absinthe exe and select the "Run as Administrator" option.

Mac users: If you've upgraded to Mountain Lion, then check out this post to find out how to run Absinthe on OS X Mountain Lion.

Step 3: After launching Absinthe, you will be prompted to connect your iPhone.

Step 4: Please disable the passcode as the jailbreak may fail, if the passcode is enabled (Settings -> General -> Passcode Lock On -> Turn Passcode Off).

Step 5: After the passcode is disabled, connect your iPhone to the computer. Absinthe should detect your iPhone and also mention the iOS firmware that is running on it. Click on the Jailbreak button.

After clicking on the Jailbreak button the tool will give a progress update on the various stages of the jailbreak process such as:

"Beginning jailbreak, this may take a while …"

"Sending initial jailbreak data. This may also take a while…" 

"Sending initial jailbreak data.Your device will appear to be restoring a backup, this may take a while…"

"Waiting for reboot … not done yet, don't unplug your device yet!"

"Waiting for process to complete… "

Step 6: In the end you'll be prompted with the message informing you that it is "Done, Enjoy!" You can now close the Absinthe 2.0 application. The process may take 5 to 10 minutes.

That's it, your iPhone should be successfully jailbroken and you should see the Cydia icon on the Home screen (it may not be on the first page so search for it to locate it).

Update 1:

Please refresh the page. We had the wrong download link for Windows, it has now been updated. Extremely sorry about that.

Update 2:

If you're having problems jailbreaking your iPhone then following these steps, which will involve erasing all content and Settings.

• Make a backup of your iPhone in iTunes by right clicking on your iPhone's name under the ‘Devices’ menu and click ‘Back Up’.
• Once your backup is complete return to your device and go to Settings –> General –> Reset –> Erase all Content and Settings.
• Follow the instructions mentioned above from step 1 to step 6.
• Once jailbroken return to iTunes and restore your backup from earlier. Right click on your device name under the ‘Devices’ menu in the left panel of iTunes and click ‘Restore from Back Up…’ then select the latest backup you created before to restore your Settings, apps, photos etc.

Update 3:

• If the solution in Update 2 doesn't work then take a backup of your iPhone in iTunes and try to do a full restore and then use Absinthe.
• Once jailbroken return to iTunes and restore your backup from earlier. Right click on your device name under the ‘Devices’ menu in the left panel of iTunes and click ‘Restore from Back Up…’ then select the latest backup you created before to restore your Settings, apps, photos etc.

Update 4:

Chronic Dev Team has released Absinthe 2.0.1, which includes fix for some minor bugs. So we've also updated the download links.

Update 5:

GSM iPhone 4 users if you're having trouble jailbreaking after restoring your iOS device then check out this post for more details.

Update 6:

Chronic Dev team has released Absinthe 2.0.2, which includes support for revised iOS 5.1.1 (9B208) that was released for GSM iPhone 4 users. So we've also updated the download links.

Update 7:

Chronic Dev team has released Absinthe 2.0.4, which includes support for iPad2,4 model. So we've also updated the download links.

After the jailbreaking process is complete, do not forget to checkout our article on tips to keep your iPhone secure.

If you're new to the jailbreaking world and wondering what to do after jailbreaking your iPhone, checkout our jailbreak apps category page to find out the apps you can install on your iPhone using the Cydia app.

Hope this helped. Please don't forget to let us know how it goes in the comments and drop us a line if you hit any issues.