One day and iOS 5 has been hacked already. Gizmodo reader and Apple lover Mert Erdir has discovered how to upgrade to iOS 5 without developer accounts, using a security flaw. Everyone can do it following these extremely simple instructions:
The method exploits a backdoor in the activation screen, apparently related to the Voice Over system. Here’s how to do it.
Warning: While this operation should be simple and inconsequential, we are not responsible for what you do to your iOS device. Proceed at your own risk.
Download and install iOS 5
2. Update your iPhone using iTunes. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer, click on the Check for Update button with the Option (Mac) or Shift (PC) key pressed. Select the iOS 5 IPSW file from the place you downloaded it to.
3. Wait until it upgrades. A new activation screen will appear.
Activate iOS 5
1. Triple click the home button. This will activate the Voice Over.
2. Triple click the home button and Emergency Call will appear.
3. Click on Emergency Call and, while it’s switching, swipe with your three fingers down.
4. The Notification Center will appear!
5. Click on the Weather widget. The Weather app will load.
6. Click on the home button to exit to the iPhone’s springboard.
That’s it. Your phone is activated and fully operative. Enjoy and thank Mert Erdir for this clever link. He has these words to say:
My will is not to do something harmful to anyone, I just wanted to get the attention of Apple, the company I’m in love with; and maybe one day have a chance to talk to/meet Steve Jobs himself. You can reach me on Twitter for further questions.
I found this because I don’t have much cash to get an IOS Developer account, so donations for a young developer will be appreciated. They can be made on my blog (not in english). You’ll see the PayPal donate button on the right. Thanks!
So send the kid some dollars so he can become a pro developer. With his patience and creativity finding this iOS 5 backdoor, I’m sure he will do a great job.
JM
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 9:51 AMComments I have read from other sites from people using this work-around have stated that you cannot sync to your PC/Mac even with itunes 10.5. So you can use the new IOS but cannot install apps or music. It would be nice if a Gizmodo user would confirm this as they are a little more IT savvy than others.
Adam
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:01 AMWhat’s the rush? iOS5 will be out – officially – soon enough.
stevothegoddamneddevo
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:02 AMaren’t these stories better suited to modmyi and the other various cydia and hacking communities?
careful Giz.. the Apple overlords may take a disliking to this tripe!
Jimmy Jones
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:32 AMCheck for updates didn’t work for me, Apparently it will work with restore though. I don’t really want to clear my phone to get this working. People are reporting that it will work but it wont get any signal from their carrier making this pretty useless other than having a quick play around with iOS5.
Tom
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:40 AMIOS 5 beta 1 for Iphone 4?
Tom
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 12:42 PMNo way to connect to carrier once it works… FML
Cranny
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 4:13 PMI bricked my iPhone and can’t get back to old version
J
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:35 PMYou can restore your iphone after you screw it up by putting it in some firmware install mode or something.
Pat
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 8:23 PMwaste of time, doesnt let you use your phone??? whats the point in that
Leo
Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 12:15 PMThe process works fine, but it’s impossible to activate iPhone4 GSM… I recommend to wait for the official version… unless if you want a little bit of adventure in your spare time…
Cheers
Draginslygj
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 3:50 PMThis method i’ve discovered will allow you to use your phone and give you full features. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D50MRPy8T5E
this method activate your phone FULLY
Garry Rogers
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 7:01 PMI followed your instructions to upgrade to iOS5 by pressing shift and update. Worked great until the end when it said. “The update could not be completed due to unknown error 3002″ Can you help? By the way you are the first website to show me how to update by pressing “Shift” after vaweek of trying to get some advice from apple or others. Just this last step if you can help. Regards Garry