Apple Watches have now become very popular not only because of their features but also for their security. However, there are curious self-proclaimed engineers who wish to jailbreak their Apple Watches. Can’t blame them? Because I was one of them, too.
Before we continue, I would like to clarify that jailbreaking an Apple Watch is only possible if you are using WatchOS 4 or an older version. Jailbreaking is not possible in the newer Apple Watches. Although inquisitive minds like mine are finding ways to do it, it is important that you go through this checklist first to jailbreak your Apple Watch successfully.
What You Need To Jailbreak Your Apple Watch
- It is given that to jailbreak an Apple Watch, you need one. I specifically went for older models for this test, which I no longer needed. It can be quite risky, so I would not suggest using a new Apple Watch.
- To carry out this mission, you need an iPhone, a Mac, or an iPad. Don’t worry, jailbreaking your Apple Watch will not affect these gadgets.
- Take your USB cable as well. You would need it to connect to both items for this.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Jailbreak Your Apple Watch
Get Your Apple Watch Ready
Before you begin with the main shenanigans, it is important to get your Apple Watch ready. And how do you do that? When I did this process, I charged my Apple Watch completely, or else this method wouldn’t work. Once done, I factory reset my Apple Watch to make this process successful. Both of these steps are crucial, and you should not skip either of them.
Install Xcode
To make this attempt successful, I downloaded and activated the Xcode application. However, keep in mind that this application only works on iPhone or Mac. Once it is installed, you can move on to the next step.
Start The Process
Now here is the real deal.
- I started by connecting my Apple Watch to my iPhone or Mac.
- Then I reset it.
- Make a new connection after this.
- Now open Xcode on iPhone or Mac, whatever you are using for this process.
- Then, get task_for_pid(0) for HSP4 (Host Special Port #4).
- Let this file run on Xcode.
- Once it is completed, you will see a message saying failed or executed. If it says failed, you can do the entire thing again. If it says executed, you can start using the Jailbreak application on your Apple Watch.
Other Methods To Jailbreak Your Apple Watch
Technically, jailbreaking your Apple Watch is like running programming code on your watch. When I was looking for jailbreaking applications, I found numerous other applications like the one I mentioned above.
However, always keep in mind that no matter how trustworthy the app appears, it can still compromise your privacy. Trusting online applications for jailbreaking is a big concern. Chances are, your Apple Watch will be ruined forever without any signs of recovery.
Can You Restore An Apple Watch On Jailbreak?
Yes, you can restore an Apple Watch on Jailbreak. I did this by uninstalling the application from my Apple Watch. Sometimes it is not as easy as it seems. If the application does not get removed easily, you can do so by using your iPhone or Mac, which has the Xcode application installed. Connect it again and uninstall both applications from your iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch as well.
There was a time when the above method did not work for my friend, which is why I suggested this next idea. If you face a similar problem, then you can do a factory reset on your watch. This will remove all previous settings and make your Apple Watch look and feel brand new.
Is It Safe To Jailbreak Your Apple Watch?
No, it is not safe to jailbreak your Apple Watch and I would not recommend this to anyone. There have been instances where people have had to replace their functional Apple Watch with a new one because they tried out this option.
Additionally, jailbreaking your Apple Watch compromises its security, which is precisely why I wouldn’t want to do that with my Apple Watch. After I tried it out, I did not have access to my App Store, which is a major issue. Additionally, Apple Watches running on Jailbreak are more susceptible to being hacked by malicious hackers. Again, this is something that nobody would want.
If you think it’s a fun little activity, then I would ask you to think again because even Apple Care does not take care of this problem. In reality, jailbreaking your Apple Watch voids the warranty, which makes it nobody’s business but yours. Before signing off, I would like to mention one more thing: jailbreaking is illegal in many countries, so be aware of the risks you may face.
Final Thoughts
I would like to conclude by saying that even if jailbreaking is possible, I would not suggest doing it. This method involves too many security and privacy risks, which are irreversible. Also, the damages can be permanent, and little to no recovery can be done.
Sadly, Apple refuses a warranty once it detects a jailbreak. On top of that, when my Apple Watch was on Jailbreak, I could not receive any new updates, which was another fuss. Just like me, I know there are tons of other people out there who jailbreak their Apple Watches to install unofficial apps or make some tweaks in the settings that are not permitted otherwise.
But take a moment to consider whether it is really worth it? After attempting it once and nearly damaging my device, I don’t think so. Another important thing to note is that the Jailbreak option was created to allow developers to measure the possibilities and capabilities of the Apple Watch. Users should never try this on their own and simply enjoy the features that the Apple Watch has to offer.
