How to jailbreak iOS 5.1.1

It's funny how public perception alters the way we feel about things. We almost feel guilty covering the jailbreaking topic, but there's really no reason we should. Jailbreaking is perfectly legal. If you wanted, you could put your iPhone in a toaster - we don't recommend it, but it's your property and you're entitled to do whatever you want with it. And that includes installing Cydia and customising your device.

So if, like us, you're pro-choice, let's take a look at how to free your smartphone or tablet from iTunes. Oh, first things first - this is a jailbreak for iOS 5.1.1, so update your device as normal if you're not on the latest (and last, before iOS 6) firmware already.

Disclaimer: Jailbreaking your iOS device can go wrong, so please, follow these instructions at your own peril. We cannot be held responsible for any damage made to your phone while following these instructions.

Step 1: Backup Your Device
Hook up your iPhone, iPod or iPad to your computer and perfume a full iTunes sync before going any further. The good news about jailbreaking is that if anything goes wrong, you can use this backup to put your device back exactly as it was. It's a great safety net that removes much of the risk.

Step 2: Absinthe 2.0.4 Jailbreak
While your device is syncing, head on over to this site and download Absinthe 2.0.4 jailbreak utility. There's also a list of supported devices for you to check out, although we're pretty sure yours will be on it.

Step 3: Extract Absinthe
For the sake of simplicity, download the Absinthe file to your desktop. Click it, and it extracts itself to a folder containing all the files it needs. This isn't actually the jailbreak - just an extraction.

Step 4: Prepare Absinthe
Wait until your sync has completed, close iTunes, but leave your device connected to the computer. Open the folder Absinthe created on your desktop, right-click the 'absinthe.exe' file and click 'Properties.'

Click the 'Compatibility' tab and select 'Windows XP Service Pack 2.' For whatever reason, Absinthe is widely reported as running better in this mode. Click 'OK' to save the compatibility setting.

Step 5: Jailbreak

Double-click the 'absinthe.exe' file. Absinthe automatically detects the type of device that's connected to your computer/ Click the 'Jailbreak' button, and off it goes.

Bear in mind that this process can take a while. Patience is your friend here, so embrace it. Once you're informed that the jailbreak has completed, check that Cydia is now available on one of your homepages (it won't necessarily be the first page, so check around).

Congratulations! You, and your iPhone, are now free! The customisation options you always dreamed of are just around the corner...