Apple TV is a great device to access Apple TV+ and other streaming services in your home. Like iOS devices, the features of Apple TV are restricted. It doesn’t support playing all kinds of media formats and installing a lot of popular apps. For instance, the user cannot install a web browser on Apple TV. To get out of restrictions and limitations, one could opt to jailbreak Apple TV. You can access all kinds of apps and media content that you can imagine upon jailbreaking your Apple TV. Let’s find out the ways to Jailbreak your Apple TV.
What is Jailbreaking?
In simple words, Jailbreaking is the process of removing the restrictions on your device. By default, Apple TV doesn’t support installing apps from third-party sources. You can access the apps that are only available on your device. By Jailbreaking your Apple TV, you can install some of the popular third-party apps that aren’t available for your device.
The downside with Jailbreaking is that the security features associated with your device will be removed from your Apple TV. Meanwhile, you will not receive any official updates from Apple. Apart from that, you will also lose the warranty issued by the Apple TV. In case of error or malfunction, you can’t claim a warranty for your streaming device.
Is Jailbreaking Legal?
Jailbreaking your Apple TV is legal as the device is owned and used by you. However, the process of jailbreaking will void the device warranty and software properties. i.e., You may not ask for any repair or recondition with Apple Inc. after you jailbreak the Apple TV. You can jailbreak the Apple TV if you aren’t concerned about the device warranty.
Which Apple TV Model Supports Jailbreaking?
Currently, Apple TV 2nd generation is the only model that you can Jailbreak. The recent versions like Apple TV 3, 4, and 4K cannot be jailbroken easily. Meanwhile, you may find some websites that display procedures to Jailbreak the latest versions. But none of them will work.
How to Jailbreak Apple TV 2?
To Jailbreak your Apple TV 2, we are going to use a software called Seas0nPass. You can download it on your Windows or Mac device directly from the Firecore website.
1: Once you have installed the software, connect your Apple TV to the PC or Mac with the help of the Micro USB cable.
2: Launch the app and select Create IPSW.
3: The app will prompt you to press Menu and Play/Pause buttons on your Apple TV remote. Press those buttons for 5-7 seconds.
4: By pressing those keys, your Apple TV will enter into DFU (Direct Firmware Update) mode.
5: Now, wait for the Firecore (Jailbreak) software to download and install on your Apple TV. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, the installation time will vary.
6: Once completed, iTunes will open up on your PC or Mac. It will restore your Apple TV automatically in recovery mode.
7: Once the process is completed, click OK and remove your Apple TV from the PC or Mac.
8: Connect the Apple TV to your TV and launch it.
9: You should see the FireCore logo on your Apple TV screen.
Firecore also offers a software called aTV Flash ($29.99). On Jailbroken Apple TV devices, it provides various like browser support, playing un-supported media formats, installing Kodi, and many more.
How to Jailbreak Apple TV 4 or 4K
If you have Apple 4/4k with tvOS 12 or 12.11, you can jailbreak the device.
Disclaimer! Different sources claim that the below steps will helps in jailbreaking the Apple TV new models. However, it may not be the case, and the below steps may or may not work.
1: Download the Cydia Impactor on your PC or Mac. Also, get the ChimeraTV jailbreak file.
2: With the USB A or USB C cable, connect your Apple TV and PC.
3: Now, launch the Cydia Impactor. Then, drag the ChimeraTV file and drop it into it.
4: Select Start to begin with the installation.
5: When prompted to sign in, you shall enter your Apple ID and password.
6: Now, Cydia will install the ChimeraTV app on your Apple TV.
7: Go ahead to disconnect Apple TV from your PC and connect the box to your TV.
8: Now, launch the Apple TV, and you could find the ChimeraTV app.
9: Launch the app and click on Do it! to start the jailbreaking process.
10: When you get “Success! You TV has been liberated!” the process is completed.
In general, it is not advisable to Jailbreak the TV or any other streaming device. If you want to access various kinds of media content through Apple TV, install a Plex application, and stream your favorite content with ease. On the other hand, the latest devices like Apple TV 4 and 4K provides all kind of features that you can expect on a streaming device. So, there is no need to Jailbreak your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
You cannot jailbreak Apple TV’s 1st generation.
To jailbreak Apple TV 3rd gen, you shall need to follow the instructions given in the above section of this article.
If you want to install a web browser and any other compatible apps on Apple TV, you shall jailbreak the device. Further, it will unlock Apple TV settings, and you can take advantage of it with custom features.
Yes. However, jailbreaking is possible only on select model Apple TVs.
You cannot jailbreak Apple TV 4k without a computer.