What is the difference between unlocking and jailbreaking a phone

Tethered jailbreaks constantly require the presence of a computer or a laptop connection. The software is on the computer and the user has to connect their device to the computer and run the software on the device in order to jailbreak it.

However, in case the device reboots or is turned off and on, it requires the same computer connection in order to turn it back on in jailbreak mode. A tethered jailbreak is useless without a computer connection and works with both, Mac OS X and Windows. An untethered jailbreak does not require the constant use of a computer and is the preferred jailbreak method. The only time a connection to the computer is required is during the jailbreaking process.

Once the device has been jailbroken, you can use it as a normal device, turn it on and off and reboot it. It is also known as a permanent jailbreak. This is the most sought after jailbreak; however it takes time for this jailbreak to be released. There are 2 types of untethered jailbreaks: Patched LLB-based and kernel hacks. The jailbreak deals with the software and apps on the iPhone, while unlocking the phone lets users use other wireless networks SIM on the phone.

Jailbreaking an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad allows a user to install apps from places other than the Apple app store.

Unlocking an iPhone enables it to be used with any wireless carrier by removing the "lock" that forces it to be used only with the carrier that originally sold the phone. Apple tightly controls the ecosystem of apps that run on the hundreds of millions of iOS devices sold. Although there are now hundreds of thousands of apps in Apple's app store, some critics have said this control over the device even after it has been sold hurts innovation and the consumer.

However, Apple maintains that by restricting access to authorized apps only, it can ensure a measure of quality control and also protect users from their devices being hacked. Jailbreaking is the process of removing these limitations imposed by Apple on these iOS devices it sells. Several wireless carriers around the world, but most commonly in the United States , subsidize the cost of a new iPhone to consumers by binding them to a contract to use the services of the carrier, usually for 2 years.

These iPhones are "locked" to only work on the telecom network of that specific wireless carrier. Unlocking is the process of removing this restriction and freeing up the phone to be used with any wireless network. Depending upon the model of the iPhone, there may be restrictions even after unlocking because phones that support only CDMA cannot be used on a GSM network.

Unlocking allows the consumer to use a different wireless service without being forced to change her phone. Free desktop-based jailbreaking tools are easily available on the Internet.

Users can also jailbreak other devices, such as Windows Phones and BlackBerrys, but the benefits aren't as obvious. The regular app selection on these platforms is anemic compared to Apple and Android, and the unofficial app selection is even weaker.

Unlike jailbreaking and rooting, it's not strictly legalfor users to unlock their own phones in the United States. While the Library of Congress ruled that buying and selling older unlocked phones is OK, unlocking phones purchased after January is not.

If the president gets his way, however, the Library of Congress may be forced to change its tune. For now, the Library of Congress seems willing to work with the president.

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Politics Covid U. News World Opinion Business. Share this —. Apple has been selling unlocked iPhones for a long long time since the iPhone 3G, where some countries required phones to be unlocked, and sold the iPhone 4 unlocked by themselves in some countries.

Jailbreaking does not unlock your phone. The jailbreaking tool that you used redsn0w , probably has a built-in unlocking tool. Jailbreaking or bootloader unlocking allows you to gain root privileges and install custom firmware. Do not unlock the bootloader if you are wanting to disable the carrier subsidy lock. The ability to use the phone on any carrier, Do not unlock the bootloader if you are wanting to disable the carrier subsidy lock. Jailbreaking and unlocking are not the same thing.

With that number in-hand, you can go about unlocking your device or phones manufactured from February onward , MSL will be replaced with the DSU Domestic SIM Unlockable system, allowing carriers to unlock devices over the air. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Is an unlocked phone and a jailbroken phone the same thing?

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