How do I update, jailbreak, and unlock an iPhone 3GS to iOS 5?
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gobi migo • June 17, 2013 at 8:39am
I am currently running iOS 4.3.1 on my iPhone 3GS and want to update to iOS 5. My device has the 06.15.00 iPad baseband (modem firmware) and was previously jailbroken and unlocked. What are the steps to update while maintaining the unlock?
Answers
0
iClarified • January 13, 2026 at 7:14pm
To update an iPhone 3GS with the 06.15.00 baseband to iOS 5 while maintaining your unlock, you must use a tool like Redsn0w to create a custom firmware. This prevents the baseband from being updated, which is critical since you are using the iPad baseband.
1. Download the iOS 5.1.1 IPSW for the iPhone 3GS.
2. Open Redsn0w and use the Custom IPSW feature to create a version of the firmware that preserves your baseband.
3. Put your iPhone into Pwned DFU mode using Redsn0w.
4. Open iTunes and restore to the custom IPSW by holding the Shift (Windows) or Option (Mac) key and clicking Restore.
5. Once updated, use Redsn0w to jailbreak the device.
6. Finally, install Ultrasn0w from Cydia to unlock the phone for use with other carriers.
Note that Redsn0w also offers an option to downgrade the 06.15.00 baseband to 05.13.04, which is recommended to fix GPS functionality.
1. Download the iOS 5.1.1 IPSW for the iPhone 3GS.
2. Open Redsn0w and use the Custom IPSW feature to create a version of the firmware that preserves your baseband.
3. Put your iPhone into Pwned DFU mode using Redsn0w.
4. Open iTunes and restore to the custom IPSW by holding the Shift (Windows) or Option (Mac) key and clicking Restore.
5. Once updated, use Redsn0w to jailbreak the device.
6. Finally, install Ultrasn0w from Cydia to unlock the phone for use with other carriers.
Note that Redsn0w also offers an option to downgrade the 06.15.00 baseband to 05.13.04, which is recommended to fix GPS functionality.