Have an Apple, Mac, or iOS tech question? We have the answer — even when it has to do with a jailbroken iPad. For some, jailbreaking an iOS device might sound like a beneficial idea, but it isn't necessarily all it's cracked up to be. If you've jailbroken your iPhone and want to restore regular functionality, we'll show you how it's done.
Question
I have a jailbroken iPad running iOS 6.1; however, as of late I haven't been able to get updates or update my apps due to the jailbreak. I've heard that removing a jailbreak can be difficult. Is there an easy way to "un-jailbreak" my iPad so that it only has official software on it?
Answer
You are in luck, because removing a Jailbreak requires no trickery — just follow these steps and you'll be enjoying your iPad (or iPhone) as it was meant to be:
1. Connect your device to your Mac.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Select your device from the iTunes Devices list.
4. Select the Summary sidebar item for your iOS jailbroken device.
5. Click the "Restore" button.
6. When prompted if you want to backup, choose the Back Up option.
Fortunately, it's pretty easy to fix a jailbroken device directly from iTunes on your Mac.
iTunes will then connect up to Apple's servers and download the latest version of iOS that will be able to run on your device, and will then perform a factory software restore. This means that you will lose all data on your device, but when complete, your device will no longer contain the jailbroken version of iOS.
After the Restore is complete, if you created a backup, then you will be able to restore your Apps and Settings from the old backup during the setup process. This will not bring back any jailbroken apps, however.
Ask is written by Cory Bohon, a freelance technology writer, indie Mac and iOS developer, and amateur photographer.
Got an Apple tech question? Email ask@maclife.com.
