Outdated Last researched: 30 October 2026 · Research-based only
checkra1n
Purpose: a semi-tethered jailbreak built on the checkm8 bootrom exploit. It was designed for research, development, and customisation on supported older devices — not for removing Activation Lock.
| Devices | iPhone 5s–X (A7–A11 chips) |
|---|---|
| iOS versions | iOS 12.0–14.8 in practice |
| Last release | 0.12.4 beta (2021, legacy) |
| Computer | macOS or Linux (Windows VMs are not supported for this workflow) |
| Tether | Semi-tethered: a computer is needed again after a restart to restore the jailbroken state |
Limitations
- Does not jailbreak iOS 15 or later.
- Does not remove Apple's server-side Activation Lock. A jailbroken old device and an Activation-Lock-free device are different things.
- On A11 devices, passcode/Face ID functionality has historically been limited in the jailbroken state — check the official documentation for your exact model before proceeding.
- Security trade-off: jailbreaking weakens iOS protections. Only use it on a device you own, for a purpose you understand, with a backup first.
What this tool cannot do
It cannot unlock a carrier lock, remove an Apple Account from a device you do not own, or make a lost/stolen phone usable. Any site selling “checkra1n iCloud removal” is misrepresenting this tool.
Official site to verify from: checkra.in (type it yourself; beware lookalike domains). Related: palera1n, the newer checkm8 tool