This is a step-by-step guide to an iOS 12.3 jailbreak, an iOS 12.3.1 jailbreak, and an iOS 12.4.1 jailbreak (through iOS 12.4.3) using the Checkra1n jailbreaking tool — one of the most searched checkra1n compatible devices setups for older iPhones and iPads, including the iPhone 6S Plus jailbreak and how to jailbreak 1st gen iPad mini models.
Updated for 2026: Checkra1n exploits a permanent hardware flaw in Apple’s A5–A11 chips (known as checkm8), so it still works exactly as described below even though these devices are several generations old. The tool remains available for macOS and Linux; a native Windows build was never released — see the FAQ below for a workaround. You do not need to download any separate jailbreak file or IPSW — checkra1n handles the entire iOS 12.4 jailbreak process automatically once you connect your device.
Supported Devices for the Checkra1n Jailbreak
iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016), iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 2, iPad mini (1st generation), iPad (3rd generation), iPad (4th generation), iPad mini 4, iPad Pro 12.9″ (1st gen), iPad (6th generation, 2018), iPad (7th generation, 2019), iPad Pro 10.5″ (2017), iPad Pro 12.9″ (2nd gen, 2017), and iPod touch (5th generation).
Two common mix-ups worth flagging: if you’re looking for how to jailbreak a 1st gen iPad, checkra1n works on the iPad mini (1st generation), not the original 2010 iPad (1st gen); and if you searched how to jailbreak iphone se 2nd gen, only the iPhone SE (2016, A9 chip) is supported — not the iPhone SE 2nd or 3rd generation. The checkra1n iPad 4 jailbreak (iPad 4th generation) and how to jailbreak ipad 6th gen (2018) both use exactly the same steps below. See the FAQ section for the full explanation.
Supported iOS Versions for Checkra1n
This is a checkra1n 12.4 jailbreak guide covering iOS 12.3, iOS 12.3.1, iOS 12.3.2, iOS 12.4, iOS 12.4.1, iOS 12.4.2, and iOS 12.4.3 — the range where Cydia installs most reliably. Because checkra1n exploits the bootrom rather than a software bug, it isn’t strictly limited to these builds: Cydia iOS 12.2 setups also work, and later releases up to the iOS 12.5.7 jailbreak (the final security-only update Apple shipped for this hardware generation) and, on many A7–A11 devices, iOS 13 and iOS 14 up to 14.8.1. Beta builds such as iOS 12.3 beta 4 are not supported — always jailbreak from a public release.
How to Jailbreak iOS 12.3–12.4.3 with Checkra1n
These same nine steps answer how to jailbreak iPhone 6, how to jailbreak iPhone 6 Plus, or how to jailbreak iPhone 6S Plus — and the same checkra1n 12.4 iOS jailbreak process applies equally to an iOS 12.2 jailbreak or any other supported build in this range.
Step 1: Download Checkra1n
On a Mac (or a Linux machine — see the FAQ if you only have Windows), go to the official checkra1n download page and grab the current build.
Step 2: Install It to Applications
Double-click the downloaded DMG file to open it, then drag the checkra1n icon onto the Applications folder icon.
Step 3: Open Checkra1n
Open your Applications folder, then right-click (or Control-click) the checkra1n app and choose Open from the menu.
Click Open to confirm you’d like to launch the checkra1n app.
Step 4: Connect Your Device
Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer with a USB cable and click Start. (There’s no way to jailbreak an iPhone 6 or any other supported device without a computer — a wired USB connection is required for this step.)
Step 5: Enter DFU Mode
Click Next to put your device into Recovery Mode (DFU). You’ll be guided through it, but here’s the manual sequence:
1. Hold the Side button until the screen goes black, then release.
2. Hold the Side button and Volume Down button together for 5 seconds.
3. Release the Side button and keep holding Volume Down until your computer confirms recovery mode. The screen stays black throughout.
Step 6: Start the Jailbreak
Click Start to begin the checkra1n iOS 12 jailbreak procedure.
Step 7: Let It Reboot
Checkra1n will now jailbreak your device, rebooting it in the process.
Step 8: Install Cydia
Launch the new checkra1n app on your Home Screen, select Cydia, then tap the large Install Cydia button.
Step 9: Launch Cydia
Cydia is now installed on your device, and you can launch it directly from the Home Screen.
Installing SPYERA After the Jailbreak
Once Cydia is installed, you can add SPYERA from the Cydia app by entering the SPYERA Cydia catalog URL. This gives you access to the deepest layer of iPhone monitoring — including an iPhone keylogger, full SMS and iMessage tracking, call logs, and app activity — on devices that can’t run non-jailbroken monitoring tools. The Cydia icon, checkra1n icon, and SPYERA icon can all be hidden at the end of setup if you’d like the installation to stay discreet.
Should You Still Jailbreak in 2026?
Jailbreaking voids your warranty, removes several built-in security protections, and can block future iOS updates on that device, so it’s worth doing only when you have a specific reason — such as monitoring an older company-issued iPhone or a child’s hand-me-down device that’s stuck on iOS 12. If you’re setting up monitoring on a current-generation iPhone (iOS 17 or later), you don’t need to jailbreak it at all: SPYERA’s iPhone spy app installs without jailbreaking on modern hardware. Compare plans on the SPYERA pricing page before you start.