Below are some of the most common questions I am asked during the day regarding the iPhone 3G:
Im going to continue to modify this based on what comes up and other questions that are commonly asked.
All items in discussion that take place on a computer are in a Windows enviroment, I have a Mac but dont use it so unless it specifically says this is for a Mac assume that it is going to be in Windows.
Does the ipod touch apply to any of this info?
Yes, The iphone and ipod touch run the same software so pretty much everything that doesnt mess with the phone should work on your ipod touch.
Can I use my iPhone on another carrier other than AT&T?
yes and no, if your phone is not jailbroken you cannot without the use of a turbo sim or equivalent. There are a few requirements to software “Unlock” your phone.
1. Jailbroken
2. UltraSnow Repo
3. OS 3.0
Once you have met these requirements you are able to use your phone on any GSM carrier.
How do I know what Firmware I have?
To check what firmware version you have go to Settings > General > About > Version on your iPhone 3G.
How do I Jailbreak my Iphone?
To Jailbreak your 3G choose the firmware you are currently using
iPhone 3G: OS 2.2.1 or OS 3.0
To Jailbreak your 3GS choose your Jailbreak Method
iPhone 3GS: redsn0w or purplera1n
If I mess up my phone during the jailbreak or in other processes is it possible to restore?
Yes, the iPhone is ALMOST unbrickable under most circumstances although it can be done.
Here is the link on the process of restoring: http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/25
What is Ultrasn0w and how do I get it?
Ultrasn0w is the software unlock for the iPhone 3G/3GS with OS 3.0 installed. With ultrasn0w you can unlock your iPhone 3G/3GS and use it with other carriers besides AT&T. You can download it by adding the ultrasn0w repo to your Cydia sources.
The repo URL is repo666.ultrasn0w.com
How can I enable MMS right now on my 3G/3GS?
http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/41
How do I know what Baseband I have?
Not important if you are using OS 3.0, but if you are still using 2.2.1 and want to check which one you have go to Settings > General > About > Modem Firmware on your iPhone 3G.
How do I unlock my Iphone 3G/3GS?
http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/22
What is cydia and does it come on all iPhones?
Cydia is a package installer/manager for the Iphone and Ipod Touch. Cydia is usually installed on an iPhone via jailbreaking; it is included in QuickPwn as an item that the user can select.
How do I get free paid apps on my Iphone?
http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/8
DO NOT INSTALL miPatch Firmware 2.2.1 it will lock up your iphone 3.0
What can I do if I download installous on my iphone and it doesn’t work?
Well you can either try reinstalling the app, changing the install method to “dirty”, or do it the old fashioned way and visit http://appulo.us/ on your computer that you sync your iTunes to. On the site you do the same as you would as on your phone search then download. Once you have the file downloaded to your computer, open iTunes click your iPhone then click sync apps tab on the top right and choose to sync all apps [this step only needs to be done once!]. once you have setup your iTunes to sync apps double click the file you downloaded to add to your itunes library and the next time you sync your phone the app will be installed onto your iphone.
What is Winterboard?
WinterBoard truly is the modern replacement for SummerBoard. It is a program that allows the customization of your phone.
How do I SSH into my iPhone?
http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/12
How do I setup my iPhone so that I get a better battery life?
Turn off the following:
*Bluetooth [if not in use]
*Location Services
*Push email service, instead set it up to fetch in scheduled intervals.
*3G – especially if you are in a bad coverage area
Turn on your auto-lock if not in use
I’ve Jailbroken my iPhone now what are can I do?
If you follow this link, http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/10 , you will find some essential programs to download once you have jailbroken your phone.
Im tired of the same old stuff in cydia, is there any other places to find stuff?
here is a big list of sources to add into cydia to get more apps, http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/13.
Where is a good place to get themes?
cydia sources that contain extra themes not included already are: www.ipod-touch-themes.de/repo & http://ispaziorepo.com/cydia/apt/ & http://apt.guardiansofchaos.com
I hate the touch screen keyboard, I wish it felt more like a real keyboard?
well you just may be in luck! there is a program called HapticPro that is available that gives a slight vibration when ever you touch the screen. It makes you feel as if you where typing on your trusty old BB that your iPhone replaced. It is available for download through the cydia store for $2.99 USD.
There is Haptic old its free i use it but be warned if you do alot of texting your battery will die faster so FYI
I want to use a video as my background, is there any way to do this?
yes, through the use a program obtainable through cydia called “vWallpaper”. This program allows for the use of .mov files to be used for background pictures. NOT 3.0 friendly as of 2days ago when i last checked
What can and can’t you do on iTunes if you unlocked & jailbroke it?
You should be able continue to use iTunes as normal if your jailbroken, unlocked on other carriers may pose a few problems. Biggest issue is on the TMO using the software unlock you cant use 3G.
Can you choose what programs you want to run in the background with that background program or will everything always be on?
With the program “Backgrounder” you are able to choose what programs run, you simply run backgrounder once then to put a program in the background you just open the program then hold the home button for 3 seconds and it is put into memory. If everything was in the memory you wouldnt be able to do anything there would be none left.
If I have wifi on and I’m talking on the phone, will IMs (assuming I’m running the background program) and e-mails come in or will they come in after I’m off the phone?
Your phone should allow for emails to come in without running backgrounder. The IMs will continue to come in if you have your IM program running in the background.
If I have a BB data plan can I use it on the iphone and vice versa?
If you are using the BB data plan on iPhone you should be able to do everything but visual voicemail, If you are on an iPhone plan and you switch your sim to a BB you will only be able to use Media Net and will not be able to access the BB app world.
Is winterboard compatible with os 3.0?
yes, but not all themes are compatible.
I live in a rural area and cant receive high speed internet is there anyway I can use my phone for internet at the house on OS 2.2.1?
your in luck there are many programs that allow you to tether to your computer either via wifi adhoc connection or usb connection. PdaNet, modem & tether are the ones that come to mind for programs. I recommend PdaNet it allows for USB & WiFi connections whereas the others only offer wifi. Here is how to setup and use it http://neorabid.com/iphone/archives/14. The cost is $29.95 USD and can be attained through cydia.
I live in a rural area and cant receive high speed internet is there anyway I can use my phone for internet at the house using OS 3.0?
If you are on os 3.0 you can enable tethering without having to pay for anything other than your data plan. Currently not supported by AT&T as of 7-7-09 on but if you read on you can enable it and use it to your hearts content.
How can I enable tethering right now on os 3.0?
visit http://help.benm.at/help.php on your iphone and download the mobileconfig for your carrier. Then go to Settings>General>Network>Internet Tethering to turn it on and off.
How do I use my iphone to power my home network?
with internet tethering enabled on your phone you’ll need the following for this to work:
1. Patch Cable
2. Router (I prefer using a wireless)
3. Computer with iTunes 8.2 and a network card
Tether your phone to your computer via bluetooth or usb. Connect the patch cable from your computer to the MODEM input of the router. Open up network connections and bridge the Apple Modem Connection and the Router Connection. Wait a few seconds and presto you have your network running off of your phones internet connection. I have been able to achieve speeds of 1.8mbps with 3G which is comparable to most DSL connections.
*You may have to restart your computer or the router if you cant get it to work the first time.*
The Funny thing is you will be able to connect to your wifi on your phone using your phones cellular connection.
What programs are currently compatible with os 3.0? as of 7-7-09
Not working (* means not confirmed by me):
BossTool
FontSwap
Homework Planner
iBirthdays
*iKeyEx and addons.
iRealsms – Being worked on should be done soon.
irealquicksms
Quickgold – being worked on as an integration into spotlight.
Lockdown – being worked on
LogoMe – dev team is too busy
MySMS – Now working
Notifier – status bar messages dont go away
*Searcher
SpringJumps
*textreader
SBSettings AutoLock
SBSettings Close Button
*SBSettings User Agent Faker
SBSettings Volume MC Widget
Recently updated and working:
AptBackup – Updated to avoid overwriting saurik’s repository, but not tested by me.
BiteSMS 4.0 or newer
BossPrefs v3.0.1 or newer
ClearCam 1.1.2
iBlacklist 3.0-1 or newer. (I had a packaging error in 3.0)
Insomnia 3.0.2
MobileDTA 3.1
Mobile Substrate – This is foundation for many apps like SBSettings & Winterboard. Recent bug was causing iTunes store to not load.
SBSettings iPod Widget 1.2-1
Working (not complete):
Categories – confirmed working. No 3.0 compatibility issues. If you have issues with this its not 3.0
CyDelete
Backgrounder
Docs – confirmed working. No 3.0 compatibility issues. If you have issues with this its not due to 3.0
Flashlight
Winterboard – Works except keyboard theming does not work.
SBSettings 2.99-4 or better
SysInfo Plus
Voipoverip3g
List compiled by JHay
Will Mobile Installation Patch work for OS 3.0?
miPatch WILL NOT WORK on OS 3.0! Do NOT install it!
Instead, install AppSync for OS 3.0. It has the same effect as miPatch: you’ll be able to sync your apps to and from iTunes. But it’s made specifically for OS 3.0.
