You've got an iPad running iOS 9.3.5 and you're looking to unlock its full potential by installing Cydia. That's a fantastic goal! While iOS 9.3.5 is an older operating system, jailbreaking it can breathe new life into your device, allowing you to customize it, install unsupported apps, and gain access to a world of tweaks that Apple doesn't typically allow.
This guide will walk you through the process of installing Cydia on your iPad running iOS 9.3.5. We'll be using the Phoenix Jailbreak, which is a semi-untethered jailbreak, meaning you'll need to re-activate it after every reboot. Don't worry, the process is straightforward, and we'll cover it all.
Before we begin, a crucial disclaimer: Jailbreaking involves modifying your device's software. While Phoenix is a well-established and generally safe jailbreak for iOS 9.3.5, there's always a slight risk of unforeseen issues. Proceed with caution and ensure you follow each step carefully.
Step 1: Prepare Your iPad and Computer
Alright, let's get started! The first thing you need to do is prepare your iPad and the computer you'll be using. This involves a few essential checks and downloads to ensure a smooth jailbreaking process.
Sub-heading: Backup Your Device
It cannot be stressed enough: BACK UP YOUR IPAD! Before you do anything else, connect your iPad to your computer and perform a full backup using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). This will save all your data, photos, and settings. In the unlikely event something goes wrong, you can restore your iPad to its previous state.
Sub-heading: Disable Passcode and Find My iPad
For the jailbreak to work correctly, you'll need to temporarily disable some security features on your iPad.
- Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (or just Passcode if your iPad doesn't have Touch ID) and turn off your passcode.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My (or iCloud > Find My iPad on older iOS versions) and turn off Find My iPad. You might need to enter your Apple ID password.
Sub-heading: Download Necessary Software
You'll need a few things on your computer to proceed:
- iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS): Ensure you have the latest version installed. This is essential for your computer to recognize your iPad.
- Phoenix Jailbreak IPA: This is the actual jailbreak application. You can usually find the official download from
phoenixpwn.com. Always download from the official source to avoid malicious software. - Sideloadly (or AltStore/Cydia Impactor alternative): Since Cydia Impactor has become unreliable for free Apple IDs, you'll need an alternative tool to "sideload" the Phoenix IPA onto your iPad. Sideloadly is a popular and reliable choice. Download it from
sideloadly.io. Ensure you download the correct version for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
Step 2: Sideload the Phoenix Jailbreak App
Now that your iPad is prepped and you have the necessary files, it's time to get the Phoenix jailbreak application onto your iPad.
Sub-heading: Install Sideloadly
- For Windows users: Run the Sideloadly installer you downloaded and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
- For macOS users: Drag the Sideloadly application to your Applications folder.
Sub-heading: Connect Your iPad and Open Sideloadly
- Connect your iPad to your computer using a reliable USB cable.
- Launch Sideloadly.
- Sideloadly should detect your connected iPad. You'll see your device name listed in the "iDevice" dropdown. If not, try reconnecting your iPad or restarting Sideloadly.
Sub-heading: Sideload the Phoenix IPA
- In Sideloadly, click the "IPA" icon (it looks like a little app icon) and browse to select the Phoenix.ipa file you downloaded earlier.
- Enter your Apple ID in the "Apple ID" field. It's recommended to use a secondary or throwaway Apple ID for this, as it's not strictly necessary to use your primary one. Your Apple ID is used to sign the application, allowing it to run on your device.
- Click the "Start" button.
- Sideloadly will now begin the process of installing the Phoenix app onto your iPad. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password. Be patient, this can take a few minutes.
Step 3: Trust the Developer Profile
Once Sideloadly finishes, you'll see the Phoenix app icon on your iPad's home screen. However, you won't be able to open it immediately. Apple's security measures prevent unverified apps from running. You need to "trust" the developer profile.
- On your iPad, go to Settings > General > Device Management (or Profiles & Device Management).
- Under "DEVELOPER APP," you should see the Apple ID you used to sideload the Phoenix app. Tap on it.
- Tap "Trust [your Apple ID]" and then tap "Trust" again in the confirmation pop-up.
Step 4: Run the Phoenix Jailbreak
With the Phoenix app now trusted, you're ready to initiate the jailbreak process!
- Go back to your iPad's home screen and open the Phoenix app.
- You'll likely see a message about the jailbreak. Tap "Prepare For Jailbreak."
- The app will now guide you through the process. It might offer to "Use Provided Offsets" – it's generally safe to accept this.
- The jailbreak will run, and your iPad will respring (a quick restart of the SpringBoard, not a full reboot). This is normal.
- After the respring, you should see the Cydia icon on your home screen!
Sub-heading: What if Cydia doesn't appear?
Don't panic if Cydia isn't there immediately! Sometimes the jailbreak needs a few tries.
- If Cydia isn't present after the first respring, simply re-open the Phoenix app and tap "Kickstart Jailbreak" (the button changes after the initial jailbreak).
- Your iPad will respring again. Keep trying this a few times if necessary. It can sometimes take multiple attempts for Cydia to appear. Many users report needing to try several times before Cydia appears. Some even suggest closing all other apps, enabling airplane mode, restarting the device, and then trying the Phoenix jailbreak again.
Step 5: Post-Jailbreak Essentials (Inside Cydia)
Congratulations! You've successfully installed Cydia on your iPad running iOS 9.3.5. Now, let's make sure everything is set up properly within Cydia itself.
Sub-heading: Update Cydia's Sources
- Open Cydia on your iPad.
- The first time you open Cydia, it will likely ask you to perform "Essential Upgrades." Tap "Upgrade Essential" and then "Confirm." This updates Cydia itself and its core components.
- Cydia will download and install the updates. Once complete, tap "Restart SpringBoard" (or "Return to Cydia") if prompted.
- After restarting, open Cydia again. It will "Reload Data" – let it complete this process.
Sub-heading: Understanding Cydia
- Sources: This is where Cydia gets its tweaks and applications from. You'll see default sources like BigBoss, ModMyi, and ZodTTD/MacCiti already added.
- Changes: This tab shows updates to installed packages and new packages from your sources.
- Installed: This shows all the tweaks and apps you've installed from Cydia.
- Search: Use this to find specific tweaks or apps.
Sub-heading: Install Your First Tweak (Optional, but Recommended)
To confirm everything is working, you can try installing a simple tweak. A popular choice for older iOS versions is "Cydia Substrate" (if it's not already installed as part of the essential upgrade) or "Springtomize" if you want some quick customization.
- Go to the "Search" tab in Cydia.
- Type in the name of a tweak (e.g., "Cydia Substrate" or "iCleaner Pro").
- Tap on the tweak's name in the search results.
- Tap "Install" in the top right corner, then "Confirm."
- Cydia will download and install the tweak. Once done, it will prompt you to "Restart SpringBoard." Tap it.
Step 6: Understanding Semi-Untethered Jailbreaks
As mentioned, Phoenix is a semi-untethered jailbreak. This is important to remember.
- What it means: When your iPad reboots (powers off completely and then back on), your jailbreak will be temporarily inactive. Cydia and any installed tweaks will not work.
- How to re-activate: To re-enable your jailbreak after a reboot, simply open the Phoenix app on your home screen and tap "Kickstart Jailbreak." Your iPad will respring, and your jailbreak will be active again. You'll need to do this every time your iPad reboots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about installing Cydia on iPad 9.3.5:
How to Check My iPad's iOS Version?
Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Version." This will tell you your exact iOS version.
How to Backup My iPad Before Jailbreaking?
Connect your iPad to a computer, open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS), select your iPad, and choose to "Back Up Now" to your computer.
How to Trust an Enterprise Developer on My iPad?
Go to Settings > General > Device Management (or Profiles & Device Management), tap on the developer profile associated with the jailbreak app, and tap "Trust."
How to Fix "Untrusted Developer" Error When Opening Phoenix App?
This error means you haven't trusted the developer profile yet. Refer to Step 3 in this guide for instructions on how to trust it.
How to Re-Jailbreak My iPad After a Reboot?
After your iPad reboots, simply open the Phoenix app from your home screen and tap "Kickstart Jailbreak." Your device will respring, and Cydia will be active again.
How to Uninstall Cydia and Remove Jailbreak?
The simplest way to remove the jailbreak is to restore your iPad to factory settings using iTunes/Finder. This will erase all data and install the latest compatible iOS version. Be sure to back up any data you want to keep first!
How to Find Tweaks and Apps in Cydia?
Once Cydia is open, you can browse "Sources," "Categories," or use the "Search" tab to find specific tweaks, themes, and applications.
How to Deal with "Storage Almost Full" Errors in Cydia?
This usually indicates an issue with Cydia's package cache. Go to Cydia > Storage and try clearing the cache. If the issue persists, you might need to use a tool like iCleaner Pro (available in Cydia) to free up space.
How to Add New Sources to Cydia?
In Cydia, go to the "Sources" tab, tap "Edit" in the top right corner, then tap "Add" in the top left corner. Enter the URL of the new repository and tap "Add Source."
How to Fix Cydia Crashing or Not Opening?
If Cydia crashes or doesn't open after a jailbreak attempt, try rebooting your iPad (power off and on), then re-open the Phoenix app and tap "Kickstart Jailbreak." Sometimes it takes a few attempts. If it persists, try re-sideloading the Phoenix IPA using Sideloadly.
