Which programs should I use to jailbreak and unlock???

[tjlamro]

I have yet another Iphone to jailbreak and unlock for a friend, but I could use some help. Its an Iphone 3G and its runnning 4.2.1 and firmware 05.15.04 My friend uses Tmobile so we would need to jailbreak and unlock it. I am under the understanding that all 3G can be unlocked. However I know some are tethered.

Here are my main concerns. Can I jailbreak and unlock this phone without a tether? If I do use it as a tethered jailbreak does that make it so when newer unlocks come out with I be able to upgrade it and make it untethered in the future. I don't want to do a tethered unlock if it would make it so in the future I could not do an untethered.

Last question would be if I do go about unlocking this which software should I use? I am using a Mac laptop if that helps. If there was a specific guide just for this type of Iphone I would really appreciate it. Thanks for the help! Ill be sure to hit the Thanks button!

[iYeow]

You can jailbreak your 3g at 4.2.1 with redsn0w 0.9.6b6, check only install Cydia and ipad Baseband ( for unlock ) . It will be untethered for 3g iphone.

[tjlamro]

Okay great... so I won't have to unlock it everytime I restart the phone? That is what untethered means right? Also do you know if there is a guide for the Iphone 3G and this firmware that I can follow? Because don't I have to download the software and a firmware as well? Just making sure

[iYeow]

Once you have jailbroke and updated to ipad baseband, you have to install Ultrasn0w to unlock. You have to be aware of the consequence of having ipad baseband.

[tjlamro]

Once you have jailbroke and updated to ipad baseband, you have to install Ultrasn0w to unlock. You have to be aware of the consequence of having ipad baseband.

What are the consequences?

[iYeow]

You cannot restore to stock fw of 4.2.1 or higher but you can restore to custom firmware of 4.2.1 or higher and you may lose your GPS function.

[tjlamro]

Im thinking my best bet would be just to wait until the new unlock comes out?

[iYeow]

It could be weeks or never. Since this is a 3g and if you in desperate need, then go for it. It is all up to you.

[i.Annie]

You could wait. I personally wouldn't recommend using the iPad baseband because there is a possible risk of losing GPS functionality. That and Apple can see it and definitely refuse any service on that device if ever you take it in. If you can wait, you should. If you don't mind taking risks, then go for it. Like iYeow said, you can't restore to a stock 4.2.1 if you do so. It is a 3G phone so you can always take it down to 3.1.3 if ever necessary for restoring. The baseband will just be permanently stuck at 6.15.00 unless Apple updates the 3G/3GS baseband past that.

[tjlamro]

So I decided to to the jailbreak. I opened redsn0w 0.9.6b6, browsed for the 4.2.1 firmware I got from apple. Hit OK, Hit Next and then checked only Install Cydia and the Ipad baseband. Did everything it said to go in DFU mode and this is what I get... am I doing something wrong?

An unexpected error occurred. Please try again. Try rebooting your device and changing USB ports.

Unexpected error!

[i.Annie]

I'm assuming you've tried rebooting your device or changing USB ports. Do you should also try rebooting your computer and change USB ports. Usually switching to an entirely different computer will do the trick.

[Simon]

Ya you may need to try another computer as Annie suggested.