How to Mod the iTouch

The iTouch is a handheld, touch screen-based device released by Apple in September 2007. It comes in 8, 16 and 32 GB versions, utilizes WiFi and acts as an iPod. You can play music, watch videos, download content from the iTunes Music Store or browse YouTube videos through the device out of the box. As long as you are able to connect to a wireless network, you can utilize the online functions.

The device comes with a touch screen that is used for all primary functions. There are two buttons that act as an on and off switch and then a home button. The device is put into a hold mode when turned off, and you must physically drag a bar to get into the iTouch. You can use it just like an iPod, dragging and dropping music, movies, podcasts and audio books onto the device via iTunes Music Store.

If the iTouch was purchased before January 2008, you can purchase a software upgrade from Apple that allows you to install applications on the device. If the iTouch was purchased afterwards, it will come with the necessary upgrade preprogrammed to install applications immediately. These applications can be purchased from the iTunes Music Store and dropped into the iTouch from the iTunes program or they can be purchased over the web on the device itself through WiFi.

However, if you do not wish to purchase applications for use, there is another option. There are ways to mod the iTouch, allowing you to essentially jailbreak the device and then install third party applications. These third party applications come in all forms, some taking shape into favorite games or applications users commonly take part in on their computers. These mobile forms allow them to use their favorite programs on the go.

Jailbreaking is the techno-speak term for unauthorizing a device. Unauthorizing a device allows you to tinker with the source code, add code or completely start over with a device and install your own operating system. By jailbreaking the iTouch, this allows you to install third party applications or completely change how the device functions. Depending on how advanced you are with modding devices, you could completely change how the iTouch functions so it no longer is an Apple unit but your own.

Jailbreaking comes with a price. If you mess up or change too much, you could render your iTouch useless. Since once you mod the iTouch, you void the warranty and cannot get any help restoring it, it is essential you understand the risks before taking part in any sort of jailbreaking with the device. If you succeed in jailbreaking, however, you can take advantage of third party applications to your heart's content and can make your device to new levels of use.

How to jailbreak

(This is a basic guide for jailbreaking the iTouch. Depending on the type of jailbreak you download, these instructions may vary or change, refer to the instructions that came with the download. When in doubt, follow those instructions over this tutorial. If you try and follow this one when instructions may have been included, you may ruin your iTouch.)

First, you need to identify what version iTouch you have. This tutorial will show you have to jailbreak the 1.1.2 version. If you have the 1.1.2, the first thing you have to do is downgrade to version 1.1.1. This can be done by downloading a patch at any given number of web sites. Once downgraded, you can begin jailbreaking your iTouch.

Open up Safari and navigate to jailbreakme.com. Scroll down the page, find the Install Appsnapp link and click on it. Give it time to download, and once finished, run the installer on the main screen. When the main screen refreshes, go to Tweaks followed by OktoPrep and finish that installation. Once that finishes, it will gear the iTouch up for a re-updated to version 1.1.2 firmware.

At this point, you can plug your iTouch into your computer and update it to 1.1.2 via iTunes. It should update like you normally would finish a firmware update. Once it completes, let the iTouch refresh itself and then exit iTunes. Open up the Task Manager and close all processes utilizing the Apple application.

From there, you have several options. You need to install a jailbreak version for 1.1.2. You can find this by doing a search in your favorite engine, tracking down the files and downloading them to your desktop. From there, run the Windows-based application for your iTouch. Before you go into the jailbreaking, make sure any settings you need to check are applied and then go on with it. Depending on what type of applications you may be installing, you may need to tweak the settings before you jailbreak.

Once the jailbreak finishes, it can take up to 10 minutes, your iTouch will restart itself, and you will be ready to install third party applications. You will find an installer icon on the iTouch desktop and from there; you can install what you will on the device. Now that your iTouch is jail broken, the possibilities of what you can do with the unit are endless.

What to do now?

Now that you have modded your iTouch, what is next? From here, the sky is the limit! There are thousands of third party applications out there. You can do a search for applications you are looking for or you can visit various web site resources for applications. When you find ones you want, simply follow the instructions, download the files and install them on your iTouch.

Some of the most unique and useful applications come from people who come up with them outside of Apple's radar. While Apple provides a good deal of applications, there are still things consumers want to do on their iTouch that will never be available. For example, if you ever wanted to play old school video games, for the NES, Sega Genesis or Super Nintendo, you can find third party applications that can be installed for you to play to your heart's content.

Take some time to explore what type of applications you can install now that the door is open for you to do so. These party developers have done what they can to bring some of the niftiest and coolest applications to everyone who owns an iTouch. There is sure to be something of interest to everyone out there, it just takes a little time to find. Try searching Google or Yahoo today for third party applications; if you find enough that pique your interest, modding your iTouch might be worth it.

What if jailbreaking doesn't work for you?

If you do mess something up during the jailbreaking process or you just do not think it is worth it after going through the steps, you can always restore your iTouch back to factory settings. However, doing so will erase not only the jailbreaking process and any applications you installed, but it will also erase your music, videos and other data on the unit. You will basically be starting from scratch again, as if you just took it out of the box on its first day in your hands.

Modding the iTouch can be worth it, but it comes with many risks. First and foremost, you have to understand that by modding the iTouch, even attempting it, will void your manufacturer's warranty. Once you void that warranty, if anything goes wrong with the device - even if it is unrelated to the jailbreaking - Apple will not honor your warranty. (This also applies to any third party warranty you have on the device, though a local retailer or web site.)

If you are ready to jailbreak and mod your iTouch, take the time to research your options and the steps you must take to do it. Once you understand how it will work, take your time and follow the steps carefully. You do not want to make a mistake and cause the iTouch to malfunction. As long as you understand the risks involved, you can dive right in and take advantage of what modding has to offer.

If you feel like modding the iTouch is not worth the risks, investing in the software upgrade Apple provides is your other option. If your iTouch did not come with it, you can purchase it from the iTunes Music Store. Once installed, you can purchase, download and install applications from the Store, too. Some applications are free, others cost a small fee, but once loaded onto your iTouch, you can use them at will.

There are a variety of options out there for users who want more from their iTouch. Take the time to weigh your options, make the choice and then take advantage of the applications out there to make your iTouch even more unique. By taking control of your iTouch, you bring it to life in a way that represents you and your interests.