Jailbreaking might sound like a clever way to get more control over your phone – but it can be risky. By breaking free of the manufacturer’s built-in protections, you’re not just opening your phone to extra apps, you’re also opening the door to hackers, scammers, and data thieves.

What is jailbreaking?

Jailbreaking – sometimes called 'rooting' on Android devices – is the process of removing the built-in restrictions that phone manufacturers have installed on your phone. It’s often done with third-party software and gives you access to the deepest parts of your phone’s system.

Once your phone is jailbroken, you can download apps that aren’t available on official stores, tweak the phone’s performance, and customise it beyond the usual limits. While many believe that this is the only way to use your phone to its full potential, there is a reason why these restriction systems are put in place: to protect your data.

Why do people do it?

There are all sorts of reasons:

• Curiosity.
•  A friend shows you how without explaining the possible consequences.
• The phone came that way when you bought it second hand.
• You want freedom from manufacturer restrictions and locked-in partnerships.

Jailbreaking your phone may seem appealing because it gives you access to apps or games that aren’t available in the official app store. It can even help remove ads or restrictions in certain apps. So, you do get the freedom to customise the look and feel of your device beyond its standard features – and you may even be able to 'unlock' certain paid features for free.

But nothing is ever really free – in this case, the price is usually your security.

Is jailbreaking your phone legal?

Yes – jailbreaking isn’t illegal in South Africa. However, it will almost certainly be a breach of the terms and conditions you agree to with the manufacturer and service provider when you buy the phone. And if you haven’t complied with the T&Cs, they cannot be held responsible for any problems that result.

That means if something goes wrong with your device, you could lose your warranty, support, and in some cases, even access to certain apps and services.

Security dangers of jailbreaking your phone

Think of jailbreaking as removing the roof, windows, and doors of your home. You may have a great view of the sky, but you’re exposed to so many more threats. It’s all fun and games until you realise that your data has been compromised and someone has full access to your phone.

• Your photos and messages aren’t safe
  Jailbreaking removes the layers of security that keep apps sandboxed. Hackers can infiltrate your device with malware, giving them access to your photos, messages, and contacts.
  
  
• Your banking apps could be vulnerable
  Banking and payment apps are designed to detect jailbroken devices and may refuse to run on them. If they don’t, your financial information or biometric verification selfies could be exposed to cybercriminals.
  
  
• You’re at risk from spyware
  With fewer protections, it’s easier for cybercriminals to insert malicious software on your device – to monitor your calls, track your location, or steal your passwords.
  
  
• No security updates
  Jailbroken phones often block or break official updates, leaving you stuck with outdated software that hackers can exploit more easily.

So, the same changes that give you more control can also take away the protections keeping your sensitive data safe.

Can you fix a jailbroken phone?

In some cases, yes. A factory reset may remove the jailbreak, but it’s not guaranteed, and it may not undo all the security damage if malware has already been installed. Plus, by the time you realise your phone has been compromised, the damage – for example, identity theft or having your banking account hacked – could already be done.

If you bought your phone second hand or from a non-accredited retailer, there’s an extra risk that it may already be jailbroken when you get it. Always buy with caution.

Keep your devices safe

Your phone carries your most personal data, photos, conversations, passwords, and access to your money. It’s not worth gambling with that security for the sake of a few tweaks.

If your device is jailbroken, outdated, or no longer secure, the safest move may be to upgrade. With Avo SuperShop you can trade your device in online, making it easy to swap your old phone for a newer, more secure device that protects your data and your peace of mind.