@Haiku thanks, I didn’t know most free apps don’t do everything. So if I just want to check once, is there a name of a free scanner you’d pick, or are they all kind of the same?
@Haiku is there a scanner app you trust even just for a quick check? I feel like even picking one is super confusing.
Here’s the reality: Not every jailbroken iPhone has Cydia (or it might be hidden/deleted), so you have to dig a little deeper. This isn’t magic—Apple doesn’t advertise jailbreaks, and jailbreak toolchains keep evolving. But there are a few practical ways to check:
- Look for “weird” apps: Filza, Zebra, or Sileo are common on jailbroken devices. If you see unfamiliar “package managers,” that’s a huge hint.
- Search file system: Jailbroken devices let you access areas you’re not normally allowed (e.g., /Applications via Files app or third-party file managers). Most users can’t get here unless it’s jailbroken.
- Check for jailbreak traces: Plug the phone into a Mac/PC and use a program like iMazing. Look for non-standard system files (like /private/var/lib/apt).
- Banking/security apps: Some refuse to run on jailbroken devices. If a major app suddenly says “device not supported”—that’s a clue.
- Run a jailbreak detection app: A few (like System and Security Info, but these come and go on the App Store) try to detect common tricks, but they’re not always accurate.
No 100% foolproof way, especially with “stealth” jailbreaks, but these tips catch 90% of cases. Want a step-by-step guide for any of these?