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You can try checkra1n on an A7–A11 device running iOS or iPadOS 14.6–14.8.1 by enabling its “Allow untested iOS/iPadOS/tvOS versions” option. This is an untested-firmware workaround, not official support for those releases. Check the device, computer, and security limitations below before proceeding.
What checkra1n officially lists as supported
The checkra1n project BugTracker lists A7–A11 devices and iOS versions 12.0–14.8 as supported: checkra.in BugTracker. The project’s 0.12.3 beta release notes specifically identify iOS 14.5 support; they do not establish official support for 14.6–14.8.1: checkra1n 0.12.3 beta release notes.
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The instructions for 14.6–14.8.1 were published by iDownloadBlog on January 18, 2022. They describe proceeding after enabling the untested-version option and accepting a partial-support warning: iDownloadBlog’s procedure. iOS 14.8.1 is beyond the BugTracker’s listed upper limit, so treat it as especially uncertain. The available information does not establish a success matrix for every device model, firmware build, computer, and cable combination.
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Check your device and computer first
- Device: The cited project materials cover A7–A11 devices. They do not guarantee that every model in that range will work on every listed firmware.
- Computer: The 0.12.3 beta notes identify macOS and Linux as supported host platforms. The BugTracker lists Windows as unsupported. WSL is unsuitable for this workflow because it lacks the required USB support. Virtual machines are unofficial and may or may not work.
- Linux exception: The release notes say A7 devices do not work with the Linux version. Use a supported macOS host for an A7 device rather than relying on Linux instructions.
- Connection: Some Lightning-to-USB-C cables, including some Apple cables, may fail to put a device into DFU mode. If that happens, the BugTracker suggests trying a USB-A cable, potentially with a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter.
Important warning for A11 devices
On an A11 device running iOS 14 or later, checkra1n’s release notes require removing the passcode and enabling “Skip A11 BPR check.” The project explicitly says this is not recommended. Passcode and biometric authentication will not be available while the device is jailbroken. Consider whether you can accept that loss of protection before starting; do not proceed if you need those protections during the jailbreak.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #2
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
#1 Best Overall
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
How to try checkra1n on iOS or iPadOS 14.6–14.8.1
- Get checkra1n from the official domain. Use checkra.in, which the project identifies as its only official download domain. Beware of similar-looking domains. The release page describes checkra1n as a beta preview and says it “should not be installed on a primary device.”
- Open checkra1n on a supported host and connect the device. Use macOS or Linux, subject to the A7-on-Linux exception above. Connect the device with a cable capable of establishing the connection and entering DFU mode.
- Open Options. In checkra1n, select Options and check Allow untested iOS/iPadOS/tvOS versions.
- Return to the main screen and read the warning. Continue only if you understand that the firmware is treated as partially supported or untested. This setting allows an attempt; it does not convert the firmware into an officially supported release or guarantee success.
- For A11 on iOS 14 or later, apply the required exception. Only if you accept the security consequences, remove the passcode and enable Skip A11 BPR check as required by the project notes.
- Follow the prompts to enter recovery and DFU mode. Follow the on-screen instructions for your device. If DFU entry fails with a USB-C cable, try a different cable connection, such as USB-A with an appropriate adapter; the cited project materials do not promise every cable will work.
What to expect if the attempt fails
- If checkra1n rejects the firmware or displays a partial-support warning, do not treat the warning as a routine confirmation: the procedure is an untested-version workaround.
- If the device will not enter DFU mode, check the cable and USB connection first. A USB-A cable may resolve a problem with some USB-C cables, but compatibility varies.
- If you are using Windows, WSL, a virtual machine, or Linux with an A7 device, the host environment is outside the established supported setup described above. Switch to a supported macOS/Linux setup where applicable rather than assuming the same procedure will work.
- If you have an A11 device, do not disable its passcode or skip the BPR check unless you understand and accept the loss of passcode and biometric authentication while jailbroken.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
