HOWTO : Upgrade to iPhone 3.0 on your Unlocked iPhone


The iPhone 3.0 Software is releasing on June 17th. Thats not too far but the firmware is already out on the interwebs. This guide is meant only for folks who are comfortable hacking their iphones.

We tested this guide on a iPhone 2G which was running version 2.1 firmware. Now its running version 3.0 and still remains unlocked. We had some issues with the upgrade and the phone got bricked a couple of times.

The Steps

  • Backup your iPhone using iTunes first . Would be useful just in case you wish to restore data.
  • This process will format your phone memory . Make sure to save all important stuff and make a not of apps installed.
  • You will need a Pwned version of the iPhone firmware before you restore to the 3.0 firmware.
  • Get iTunes 8.2 . Previous versions wont work !

  • Grab the Pwned version of the 2.2.1 software here as long as it lasts ! If you are already on 2.2.1 with a Pwned phone , you can skip this step.
  • Its a 250MB file approx.
  • Open itunes and connect your phone in DFU mode – just hold both home and power button when booting up
  • Inside itunes, after the phone is connected, lookout of the RESTORE button, dont click it
  • Use Shift + RESTORE and look out for the firmware file you downloaded before.
  • Restore should begin and should take some time
  • Your iphone will be restored to iPhone 2.2.1 and should still remain activated.
  • Now connect the phone again and now you should see UPDATE Button
  • Don’t click on UPDATE , click SHIFT +UPDATE
  • you will be prompted for a file  – Grab the iPhone 3.0 Firmware – ~250 MB
  • if all goes well , you should have iPhone 3.0 and your phone should remain unlocked !

We tried it and it worked. Good Luck and tell us if you made it all the way !

WARNING – If you dont follow the steps , you can brick your phone. So Beware ! don’t try it unless you know what your are doing


Author: Varun Krish

Varun Krish is a Mobile Technology Enthusiast and has been blogging about mobile phones since 2005. His current phones include the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Google Pixel 6. You can follow him on Twitter @varunkrish and on Google+ You can also mail Varun Krish