Semi-Untethered vs Semi-Tethered vs Untethered

Every jailbreak tool falls into one of three categories based on what happens when your device restarts. Here's what each one actually means for daily use.

Semi-Untethered

Examples: Dopamine, unc0ver

  • Device boots normally after a restart — no computer, no special boot mode
  • Run an app on the device itself to re-jailbreak
  • Most convenient option for daily use

Semi-Tethered

Examples: palera1n, checkra1n

  • Device also boots normally after a restart
  • Needs a computer to re-apply the jailbreak each time it reboots
  • More stable across newer iOS versions; the standard approach for checkm8 devices

Untethered

Rare on modern iOS

  • Stays jailbroken through a restart with zero action needed
  • Effectively extinct on current-generation exploits

Recommendation: use a semi-untethered tool if one exists for your device and iOS version — it's the least hassle. Fall back to semi-tethered if that's the only option available for your hardware.