Updated: 10/18/2011
Updated the post for redsn0w0.9.9b6 and the release of the Windows version of redsnow. This is still a tethered jailbreak.
The iPhone Dev Team has released a tethered jailbreak that will jailbreak first generation iPads with iOS 5. This jailbreak will require you to plug your iPad into your computer and use the assistance of redsn0w anytime you reboot your iPad.
Here is a tutorial for installing the jailbreak.
- You can upgrade to iOS 5 using iTunes if you haven’t already done so. Never upgrade using iTunes if you use for iPhone jailbreaks if you rely on Ultrasn0w for an unlock. It upgrades the baseband making your phone no longer unlockable.
- Download redsn0w 0.9.9b6 for Mac.
Download redsn0w 0.9.9b6 for Windows. - Plug your iPad into your computer and turn off your iPad (slide to power off).
Double click on the redsn0w folder you downloaded and double click on redsn0w to open it.- Click “Jailbreak” Jailbreak and install Cydia.
- Your iPad should be plugged in and off, if it is click next to proceed.
- Redsn0w will guide you through the steps to put your iPad in DFU mode. This version of redsn0w was a little slow with the timing. If you have trouble entering DFU mode, follow these steps by using your own timing and not the on screen directions.
- After your iPad is in DFU mode, you should see the screen below. Cydia is selected by default you will also want to Enable multitask gestures since Apple didn’t include it with iOS 5 for the 1st iPad.
- Your iPad should start displaying some scrolling text while the jailbreak is being installed. Redsn0w will let you know that the rest of the process will take place on your device.
- Cydia should be installed on your iPad when the jailbreak process is complete. If your Cydia icon is blank or fails to open, turn off your iPad (slide to power off) and leave it plugged in to your computer.
- Open redsn0w and click on “Extras” Everything else.
- Click “Just boot” Just boot tethered right now.
- Repeat the process of entering your iPad in DFU mode from step 7.
1. Hold the power button for 3 seconds.
2. Without releasing the Power button, also hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
3. Without releasing the Home button, release the Power button but keep holding the Home button until redsn0w recognizes your iPad is in DFU mode (5-15 seconds).

After your iPad reboots you should be able to use Cydia. We will let you know when the untethered version is released.

















Hi~I just took the steps to enable multitasking gesture on my iPad 1. The result is good but the safari and e-mail program crash when opened. Just let you guys know. Regards.
Hi, yeah I got the same here, after this procedure mail and safari crashes.
You should try turning off your iPad and doing a Just Boot again with redsn0w. I running the jailbreak and Safari and Mail isn’t crashing.
I also experienced the problem with mail and safari (and Youtube). The just reboot trick solved this for me. Thanks for this trick @Phil
i have a crash by using ibooks, and the described solves doesn´t work. any others possibilities?
so, after a reboot by pressing the power button, waiting 3 minutes and restart, ibooks is working again, but cydia doesn´t work. so is it necessary to have cydia on the ipad, if not, i would delete the item ?