Jailbreaking an iPhone running iOS 13 was a popular way to unlock extra customization, but it comes with real trade-offs: no official software updates, weaker security, unstable apps, and no warranty coverage. If you are done experimenting and want your iPhone back to its factory-clean, stock condition, the good news is that removing the jailbreak is straightforward. This guide walks you through the safe, verified ways to un-jailbreak iOS 13, based on Apple’s official restore documentation.
Before you start: back up your iPhone
Removing a jailbreak wipes the device, so back up everything first. You can back up to iCloud from Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, or connect your iPhone to a computer and create a backup with Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows). Keep in mind that a backup made while jailbroken may carry over jailbreak leftovers, so a fresh start is sometimes cleaner. If you ever need to put fresh firmware on an older device, our guide on installing the latest firmware on an old iPhone or iPad covers the restore process in more detail.
How to remove the iOS 13 jailbreak
Method 1: Restore with a computer (most reliable)
- Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC with a Lightning cable and open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows / older macOS).
- Put the iPhone into recovery mode: press and quickly release Volume Up, press and quickly release Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
- Your computer will offer two options — choose Restore. This downloads a fresh copy of iOS and installs it, completely erasing the jailbreak, tweaks, and the jailbreak app itself.
- Wait for the process to finish without disconnecting the cable. Your iPhone will restart into the stock setup screen.
Method 2: Use the jailbreak’s own un-jailbreak option
- Some iOS 13 jailbreak tools, such as unc0ver, include a built-in Restore RootFS feature. Open the jailbreak app on your iPhone.
- Go to the app’s settings and enable Restore RootFS, then tap Jailbreak (or Re-Jailbreak). The tool will remove its own files and return the system partition to stock.
- Once it finishes, delete the jailbreak app and restart your iPhone. Note that this method removes the jailbreak but keeps you on iOS 13 — it does not update iOS.
Finish up
- After restoring, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest available iOS version to get current security fixes.
- Restore your backup during setup, or set the phone up as new for the cleanest result.
- Reinstall your apps from the App Store. If you had developer sideloaded apps, see our guide on enabling Developer Mode on iPhone for the modern requirements.
Prefer a visual walkthrough? There are plenty of step-by-step videos on YouTube showing the jailbreak removal process.
If it still doesn’t work
If the restore fails or the iPhone gets stuck, try DFU mode (a deeper restore state) instead of regular recovery mode, use a different Lightning cable or USB port, and make sure your computer’s software is up to date. If iTunes/Finder keeps throwing an error code, look it up in Apple’s restore error guide — most codes point to a connection or security-software issue, not a broken phone.
FAQ
Will removing the jailbreak delete my photos and messages?
A full restore erases everything on the device, which is why the backup step matters. If you restore from an iCloud or computer backup afterward, your photos, messages, and settings come back — only the jailbreak and its tweaks are gone for good.
Can I jailbreak again later if I change my mind?
Only if a jailbreak exists for the iOS version you end up on. Restoring usually updates you to the newest signed iOS, which may not have a public jailbreak. The Restore RootFS method is the safer choice if you want to keep iOS 13 and the option open.
Conclusion
Going back to stock iOS 13 is a matter of restoring your iPhone with a computer or using the jailbreak tool’s own removal feature. Back up first, restore, update, and you will have a clean, secure, fully updatable iPhone again — no traces of the jailbreak left behind.
