Jailbreaking iOS 13 opened the door to themes, tweaks and sideloaded apps — but it also comes with trade-offs: banking apps refuse to run, the battery drains faster, and every iOS update becomes a headache. If you are done with the jailbreak life, the good news is that removing it is straightforward. You can either unjailbreak cleanly while keeping your data, or wipe the device completely for a fresh start. Here is how to do both.
Before you begin, back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud or your computer. Removing a jailbreak is safe, but a backup protects you if anything goes sideways. If you are generally keeping your iPhone up to date, you may also like our guide to getting the latest firmware on an old iPhone or iPad.
How to remove the iOS 13 jailbreak
There are two methods. The first keeps your data; the second erases everything.
Method 1: Restore RootFS (keeps your data)
- Open the jailbreak app you used — unc0ver or checkra1n — on your device.
- In unc0ver, tap the gear icon to open Settings and enable "Restore RootFS". The checkra1n app has an equivalent option in its settings.
- Tap Jailbreak (unc0ver) or run the restore process. The tool strips all jailbreak files, tweaks and system modifications from the device.
- When it finishes, the device will respring or reboot. Cydia or Sileo and all tweaks should be gone, while your photos, apps and settings remain untouched.
- Delete the jailbreak app itself from your home screen and reboot once more to finish.
Method 2: Full restore via computer (erases everything)
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to a Mac or PC and open Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes.
- Select your device and click Restore iPhone/iPad. Confirm that you want to erase and restore.
- The computer downloads the latest signed iOS version and installs it fresh — this completely removes the jailbreak.
- When prompted, restore from the backup you made earlier to get your data back.
Apple’s official restore instructions are on Apple Support, and 9to5Mac covers jailbreak tools and removal guides. The community also shares up-to-date tips on X (Twitter), and there are visual walkthroughs on YouTube.
If it still doesn’t work
If Cydia or tweaks linger after Restore RootFS, the system snapshot may be damaged — use Method 2 (full restore) instead, which always works. If Finder or iTunes throws an error during the restore, put the device in DFU mode and try again. And if you are moving to a new device afterward, see how to transfer game saves from iPhone to iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Will removing the jailbreak delete my photos and apps?
Not with Restore RootFS — your data stays intact. A full computer restore erases everything, which is why the backup step is essential. Either way, back up first.
Can I jailbreak again later?
Yes, as long as a jailbreak tool supports your iOS version. But note that restoring via computer installs the latest signed iOS, which may not be jailbreakable — check compatibility before updating. For more iOS quirks, read why the mouse cursor sticks to buttons in iOS.
Conclusion
Removing the iOS 13 jailbreak takes just a few minutes: Restore RootFS for a clean unjailbreak that keeps your data, or a full computer restore for a completely fresh start. Either way you end up back on stock iOS — with banking apps, software updates and peace of mind restored.
