Problem on “Different SIM Detected” Already Fixed

Apple has recently blocked a jailbreaking method used to activate iPhones without need for an official AT&T SIM. Jailbreaking an iPhone using this method now shows a prompt saying “Different SIM Detected” and tells you to connect to iTunes.

Not to worry folks. As fast as Apple was able to patch this jailbreaking method, the immediate solution or way around it has also been discovered.

Jailbreaking without an official SIM is usually done by using any phonebook SIM card from Radioshack, Ebay or mobile phone shops. These phonebook SIMs used to save and transfer contacts have universal preprogrammed ICCIDs so they are able to work.

Fixing the “Different SIM Detected” problem can now be remedied using the following methods:

1. Restore your iPhone to iOS 4.0.1 via iTunes.
2. Once restored, insert the phonebook sim card to activate the iPhone.
3. After activating it, remove the phonebook sim card.
4. Next, you need to go to Safari and to http://jailbreakme.com.
5. “Slide to jailbreak” to start the jailbreak process.
6. After jailbreaking, launch cydia and install both “afc2add” and “ultrasn0w”. (The “afc2add” is a service for USB file browsing and the “ultrasn0w” is to unlock your iPhone.)
7. After running ultrasn0w to unlock your iPhone, you will still see the “Different SIM Detected” prompt. You would then need to download iPhone Explorer, which is a freeware for browsing the iPhone’s file system.
8. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB and launch iPhone Explorer.
9. Go to the folder /var/root/Library and delete the “Lockdown” folder.
10. Download the patched version of lockdown folder. (You need to register before you can download the file.)
11. Copy the “Lockdown” folder to /var/root/Library which is the same location as the Lockdown folder you deleted in #9.
11. Lastly, you need to restart your iPhone to activate the fix.

Happy fixing everyone!