How to Jailbreak Apple TV Gen 2 – Complete Step‑by‑Step Guide (UK)

The Apple TV Gen 2 is a small black box from Apple. It was very popular when it first came out. Many people in the UK still use it today. It connects to your TV and lets you watch shows from apps like BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

Table of Contents

Jailbreaking means opening up your device to do more things. It removes the restrictions Apple puts on the Apple TV. This lets you install apps and make changes that Apple doesn’t normally allow.

OUR EXPERT

James Walker

Firestick & Streaming Expert

With over a decade of experience in streaming technology, IPTV apps, and Amazon Fire TV devices, James specializes in Firestick jailbreaking, app installation, and cord-cutting solutions for users in the UK.

Updated May 15, 2025

Add as a preferred source on Google

People want to jailbreak their Apple TV Gen 2 for several reasons. They want access to more apps that are not in the official Apple store. They like to customize how their Apple TV looks and works. They also want to stream movies and music from their own computer onto their TV.

This guide explains the process for educational purposes. We focus on legal ways to use your Apple TV after jailbreaking. This means using it for your own media and safe, legal apps.

What Is Apple TV Gen 2?

The Apple TV 2nd generation came out in 2010. It was a big step forward from the first model. It has a small, sleek design and connects to your TV with an HDMI cable.

It has some hardware limitations because it is an older device. It uses an older processor and has less memory than newer models. The software is based on an old version of iOS, which is the system used on iPhones and iPads.

The Apple TV Gen 2 is different from newer Apple TV models. Newer models, like the 4K versions, are much more powerful. They support 4K video and have faster chips. They also run a newer operating system called tvOS.

People still like the Apple TV Gen 2 for jailbreaking. It is more flexible than some newer models. Its older software is easier for developers to unlock and modify. This makes it a popular choice for people who want to tinker with their device.

How to Get Sky Glass Playlist on Firestick (Free & Jailbreak Methods)

Sky Glass is a premium UK-based streaming service offering live TV, sports, movies, and exclusive Sky channels. While a paid subscription is required for official access, many users look for ways to watch Sky Glass on Firestick for free using jailbreak methods. Below, we explore safe (and legal) alternatives to enjoy Sky Glass content without a subscription.

Get Free Sky Glass

What Does Jailbreaking Apple TV Gen 2 Do?

Jailbreaking your Apple TV Gen 2 unlocks its full potential. It is like getting the keys to a locked room inside your device.

The main thing it does is let you install third-party apps. These are apps not found in the official Apple App Store. You can add media players like Kodi, which can organize your movie collection. You can add other tools and utilities.

Jailbreaking also gives you access to the file system. This means you can see and manage the files on your Apple TV, just like on a computer. You can add custom themes to change the look of the menus. You can install software that lets you stream videos directly from a website.

It is important to know the difference between some words. Jailbreaking means removing software restrictions. Rooting is a similar term often used for Android devices. Hacking is a broader term that can mean finding clever ways into a system, but it sometimes has a negative meaning related to stealing.

Jailbreaking does NOT give you free access to paid TV channels or subscription services. You cannot use it to get Sky Sports or Netflix for free. It simply lets you install different software on the device you own.

Is Jailbreaking Apple TV Gen 2 Legal in the UK?

In the UK, the act of jailbreaking your own Apple TV Gen 2 is generally legal. You own the device, so you can change its software if you want to. This is similar to modifying a car you own.

However, what you do with the jailbroken device must also be legal. Copyright infringement is against the law. This means using the jailbreak to watch paid movies, sports, or TV shows without a subscription is illegal.

We must emphasise responsible use. After jailbreaking, you should only install legal apps. You should use it for streaming your own personal movies and music from your computer. You can use it to watch free, legal content from the internet.

A note on warranty: The Apple TV Gen 2 is a very old, discontinued product. Its official warranty from Apple expired many years ago. So, jailbreaking it does not void a warranty, because there is no warranty left to void.

into Settings Option

Then Click on Developer Options

Then Click on install unknown Apps

Turn ON “Apps from Unknown Sources”

Click your device name 7 times

Things to Know Before Jailbreaking

Before you start, there are some important things to understand about the Apple TV Gen 2.

This device only supports very old iOS software versions. The jailbreak process only works on specific old versions, like iOS 5 or 6. If your Apple TV has updated past this, you might not be able to jailbreak it.

The jailbreak methods we talk about are only for the Apple TV 2 (second generation). They do not work on the Apple TV 3, 4, or 4K. The hardware and software are too different.

You should consider the risks. Jailbreaking can sometimes make the software unstable. An app you install might cause the Apple TV to crash. If something goes very wrong, you might need to restore the device to its original factory settings, which erases everything.

Here is what you will need to follow a jailbreak guide:

An Apple TV Gen 2.
A micro-USB cable (the same kind used for many older phones).
A computer (either a Mac or a Windows PC).
A good internet connection to download the necessary files.

How to Jailbreak Apple TV Gen 2 – Step‑by‑Step

This section explains the general steps for a historical jailbreak. The specific tools may no longer be available, as this is an old device.

Step 1: Check Apple TV Software Version

First, you need to know what software your Apple TV is running. Go to Settings > General > About on your Apple TV. Look for the “Software Version” number. Version compatibility matters because older jailbreak tools were designed for specific versions like 5.3 or 6.2.

Step 2: Download Required Jailbreak Tool

Based on your software version, you would find the right tool. A popular tool for this device was called Seas0nPass. Important: Only download such tools from trusted, well-known developer websites. Do not get them from random links, as they could contain viruses.

Step 3: Connect Apple TV Gen 2 to Computer

Turn off your Apple TV. Connect the small end of the micro-USB cable to the port on the back of your Apple TV. Connect the other end to a USB port on your computer.

Step 4: Put Apple TV into DFU Mode

DFU Mode stands for Device Firmware Update mode. It is a special state that lets the computer talk directly to the device’s software. To enter DFU mode:

Hold down the Menu and Play/Pause buttons on the Apple TV remote.
While holding them, plug the power cable back into the Apple TV.
Keep holding the buttons for about 7 seconds, then let go. The front light on the Apple TV should be off.

Step 5: Run the Jailbreak Tool

Open the jailbreak tool (e.g., Seas0nPass) on your computer. It should detect your Apple TV is in DFU mode. The tool will then create a custom firmware file and install it onto your Apple TV. You must wait for this process to complete. Do not disconnect the cables.

Step 6: Restore & Reboot Apple TV

Once the tool says it is finished, you can disconnect the Apple TV from the computer. Plug it back into your television. Turn it on. If the jailbreak worked, you should see a new app appear, often called “NitoTV” or “Cydia”. This is your new app store for jailbroken software.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If the computer doesn’t detect the Apple TV, try a different USB cable or port.
If the Apple TV gets stuck on the Apple logo, you may need to put it back into DFU mode and try the restore process again.
If the jailbreak fails, ensure you have the correct software version and the right version of the jailbreak tool.

What You Can Do After Jailbreaking Apple TV Gen 2

After a successful jailbreak, your Apple TV can do much more. You are no longer limited to the Apple App Store.

You can install powerful third-party apps. The most popular is Kodi. Kodi is a free media player. You can use it to play movies and music from a USB drive or your home network. You can also add legal “add-ons” for weather, news, and YouTube. Always use legal add-ons.

You can stream local media from your PC or a NAS (Network Attached Storage). This means all the movies on your computer can be played on your big TV through the Apple TV.

You can find software to customise the menus. You might be able to change the background or organise your apps in a new way.

In the UK, this turns your old Apple TV into a basic but powerful media hub. It can centralise your digital movie collection and give you access to free online content.

Risks and Disadvantages of Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking is not without its downsides. You should be aware of them before you start.

The main risk is software instability. Since you are installing unofficial software, things might not work perfectly. An app could cause your Apple TV to freeze or crash, requiring a restart.

After jailbreaking, you will likely not be able to install official Apple updates. Updating could remove the jailbreak or even cause problems. You are stuck with the older software version.

There are security risks if you install software from unknown sources. A bad app could have malware. This is why you must only install apps from trusted developers within the jailbreak community.

Finally, remember the Apple TV Gen 2 has old hardware. It cannot play modern 4K videos. It might struggle with some high-definition files or complex menus. There are limits to what this older device can do, even after jailbreaking.

Apple TV Gen 2 Jailbreak FAQs

Can Apple TV Gen 2 still be jailbroken in 2026?
Yes, the process still works if you have the right software version. However, finding the correct, safe jailbreak tools might be harder as websites shut down.

Can I undo the jailbreak?
Yes. You can usually perform a factory restore through iTunes on your computer. This will wipe the Apple TV and install the latest official Apple software, removing the jailbreak.

Will jailbreaking give me free paid channels?
No. Jailbreaking only lets you install different software on the device. It does not provide subscriptions to services like Sky, Netflix, or Disney+. Using it to access paid content for free is illegal.

Is Kodi legal on Apple TV in the UK?
Yes, the Kodi software itself is completely legal. It is a media player, like VLC. What can be illegal is installing third-party add-ons that provide access to copyrighted movies and TV shows without permission. Stick to official Kodi add-ons.

Why can’t Apple TV Gen 3 be jailbroken?
The Apple TV Gen 3 uses different, more secure hardware. Developers never found a reliable way to jailbreak its software. The methods that work on the Gen 2 do not work on the Gen 3.

Conclusion

Jailbreaking your Apple TV Gen 2 can bring new life to an old device. The benefits include installing new apps like Kodi, streaming your personal media, and customising the interface.

However, it also has limitations. The device is old, the process can be tricky, and there are risks of instability. It will not give you access to paid content for free.

We encourage responsible and legal usage. Use your jailbroken Apple TV to manage your own movie collection and explore legal, free software. Think carefully about whether the benefits are worth the effort for your needs. For many in the UK with an old Apple TV in a drawer, it can be a fun project.