How to Jailbreak iPhone 4.2.1 with PwnageTool

The Dev Team just released PwnageTool 4.2, a jailbreak for iOS 4.2.1 for iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4 (AT&T and Verizon), as well as the iPad, Apple TV, and iPod Touch 3G and 4G.

PwnageTool will allow you to jailbreak your iPhone on the latest iOS 4.2.1 while preserving its baseband, thus allowing you to unlock with UltraSn0w, assuming you are still on baseband 01.59.00.
This step by step guide will show you how to jailbreak your iPhone 4.2.1 with PwnageTool, a Mac-only jailbreak for iPhone…
Step 1: Make sure you are running the latest version of iTunes. If not, update iTunes then sync your iPhone. Close iTunes when done.
Step 2:

Download iOS 4.2.1 via direct links here:

• iPhone 3G
• iPhone 3G S
• iPhone 4
• iPod touch 2G
• iPod touch 3G
• iPod touch 4G
• Download iOS 4.2.1 for Apple TV 2G

Download PwnageTool_4.2.dmg.6176918.TPB.Mirror
Step 3: Launch PwnageTool, select Expert Mode, then select your device. Click the blue arrow to continue.

Step 4: Now browse for the iOS 4.2.1 firmware you downloaded in step 2.

Step 5: Select “General” and click on the blue arrow to continue. If your iPhone is NOT on an official carrier, select “Activate the phone”. If you are on an official carrier (ie. AT&T in the US), make sure this option is deselected. You can also increase the root partition at about 1,000 MB. Click the blue arrow to continue.

Step 6: You are now in Cydia settings. From there, you can choose to pre-install jailbreak apps so that you don’t have to do it later. Dig around this option if you want to pre-install apps now. When done, click the blue arrow to continue.
Step 7: You are in “Custom packages settings”. By default, “Cydia Installer” should be selected. Make sure it is selected and click next.
Step 8: Click “Build”, then click the blue arrow.

Step 9: Select where to save your custom firmware. I like to save it on the desktop. If prompted, enter your password.

Step 10: PwnageTool will now build your custom IPSW, which should take a few minutes.

Step 11: When done, PwnageTool will help you get your iPhone in DFU mode. Just follow the instructions that appear on your screen: hold power and home button together for 10 seconds ; release power button while still holding the home button. When done, PwnageTool will tell you to go and restore in iTunes.

Step 12: Once you launch iTunes, it will tell you it has detected an iPhone in recovery mode and that it must be restored. Click ok.
Step 13: In iTunes click on “restore” while holding the Alt/Option key on your Mac. A window will pop up. Select the custom IPSW that built in step 10.
Step 14: iTunes will restore your iPhone using this custom firmware, which should take a few minutes.
Once you’re done, you should have the Cydia icon on your springboard. Depending on your baseband version, you might even be able to unlock using UltraSn0w.