How to Jailbreak the Apple TV 3

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: December 24, 2025 Tested

Jailbreaking your Apple TV 3rd generation allows you to customize your device and install unique themes using third-party apps. This wikiHow teaches you how to jailbreak an Apple TV 3rd generation Rev A running Apple TV Software 6.0–6.2 and 7.2.1–7.9.

Steps

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1
Make sure you have a compatible Apple TV running the compatible Apple TV Software version. Blackb0x is supported on Apple TV 3rd generation Rev A (2013, A1469) running Apple TV Software 7.2.1 to 7.9 for untethered jailbreak and 6.0 to 6.2 for tethered jailbreak.^{[1]
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- The jailbreak also works on Apple TV 2nd generation running Apple TV Software 5.3 (untethered) and 6.2.1 (tethered), although the article is for Apple TV 3rd generation.
- You also need a non-Siri-enabled Apple TV remote. It is included with Apple TV 3rd generation.
- You also need an Intel Mac running OS X El Capitan or later.
- You can check the Apple TV Software version by going to Settings -> General -> About on your device.
2
Download and run the necessary software. On your Mac, download the latest version of Blackb0x, then unzip and run the file.^{[1]
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3
Plug your Apple TV into your Mac. Use USB-A to microUSB cable. Plug the microUSB end into your Apple TV and USB-A end into your Mac. Unplug the HDMI cable from Apple TV.^{[1]
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4
Run the Blackb0x jailbreak. In the Blackb0x app on your Mac, click Install Jailbreak to run the jailbreak. Once it is done, your Apple TV will reboot, so immediately unplug the microUSB cable from Apple TV to prevent your Apple TV from going to recovery mode. After a few minutes, it will display a loading spinner and after that it displays a home screen with Kodi installed.^{[1]
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5
Install packages. On your computer, gain SSH access to your Apple TV by running the command ssh -oHostKeyAlgorithms=+ssh-dss root@127.0.0.1 on terminal, replacing 127.0.0.1 with your Apple TV's IP address. Now you can use SSH to install packages.^{[1]
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- You can find your Apple TV's IP address by going to Settings -> General -> About.

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Question

Will jailbreaking my Apple TV erase all my data?

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Community Answer

No, if you follow all the steps in this article correctly and carefully, your data should not be erased.

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Tips

Consider installing XMBC or a TV Flash from the Web after jailbreaking your Apple TV 3. These utilities offer content made specifically for jailbroken Apple TVs, as well as unique themes, plugins, and apps that can enhance your experience with your jailbroken device.^{[2]
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