Cydia for iOS is back with a vengeance, offering users the only way to modify their devices and install whatever they want
The Cydia app is completely free so, for those who don’t know what Cydia is or want a refresher, here are all the details.
Content Summary
How to Download Cydia:
Cydia can only be downloaded in one way – by installing a jailbreak on your iPhone or iPad. We now have a good choice of up-to-date utilities, so go to the Cydia Download Page and choose the one that matches your device architecture and firmware. Each jailbreak utility on the page comes complete with download links and a full download guide.
How to Use Cydia:
Cydia is user-friendly and, when you open it to the home page, you see the following options:
- Sources – displays all the installed sources – preinstalled and third-party one you added. You can also add new ones from here and edit the existing ones.
- Search – here, you can search for the apps, tweaks, libraries, etc. that you want on your device
- Installed – see all your downloaded content from Cydia
- Changes – see any updates available for your downloaded content and apply them from here
How to Add a New Repository to Cydia:
When you install Cydia, it already has a number of preinstalled repositories and these have everything a beginner could possibly want. However, you can also add external sources although you should be aware that these may not be safe to use – only download from reputable sites:
- Launch Cydia
- Tap Sources
- Tap Edit > Add
- In the box, type in the repository URL
- Tap on Add Source and your repository is added
How to Download Cydia Tweaks:
Downloading Tweaks is simple:
- Launch Cydia
- Tap on Search
- Type in the name of the tweak you want
- Check your device supports it
- Tap Confirm > Restart Springboard and your tweak will be installed.
How to Delete Tweaks:
This couldn’t be easier:
- Launch Cydia
- Tap Installed > Recent
- Tap the name of the tweak you want to be deleted
- Tap on Modify > Remove
- Tap Confirm > Restart Springboard and your tweak is removed
Cydia App Features:
Cydia is the only way to circumvent the security Apple has in place on your iPhone and iPad. With it, you can install whatever content you want, change how things work and how your device looks, and lots more. Here’s what Cydia gives you:
- Themes – A great choice of themes to change how your device looks
- Tweaks – Loads of tweaks to change how parts of your device look and work, such as the icons, lock screen, fonts, messaging app, app switcher, and more
- Apps – Apps to add new features to stock apps and features, such as your lock screen, app switcher, and more
- Lock Screen Themes – Have what you want on your lock screen and have it working the way you want
Without Cydia, Apple controls what you can do on your device but Cydia gives that control back to you. An early example of what it can do relates to Wi-Fi-only apps. On earlier iOS versions, Messenger could only be used on Wi-Fi but one simple tweak changes that. It fools your device into believing it is on Wi-Fi when it is on data, allowing you to use what you want on your device, whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions:
These tell you all you need to know about Cydia:
- What is Cydia?
Developed in 2008 by Saurik ( Jay Freeman ), Cydia is an app store, released to counter Apple’s first store, install.app. Cydia offers so much that it has now become one of the most popular unofficial stores in the world, providing all you need to modify your device in one easy-to-use place.
- Why Should I Download Cydia?
Because if you don’t, you can only use your device the way Apple tells you. If you download Cydia, you have access to all these cool features:
- Change how your device works and looks with a variety of themes, tweaks, and apps
- Give existing features new functionality
- Give stock apps new features
- Download third-party apps and games
- Download tons of iBooks, wallpapers, ringtones, themes, and more
- How Do I Install Cydia on iPhone?
By installing one of the working jailbreak utilities on your device
- Is Cydia Free to Download?
Yes, because the jailbreak utilities are free
- Is Cydia Safe to Use?
So long as you only use the official links and be careful about where you install third-party repositories from, then it is safe.
- Is Cydia Legal to Download?
Yes, the Library of Congress ruled it legal in 2012.
- Are All the Cydia Tweaks Free?
No. Most are free but some cost a small amount. There are a few higher-priced tweaks but you do not have to purchase them if you don’t want to.
- Are there Any Cydia Alternatives?
Yes, but these are not reliant. They offer lots of unofficial apps, games and more and provide a way of seeing if a jailbreak might work for you. Try alternatives like Panda Helper and TutuApp to get the best idea.
- What is a Repository?
Repositories are where developers store their tweaks, apps, and libraries and Cydia already has a good selection of preinstalled ones. However, you can add external ones, although you must make sure they are safe to use before you do.
- How to Delete Cydia
To delete Cydia, simply restore your device through iTunes. If you do not want to go onto the most up-to-date firmware, download Cydia Impactor from Cydia and remove the jailbreak while retaining your current firmware.