When Apple released the latest iOS version, they blocked jailbreaking for some time. However, Cydia is now back with a vengeance, providing iOS users with what they need to modify their iPhones and iPads. However, there are plenty of iOS users who have no idea what Cydia is or what it can do. One of the largest unofficial app stores in the world, Cydia offers a way to get around Apple’s security and lets users do pretty much what they want with their devices. With plenty of features, Cydia is free so read on to find out what it can do for you.

How to Download Cydia

There is the only way to get Cydia on your device, and that’s to jailbreak it. We now have a decent choice of jailbreak utilities, and you can find all the details on the Cydia Installer page. Open the page to find all the jailbreak utilities available today, together with details of their supported devices and firmware. Choose the one that matches your device and follow the included guide to download it on your device.

How to Use Cydia

Cydia is pretty easy to use with a user-friendly interface. The home page has a series of options:

• Sources – lists all the sources installed in Cydia, lets you edit them or add new ones
• Search – lets you search for tweaks, libraries, mods, etc. that you want on your device
• Installed – see everything you installed on your device from Cydia
• Changes – find updates for your apps and tweaks and apply them

Adding a New Repository

While Cydia comes with several repositories preinstalled, you do have the option of adding new ones. Be aware that not all third-party sources are safe, so you do this at your own risk:

• Open Cydia and tap on Sources
• Tap on Edit > Add
• Type the repository URL in the box
• Tap Add Source and Cydia will install it for you

Downloading Tweaks

To find a specific tweak and download it:

• Open Cydia and tap on Search
• Type the tweak name
• Make sure your device supports it and tap on Confirm
• Tap on Restart Springboard, and the tweak is installed

Deleting Tweaks

If you need to delete a tweak, follow these easy steps:

• Open Cydia and tap on Installed
• Tap on Recent and tap the tweak you want to delete
• Tap Modify > Remove > Confirm
• Tap Restart Springboard and the tweak will be removed

What Does Cydia Offer?

Cydia is the only way to get through Apple’s security and install what you want on your device, modifying it to work the way you want it to. Here’s what Cydia offers:

• Themes – lots of themes to help you change some or all of your of how your device looks
• Tweaks – lots of tweaks to help you change certain aspects of your device, like the lock screen, fonts, icon, messaging apps, and more
• Apps – lots of apps to add new functionality to existing features, such as how your lock screen, app switcher, and messaging apps work, and more
• Lock Screen Themes – determine what your lock screen shows and how it works.

Cydia takes control over your device away from Apple and passes it back to you. One example of how it works is with Wi-Fi-only apps. One simple tweak from Cydia can fool your device into thinking it is on a Wi-Fi connection when it is on data, allowing you to use Wi-fi only apps when you only have a Wi-Fi connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Given that Cydia has been out of circulation for several years, lots of users have no idea what it can do. These are the commonly asked questions answered for you:

What is Cydia?

It is an unofficial app store developed in 2008 by Jay Freeman, AKA Saurik. It was designed as an alternative to Apple’s first app store, and it offers users everything they need to get their device looking and working how they want.

Why Should I Download Cydia?

Without Cydia, you can only use what Apple allows you to use, giving them control over a device you paid good money for. Here’s what Cydia lets you do:

• Install tweaks and themes to change how your device looks and works
• Adds extra functionality to existing features
• Adds new features to stock apps
• Lets you download unofficial apps
• It offers plenty of ringtones, themes, wallpapers, and more that Apple doesn’t let you have

How Do I Install Cydia?

By jailbreaking your device with one of the up-to-date utilities

Is it Free?

Yes. All jailbreak utilities are and always will be free

Is Cydia Safe?

Yes, so long as you use the official links to download it from. And you should stick to using the preinstalled sources, too, as these are safe to use, whereas third-party ones may be unsafe.

Is Cydia Legal

It was ruled legal in the USA in 2012 by the Library of Congress, and many other countries have also legalized it.

Are All the Tweaks Free?

No, but most are. You are not obliged to buy paid tweaks and, where a donation button is included with a free tweak, it’s your choice whether you donate or not.

Are There Any Cydia Alternatives?

Yes, but none of them require a jailbreak. They are unofficial app stores, such as TutuApp and Panda Helper, which offer lots of third-party content but not the tweaks and other content offered by Cydia.

What is a Repository?

It is where apps and tweaks are stored, and there are some excellent ones preinstalled with Cydia. You can add third-party ones but at your own risk.

Deleting Cydia

Deleting Cydia is easy. Either use iTunes to restore your device to the latest firmware or use Cydia Impactor from Cydia to remove the jailbreak and retain your current firmware.

Cydia is and always will be popular, and it will always be free. Download it today and see what you can do with it.

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