How to update iPhone 4 and 3GSto iOS 5.0.1 while preserving baseband with pwnageTool 5.0.1

I think this doesn’t need much explanation, but I’ll give it a try just to make sure everybody gets it. In this tutorial you will learn how to update your iOS firmware to version 5.0.1 while preserving the baseband version of your iPhone. This will allow you to unlock it a both methods of unlocking an iPhone only work for specific basebands.

What is a baseband you may ask? It can be described in the simplest way just by using two words: modem firmware. And know you get that funny feeling when you find out about a thing you didn’t know you knew. This phrase was made famous by Donald Rumsfeld by the way! Going back on topic, your phone actually has a wireless modem that it uses to connect with the carrier through antennas placed outdoors.

Note: PwnageTool 5.0.1 is only available for MAC users1

Step 1. We’re going to start off easy by downloading PwnageTool 5.0.1 .

Step 2. Run it and you will see a variety of options available. So it won’t become confusing, especially if this is your first try, please click on Simple Mode.  After that you must select the iPhone on the far left and click the big blue arrow.

Step 3.  The tool will now try and do a search for the iOS 5.0.1 firmware on your computer. In case it cannot find it please browse for it and select it. The pwnagetool will now ask you if you want to save the IPSW to your desktop. Click YES

Step 4. PwnageTool will now ask you whether you have a contract that would normally be activated through iTunes.  If you want to unlock your iPhone with Ultrasn0w 1.2.5 or with Gevey Sim please click NO.

Step 5. After the PwnageTool is done processing the iOS 5.0.1 firmware file you have to put your iPhone into DFU mode. As soon as you do this PwnageTool will recognize your iPhone being in DFU mode and it will place it in Pwned DFU mode.  Itunes should now say that your iDevice is in recovery mode and promt you to restore the device.

Hold down the OPTION button and click on the restore button. Then search for your custom firmware file you just created and select it then click ok.

Step 6. Wait for iTunes to complete the “recovery” using your recently created custom firmware.

After all this is done (it shouldn’t take too long) you should have a freshly updated and “fixed” iPhone. Enjoy!