Beginner10 min read

Getting Started with Nugget iOS

Everything you need to know to start customizing your iPhone or iPad with Nugget.

1. What is Nugget?

Nugget is a free, open-source iOS customization tool created by leminlimez. It allows you to enable hidden features, customize your status bar, add animated wallpapers, and much more - all without jailbreaking your device.

Unlike jailbreaking, Nugget uses iOS backup exploits (SparseRestore and BookRestore) to modify system files safely. This means your device stays on the official iOS version with all security features intact.

Key Benefits

  • No jailbreak required
  • Works on latest iOS versions
  • Completely reversible
  • Open source and free

2. Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Device Requirements

  • iPhone 8 or newer, or compatible iPad
  • iOS 17.0 - iOS 18.1.1 (full support) or iOS 18.2+ (partial support)
  • USB cable to connect to computer

Computer Requirements

Windows

  • Windows 10/11
  • iTunes installed
  • 4GB RAM minimum

macOS

  • macOS 11.0+
  • Xcode Command Line Tools
  • 4GB RAM minimum

Linux

  • Ubuntu 20.04+ or similar
  • libimobiledevice
  • 4GB RAM minimum

3. Downloading Nugget

Always download Nugget from the official GitHub repository to ensure you get the genuine, safe version.

  1. Visit the official Nugget releases page
  2. Find the latest release at the top of the page
  3. Download the appropriate version for your operating system:
    • Windows: Nugget_Windows.zip
    • macOS: Nugget_macOS.zip
    • Linux: Build from source
  4. Extract the downloaded ZIP file

⚠️ Warning

Only download Nugget from the official GitHub. Other sources may contain malware or modified versions that could harm your device.

4. Connecting Your Device

  1. Connect your iPhone/iPad to your computer using a USB cable
  2. Trust the computer when prompted on your device. Enter your passcode if asked.
  3. Launch Nugget by double-clicking the application
  4. Wait for detection - Nugget will automatically detect your connected device
  5. Verify connection - You should see your device name and iOS version in Nugget

Troubleshooting: If your device isn't detected, try unplugging and reconnecting the cable, or restart both Nugget and your device.

5. Your First Customization

Let's start with a simple customization - changing your carrier name in the status bar.

  1. In Nugget, click on the "Status Bar" tab in the left sidebar
  2. Find the "Carrier Name" option
  3. Enable the toggle next to it
  4. Enter your desired carrier name (e.g., "My iPhone" or an emoji)
  5. The change will be applied when you click Apply (next section)

6. Applying Changes

After making your customizations, you need to apply them to your device.

  1. Review all your enabled customizations
  2. Click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the screen
  3. Wait for Nugget to create and restore a backup (this may take a few minutes)
  4. Your device will automatically respring (restart the home screen)
  5. Once complete, your customizations will be active!

✓ Success!

Your customizations are now applied. They will persist through reboots and remain active until you choose to revert them.

7. Reverting Changes

Want to go back to stock iOS? Nugget makes it easy to revert all changes.

  1. Open Nugget and connect your device
  2. Disable all the customizations you want to revert (or use "Reset All")
  3. Click "Apply" to restore default settings
  4. Your device will respring with stock iOS settings

8. Next Steps

Now that you've made your first customization, explore what else Nugget can do:

Enable Dynamic Island

Get the Dynamic Island on older iPhones

Animated Wallpapers

Add live wallpapers to your lock screen

AI Enabler

Enable Apple Intelligence on older devices

All Features

Explore everything Nugget can do