How to: Change file/folder permissions in iPod Touch/iPhone

I realised I keep rambling about the permissions thingy, so I decide to write it on a separate post.

This tutorial covers on how to change the permissions without using all those pesky WinSCP, Total Commander or CuteFTP (or any other programs). You can just change the permissions internally using your jailbroken iPhone/iPod Touch.

There are 2 known methods more than the methods shown here, there might be more, and there might be another better way. As for me, I used these methods, as it's a tried and tested method. If you guys have another simpler method (without the aid of any programs running from the PC), do let me know so that I can share with other people out there.

Change permissions using Term-vt100 application

This program emulates the virtual command prompt for the iPhone/iPod Touch. You can find it in the System directory under Install. You might need to install the BSD Subsystem first as it's a dependency for the application to work.

NOTE

You can also use any other virtual terminals, but I just use one. No point installing 10 virtual terminals if all does the same thing. But they take in commands the same, so it doesn't make any difference though.

After you have installed it, you can now change the permissions for your files. Type in:

chmod -R a+x /Applications/*

Alternatively, if you're more comfortable with numbers, you can also use this command:

chmod -R 755 /Applications/*

It does the same thing as the previous one.

That's about it. Nothing will happen after that. This command will change all files within the Applications directory with the necessary permissions. We are looking for permission 755.

NOTE

Prior to using Term-vt100, you won't be able to see any effect. If will just look as if nothing happened. This is normal. If nothing happens, you have typed in correctly. If some other error appears (e.g. No such file or directory), then you have to re-enter the command again.

Don't worry about checking though, it will change all into the necessary permissions. If you're still sceptical, you can check using MobileFinder or Squid.

Change permissions using Squid

Using Squid is a lot less tedious, and easier to remember. However, Squid only allows you to do changes one at a time, so if you have multiple items to set the permissions to, you'll be working out your fingers (and brains :) )

Once you have located the file inside Squid, check mark all the ones below:

- Owner (Read, Write, Exec)
- Group (Read, Exec)
- Other (Read, Exec)

And you should see your permissions become 755.

Change permissions using MobileFinder (Finder)

It's the same procedure like Squid, just slightly different interface. Less likely to cock up also. First thing you'll need to do is to change it's settings. Turn Off Application Launch and Executable Launch.

Step 1: Navigate to the file using MobileFinder

Step 2: Tap on Modify button

Step 3: Tap on Buttons like this screenshot here.

Step 4: Tap done to save changes

Step 5: [Step optional] To confirm your permission have changed, tap Modify again, then look under "File Properties". The "Permissions" should be 493 (that is still 755)