Enable Multi-Tasking Gestures & Display Mirroring in iOS 5 for iPad 1

The first generation iPad got iOS 5, but it didn’t officially get multitasking gestures or display mirroring. Not a huge deal, because a user on ModMyi figured out how to enable these two features and has released a modified version of redsn0w so that it unlocks these abilities, without a jailbreak. It’s pretty easy to use, so if you want to enable these features here’s how to use the tool and make your first-gen iPad feel a bit more modern.

Warning: This is for iPad 1 only. The gestures and mirroring already exist on iPad 2 making this unnecessary. Backup your iPad beforehand just in case something goes wrong, and proceed at your own risk.

• Download the modified version of redsn0w that carries the tweaked payload
• Download for Mac
• Download for Windows
• Connect the iPad to the computer
• Turn off the iPad
• Launch redsn0w and select “jailbreak” (no it won’t actually jailbreak if you follow the rest of the instructions)
• Follow the onscreen instructions to put the iPad into DFU mode
• Uncheck “Install Cydia” – this stops the jailbreak nut enables the multitasking and mirroring
• Check “Enable Multitask Gestures”
• Click “Next” and let the process complete and the iPad reboot
• When the iPad restarts, go to “Settings” and tap on “General” to find “Multitasking Gestures” and be sure that is set to ON

Once it’s turned on, the easiest way to verify is by pinching with four fingers to see if you return to your home screen.

The Multitasking Gestures
Using four or five fingers you can…

• Pinch to the Home Screen (much like OS X Lion pinches to Launchpad)
• Swipe up to show the multitasking bar of running apps
• Swipe left or right between open applications

Display Mirroring
Display Mirroring only works with HDMI cables and not AirPlay

For those interested in the technical details of this, here’s the source code (via ModMyi user dB) for the modification:

Thanks for sending this in Daniel