3uTools Review 2023: A Chinese-Made, Feature-Rich iOS Device Management Tool

Are you navigating the complex world of iOS data management or considering jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad? 3uTools might be the tool you’re searching for. Our in-depth 2023 review explores this multifaceted tool, diving into its free yet robust features, user safety, and efficiency.

Whether you’re a tech aficionado or just curious about jailbreaking, join us as we unravel the capabilities and controversies surrounding 3uTools.

Note: Our focus is primarily on the desktop version of 3uTools.

My Complete Overview of 3uTools

3uTools, a free and feature-packed iOS management tool, boasts an intuitive interface. Developed by a prominent Chinese software company, it evolved from its Chinese edition, the “i4 phone assistant”. Its features were stable from the outset, thanks to the original company’s expertise in iOS systems and software development technology.

The current version of 3uTools has essentially caught up with its Chinese edition i4 phone assistant, meeting a variety of needs for iOS users. These include data management, device monitoring, resource downloading, and customization. It is completely free, which makes it highly competitive compared to similar tools.

Overall, 3uTools is safe to use. It’s linked with its Chinese parent company, Shenzhen Aidapu Network Technology Co., Ltd., according to its software digital signature. Its revenue likely comes from in-app advertising, reducing the risk of malicious data collection and usage. However, if you have security concerns, you can consider other paid alternatives like iMazing.

Related Reading: iMazing vs. 3uTools: Which is the best iPhone manager?

Why Choose 3uTools: The Advantages

1. Comprehensive Feature Set

3uTools stands out for its rich array of features tailored for iOS users. From essential tasks like data backup and recovery to advanced functions like iOS system upgrades, downgrades, and jailbreaking support, it covers a wide range of needs. This multifunctional tool is designed to streamline your iOS device management in a single, user-friendly platform.

2. Extensive Library of Apps and Ringtones

One of the standout attractions of 3uTools is its extensive library, offering a wealth of apps and custom ringtones. This feature allows users to personalize their iOS devices with a unique touch, adding to the overall user experience without the need to navigate multiple stores.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: Completely Free

In a market where many iOS management tools come with a price tag, 3uTools offers a notable advantage – it’s entirely free. This factor makes it an attractive option for users looking for a budget-friendly solution without compromising on features.

2 Considerations Before Using 3uTools

1. Lack of Mac Support

Currently, 3uTools is available only for Windows, leaving Mac users with the need to look for alternatives. This limitation is a significant consideration for the Apple-centric user base who may prefer a unified ecosystem for their devices.

2. Potential Data Upload Issues

Though unconfirmed, there have been discussions about 3uTools possibly uploading user data to servers. Users who prioritize their privacy might view this as a deterrent, although such practices are not uncommon in many applications today.

Key Features of 3uTools

The reason why 3uTools is considered to have comprehensive features is mainly due to the following functionalities it offers to iOS users:

3uTools Features

Category	Detailed Features
Media Management	Manage apps, photos, music, ringtones, videos, books, data, files.
Device Status Monitor	Check device activation status, jailbreak status, battery health, iCloud lock status, and other detailed device information.
Resources Store	You can download apps, ringtones, and wallpapers.
Flash and Jailbreak	Support multiple flashing modes, one-click jailbreak, SHSH backup, and iOS upgrade/downgrade.
Other tools	Data backup/recovery, junk cleaning, ringtone making, data transfer, deleting invalid icons, real-time logs/screen, iTunes tools, data erasure, SSH tunnel, video conversion, iOS virtual location, photo compression, icon management, 3uAirPlayer, Heic convertor, iOS update message blocker, screen recorder, social app data backup/restore, etc.

Is 3uTools Safe to Use?

From the analyses available, 3uTools appears to be safe. If you have concerns about its security, there are alternatives developed by non-Chinese companies, such as iMazing, for managing iOS devices.

Concerns about 3uTools’ safety primarily arise from some Reddit users who claim the software collects and uploads user information to servers in China. This claim is difficult to substantiate, as numerous apps and software, including those from Apple’s App Store and Amazon, also gather user data.

3uTools includes a user marketplace for downloading and using apps and ringtones, which necessitates data transmission with network servers. A key point to note is that 3uTools employs data signing, indicating a formal association with its parent company. If any security issues arise, the company would bear legal responsibility. This suggests that the long-term benefits and user security are likely considered important.

Additionally, the current user base of 3uTools, with 1.64 million users per month, indicates substantial user trust and recognition.

The History of 3uTools

3uTools has evolved swiftly, transitioning from a Jailbreak tool to a comprehensive iOS system and data management utility by 2016.

The inaugural version of 3uTools debuted on its official website in early 2016, primarily featuring iOS Jailbreaking and Flashing capabilities. It allowed users to put their iPhones or iPads into Recovery Mode or DFU Mode and facilitate jailbreaking.

However, 3uTools quickly grew beyond these initial features. By September 2016, just six months later, 3uTools 2.0 launched, repositioning itself as an all-in-one tool for iOS devices. It integrated a range of functionalities that took other brands years to develop, including diverse iOS data management, data backup and recovery, ringtone creation, system junk clearing, and photo compression. It also introduced a free resource store, comprising an App Store, Wallpaper Store, and Ringtone Store.

Since 2017, 3uTools has continuously expanded its feature set. New additions include iOS backup reading and viewing, audio format conversion, screen mirroring, iPhone restriction passcode recovery, PC screen recording, iPhone virtual location setting, Android to iOS data transfer, iOS photo deduplication, iOS social app backup, and genuine iOS device verification. The breadth and completeness of 3uTools’ features have surpassed all other iOS data management tools.

The Rapid Growth of 3uTools: Why So Fast?

The official website of 3uTools doesn’t provide much information about the company or its team. However, we discovered more about them from their software’s security certification. The company, Shenzhen Aidapu Network Technology Co., Ltd., has a registered capital of 20 million yuan, which is around 3 million USD.

Our insights, gathered from Chinese sources, reveal that the legal entity behind this company is linked to another firm involved with software remarkably similar to 3uTools. Essentially, 3uTools is an English version of a Chinese software named i4.cn, offering almost the same functionalities.

The i4 iOS management software has already garnered over 200 million users in China. Their main revenue strategy involves attracting users with free iOS management tools and then generating income through advertisements in their app store.

FAQ about 3uTools

1.  Is 3uTools free to use?

3uTools is entirely free for users. This mirrors the business model of its Chinese version, i4. The strategy is to gain a large user base with free tools and services and then monetize through advertisements in the app store.

2. Does 3uTools support Mac and Linux?

For now, 3uTools officially supports only Windows and iOS systems. However, there’s a significant likelihood that Mac support will be added soon, considering the Chinese version already supports Linux and Mac. Users eager for this expansion can leave feedback on their official website.