FAQ

This is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the PS3 Mods Wiki. Here you'll find most of the info you'll need to start using homebrew on your PS3. A list of definitions can be found at the bottom of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the point of jailbreaking?

The intent of jailbreaking was to allow execution of homebrew software on the PS3. Custom firmware will allow you to:

• Play backups of PS3 / PS2 / PSX / PSP natively and region free, even on non-backwards compatible models.
• Play Blu-Ray and DVD movies region free (if selected in MultiMAN or by using a Cobra-based CFW).
• Emulate retro games with RetroArch or stand-alone emulators.
• Rip PS3 / PS2 / PSX / Blu-Ray / DVD discs to your hard drive.
• Rip Super Audio CD (SACD) discs
• Mod games offline or on PSN.
• Convert your console to developer firmware (DEX).
• Play games stored on an external drive, or even one stored elsewhere on your network.
• Use an NTFS hard drive to get past 4GB file limitations and have unlimited storage capacity.
• Unban your console.
• Change the boot up logo and sound and remove the epilepsy warning for a faster boot up.
• Use Linux.
• Use the console to its full extent with a broken Blu-Ray drive.
• Put a completely new (same model) Blu-Ray drive into your console with your motherboard without having to take the drive apart.
• Use custom devices, such as an Xbox 360 gamepad, as controllers with PS3XPAD.
• Read documents on your PS3 using SuiteApp.
• Install Movian, a Media Center application in which you can download plugins such as TV channels and Torrent Streamers.
• Install homebrew games and apps.
• Connect to custom servers for games.

Does it matter what model of PS3 I have, or can all models be jailbroken?

If your PS3 is on firmware version 3.55 or below, you can jailbreak it regardless of model. Otherwise, you can check if your console is exploitable here. Compatibility is not purely based on model number.

Can you jailbreak consoles over 3.55 OFW without downgrading or buying a flasher device?

Yes, you can use PS3Xploit to install CFW. Prior to late 2017, it was impossible to downgrade without a flasher device, and you could not jailbreak consoles over 3.55 firmware. Because of this, there are many sites out there claiming to offer PUPs that will jailbreak your console, but any sites claiming to do this without using PS3Xploit are a scam and may contain malicious software.

Do I need to have the latest OFW installed before jailbreaking?

If you are on or below 3.55, you can go directly to CFW. If you are on firmware above 3.55, you will need to check if your console is exploitable and the requirements therein.

What is Hybrid Firmware (HFW)?

HFW is a modified version of OFW which includes the WebKit version that was used in 4.82 to make the original PS3Xploit, hence the name, "Hybrid Firmware".

Do I need to go to 9.99 Downgrader or 3.55 OFW/CFW before going to CFW?

No. It's recommended to go straight to the latest CFW after flashing noFSM to your PS3 or using PS3Xploit. Sometimes issues crop up and people get stuck on downgrader firmware and are forced to format their hard drive to get off of it. Downgrader firmware was the old method of getting to CFW.

Why can't consoles with minimum firmware over 3.56 be jailbroken?

Essentially, Sony slipped up and their lowest level encryption key (metldr) was figured out. They improperly generated their update signature decryption key and a number that was supposed to be random was actually a static number. With this, developers could sign a modified update (CFW), which a console on 3.55 or lower will accept as an official update. This was patched in 3.56, but models that were once on 3.55 firmware still have the old key in its hardware, and therefore can be exploited using PS3Xploit or a hardware flasher.

Why can't certain consoles be downgraded to 3.55?

Every console leaves the factory with a "minimum downgrade praxis". This is a hardcoded number of the lowest possible firmware version the console can handle. Due to all CECH-30XX, Super Slim, and some CECH-25XX consoles leaving the factory with a minimum downgrade praxis above 3.56, they are unable to be downgraded to 3.55.

What about a minimum praxis of 3.56?

These consoles, usually being a CECH-25XX made between January to April 2011 (noted as a 1A date code in PAL countries), are a special exception. They can be flashed with a noFSM patch, either with a hardware flasher or PS3Xploit. Afterwords, they can have a 4.XX CFW installed. The key difference here is that you cannot install 3.55 firmware on it, or else it will be soft bricked. The reason for this special exception is that, although they came from the factory with 3.56 firmware, they still have old lowest level encryption key (metldr) in their hardware.

What backups are supported?

Currently you can run PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP games natively on CFW and PS3HEN. More emulators can be downloaded to play older systems using RetroArch or stand-alone emulators.

What are the differences between CFW, qCFW, and PS3HEN?

If you would like to know the feature comparison between CFW and PS3HEN, a table can be found below. Note that for most people who just want to play game backups, you likely won't need to care about the differences, especially if you already own a console that can't use traditional CFW anyway.

This info from this list was provided by this PSX-Place forum post, with the addition of qCFW, along with other writing tweaks.

I have a CFW/PS3HEN console. What should I do first?

See this page for recommendations on what to install first.

What firmware should I get?

That's up to you. Research around and find what's most appealing to you. Check out this page for the names and links to the major firmware brands. The most popular are Rebug and Evilnat due to them supporting both CEX and DEX modes. Rebug has not been updated since 4.86, while Evilnat is actively being updated with new features.

Is there a reason to use significantly older CFW?

No. It's best to use the latest CFWs which include the latest features, and the latest stability patches from OFW. It is safer to play on PSN with updated firmware, as firmware updates can change how it connects to PSN.

I'm trying to update my firmware via USB, and it says it's missing/corrupted?

Ensure that the update is named PS3UPDAT.PUP (all caps) and is placed on a flash drive formatted as FAT32 in PS3/UPDATE. If you are attempting to install Rebug, and don't know exactly what firmware you are currently on, try both REX and D-REX versions, as D-REX is the same firmware but allows you to install it over DEX. The same principle applies if you're installing Evilnat PEX/D-PEX. If you're downgrading your firmware, be sure that the QA Flag is enabled. Verify the firmware's MD5 hash with this page.

Are there nightly builds of CFW?

For the most part, no. CFW is generally made, tested in public, then released after all models have been tested. There are some exceptions to this, like with the 4.91.2 betas of Evilnat's custom firmwares.

What is Cobra/Mamba?

See this page for information about Cobra, and this page for information about Mamba.

How can I install apps, DLC, or PSN games (PKG files) on CFW/PS3HEN?

You can move package files to your console by either using FTP to place the file in /dev_hdd0/packages/, or by placing it on a flash drive. You can then install it using the Install Packages option on the XMB and selecting the corresponding folder. The app should then show up on the XMB in the respective column if it is meant to be launched. Keep in mind that if it is a DLC or PSN game, you will need to activate it using a RAP file and ReActPSN.

Where do I put my game backups (ISOs) on CFW/PS3HEN?

Each ISO type goes in the respective folder on the hard drive (dev_hdd0). You may need to create them first: PS3ISO, PS2ISO, PSXISO, PSPISO, BDISO, DVDISO. Extracted PS3 ISOs go in GAMES if on internal, and GAMEZ if on the network or external storage.

Can I play on PSN with a CFW console?

Yes, if you're using a current CFW or one that is spoofed to the latest OFW version. Keep in mind that it is risky and can get your account and/or console banned. More details can be found here.

Can Sony ban me for going on PSN with CFW?

Yes. Running any homebrew while on PSN, not preparing your console with apps such as PSNpatch, or modding on PSN can get you banned. More details can be found here.

Will reverting to official firmware make me safe?

By properly uninstalling all homebrew, clearing your system logs with PSNpatch, and then installing an OFW, there should be no problem. It's recommended to do a full format of your hard drive to remove any possible leftover homebrew files. You can also install the OFW update twice to overwrite your ROS1 hash, which is essentially a record of the last firmware installed.

Will keeping PSN signed out keep me safe?

Yes. If you plan on staying offline, you can disable PSN altogether to prevent accidentally signing in to PSN.

Can you get banned for using the Internet while signed out of PSN?

No. It is perfectly safe to use No-PSN versions of apps and the Web Browser while connected to the Internet. If you plan on staying offline, you can disable PSN altogether to prevent accidentally signing in to PSN, and still be able to use the Internet.

Is there a difference between folder format ("jb") and ISO format?

If the game is a 1:1 rip, it may be smaller in folder format. Folder format games also allow the flexibility of swapping out files at any time, which is useful for loading game mods. However, ISO format is required for the following games:

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Call of Duty: Ghosts
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
• Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection

How can I update my games?

While connected to the Internet (and signed out of PSN), you can safely update by hovering over the game, pressing Triangle, and selecting Update. Alternatively, you can do the same from within MultiMAN.

What is the QA Flag?

The QA Flag is a setting that is enabled when a console is in the Quality Assurance stage before it leaves the factory. It allows access to Debug Settings. It also allows downgrading to a lower version of firmware without use of downgrader firmware. It can be enabled with Rebug Toolbox or the qa_toggle package.

What is an Optical Drive Emulator (ODE)?

An Optical Drive Emulator is a device that allows you to run game backups and homebrew on a PS3, without requiring a jailbroken console or Custom Firmware (CFW). Depending on the brand, it may support more models than CFW and may run on the latest OFW. See this page for more information.

Can you get banned by playing on PSN with an ODE?

There is always a chance that you may get banned by playing on PSN with unauthorized hardware. However, the chance of getting a ban is exceptionally lower than bans from using CFW.

Are games region locked?

The only region locked games are "Joysound Dive" (Japan) and "Persona 4 Arena". Online services for games may be region locked regardless of the game's region.

Are power supplies region locked?

You should always check the power supply of your PS3 for the accepted voltages. However, most PS3s shipped with power supplies which can run on both 100–120V and 220–240V AC at 50Hz or 60Hz, with the exception of the CECHC and European/Oceanic CECHG consoles.

Debug Settings isn't showing up under the Settings column; why?

On CEX firmware, your PS3 must have the QA Flag enabled, which can be done with Rebug Toolbox or Evilnat settings. Once that is done, navigate to Settings → Network Settings and hover over the Network Settings icon. Press and hold . This will enable the Debug Settings section.

I'm stuck in safe mode and using Restore File System or Rebuild Database freezes the system; what can I do?

Attempt to reinstall your CFW via system update in the recovery menu. If it does not work, try Rogero or Rebug downgrader firmwares (regardless if you are QA Flagged or not).

What do the letters mean in a Title ID?

That information can be found here.

Can I play my PS1/PS2 discs on the PS3?

While all retail models of the PS3 are backwards compatible with PS1 discs, the video quality can be noticeably different than when using PS1 or PS2 consoles. And will be different again compared to a 'PS1 classic' release of the same game.

PS2 discs can only be played on backwards-compatible PS3 consoles; however, all PS3 consoles can dump a PS2 disc to the hard drive, which can be played instead.

Why are there multiple PS1/PS2 emulators?

For PS1, a different emulator exists for discs and for PS1 Classic games from PSN.

For PS2, different iterations of hardware required different emulators and offsets. PS2 ISO launchers may have options to use a different emulator. In general, model-specific emulators have much better compatibility and performance, and the PS2 compatibility list is based on the ps2_netemu.

What temperatures should my PS3 be at?

You can check your system temperatures by pressing Start+Select on the XMB or in-game XMB (if WebMAN is installed), or you can check it in MultiMAN. Generally speaking, your PS3's CPU and GPU should fall at or below the 70-80°C range.

On early PS3 models that have a 90 nm GPU, it's preferred to keep the GPU under 68°C, due to the fact that the GPUs in these models have a defect in their underfill material, causing lower reliability than the 65/40/28 nm GPUs in later models.

If your system is above these temperatures and/or the console's fan runs too loud, try replacing your thermal paste and/or changing your fan settings with WebMAN.

If the console's thermal paste has already been replaced with good quality material and still need a loud fan speed to maintain the listed temperatures, the CPU/GPU (depending on which one is running too hot, usually CPU) may need to have a "delid", which involves removing the small metal heat-spreader to replace the additional layer of thermal paste directly on the chip's silicon die.

How can I dump or recover files from my PS3 to my PC?

You can use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or hook your HDD up to your PC and use a method listed Recovering Data on this page.

I'm interested in developing for the PS3. Where can I start?

You can see past and present research at the PS3 Devwiki, and get live help on the following IRC channels: #psdevwiki, #ps3dev, #psl1ght. PSL1GHT is a community-made open-source SDK used to develop homebrew.

What resolutions does the PS3 output?

In all regions, the PlayStation 3 can output 720p, 1080i and 1080p at 60Hz from its component video (YPbPr) and HDMI outputs.

Additionally, in NTSC regions, the PS3 can output 480i and 480p at 60Hz, while in PAL regions, it can output 576i and 576p at 50Hz.

The RGB, composite and S-Video signals will only output 480i/576i and no other resolution. Note that 240p/288p is not supported from any output.

How can I use my PS3 on a CRT display?

The easiest way to play PS3 on a CRT is via component video out. Please note that most CRTs and RGB monitors only support 15KHz resolutions, meaning the only signal you would be able to output from a PS3 in that scenario is 480i or 576i. Some CRT monitors can support 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i as well.

If you have an RGB monitor that supports 720p and HD SDi, you can use an HDMI to HD SDi converter to play games in the highest quality on your monitor. Most HDMI to HD-SDi converts are completely lag-free, as they only convert the signal between formats and do not use a framebuffer to change anything.

Please note that while RGB monitors are always zero-lag, some consumer-grade "HD CRTs" actually add about two frames of lag due to their internal processing. You would still get a "CRT look", but with about the same lag as an average flat-screen.

How can I remove Trend Micro web filtering from the browser?

Launch the PS3 Internet browser, press the △ button to open the menu, then choose Tools > Discontinue Browser Security > Trend Micro for PS3.

Where can I keep up with news on development?

Some sites, in no particular order:

• Wololo
• PSX-Place

Definitions