PS3:Getting Started

Fat

All of these models can install custom firmware!

If your console is currently on firmware 3.55 or lower, you can just install CFW like any other firmware.

If your console is running 3.56 or later, you'll need to use a method of patching your console for the ability to install custom firmware updates.

• It is recommended to use an internet-hosted exploit website as they are more simplified and carry less risk of error. For instructions on using an internet-hosted website, please visit the PS3Xploit page.
• Alternatively, you can use a hardware flasher to exploit your console. You can follow the E3 Flasher tutorial to exploit a NOR console. The Teensy tutorial and ProgSkeet tutorial allow you to exploit a NAND or NOR console.
  • There are no benefits to using hardware flashers over PS3Xploit unless PS3Xploit is not available for your firmware, you cannot update to a compatible firmware, or your console has a corrupt flash (corrupt flash usually causes RSOD).

If you need to check your console's firmware version, go to this section.

You also have the option to install PS3HEN to run game backups and some homebrew. It is not very useful on fat consoles, as all models can use CFW anyway.

Alternatively, you can install an Optical Drive Emulator (ODE). It is recommended to install PS3HEN or CFW instead of using an ODE due to neither requiring any additional tools or extra costs. Obsolete methods include PS3xploit 3.0 ("HAN"), the Data Transfer Utility exploit, or Backup Injection.

Slim

If your console is running firmware 3.55 or lower, you can just install CFW like any other firmware.

If your console is running 3.56 or later, you will need to check if your console is able to be flashed. Unlike the Fat, some PS3 Slims are too new for custom firmware support. You can only install CFW if the console has a minimum compatible firmware of 3.56 or lower. If you don't know what the console's minimum firmware is, you can check the back or bottom of the console for where it says "CECH-####", to find its model number.

If your model number is 20XX or 21XX, it is always compatible with CFW.

However, if your model number is 25XX, you will have to use BGToolSet or MinVerChk to check if it's compatible. Alternatively, if the manufacture date on the back/bottom is before April 2011, or the "Date Code" contains a 9, 0, or 1A, then the console is guaranteed to be compatible. The manufacturing date doesn't need to be checked on a 20XX or 21XX, as every single one will be made before 2011 anyway.

If the model number is 30XX, it is impossible to install CFW.

• If your console is not compatible with CFW, you can use PS3HEN to run game backups and some homebrew.
• If your console is compatible with CFW, you can follow the PS3Xploit tutorial to install a CFW.
  • Alternatively, you can use a hardware flasher to exploit your console. You can follow the E3 Flasher tutorial, Teensy tutorial, or the ProgSkeet tutorial to exploit a slim PS3.
  • There are no benefits to using hardware flashers over PS3Xploit unless PS3Xploit is not available for your firmware, you cannot update to a compatible firmware, or your console has a corrupt flash (corrupt flash usually causes RSOD).

You can also install an Optical Drive Emulator (ODE), but it is recommended to install PS3HEN or CFW instead of using an ODE due to neither requiring any additional tools or extra costs while having far more functionality. Obsolete methods include PS3Xploit 3.0 ("HAN"), the Data Transfer Utility exploit, or Backup Injection.

Super Slim

It is impossible to downgrade to 3.55 and/or install CFW on Super Slims.

However, you can use PS3HEN to run game backups and some homebrew. Obsolete methods include PS3Xploit 3.0 ("HAN"), the Data Transfer Utility exploit, or Backup Injection.

DEX Consoles

If your console is a DECH, TEST console, QA console, or any other console that runs DEX firmware, you can directly use the official 3.55 DEX OFW PUP found on the firmwares page followed by Rebug D-REX, so long as your console is not a DECH-3000 or higher. Ensure that the downgrader PUP's MD5 hash matches EFA62388EE8D2592727DDBDCE9B4BEC8.

DECR Consoles

If your console is a DECR console, you can directly use the official 3.55 DECR PUP found on the firmwares page followed by Rebug DECR. Ensure that the DECR PUP's MD5 hash matches 9085DA7157E92FA59157676A429A7C1E.

Checking the Firmware

Current Firmware Version

If you have a CFW compatible console that is currently on OFW and you want to install CFW on it, you will need to check if the current firmware is compatible with a web browser exploit.

Doing this step is not necessary with PS3HEN, as HFW updates can be installed over any OFW.

1. Scroll to the Settings column in the XMB.
2. Scroll down until you see "System Settings" and click it.
3. Scroll down until you see "System Information" and click it.
4. You will now see the current firmware version listed next to "System Software".
   • If your console is currently on firmware 3.55 or lower, you can just install CFW like any other firmware.
   • If your console is currently a firmware newer than 3.55 but older than 4.75, you will need to install an HFW or OFW update to make it compatible with web browser patchers.
   • If your console is currently on a firmware newer than what the methods listed on PS3Xploit are, you will either need to wait until web browser patchers are updated or use a hardware flasher.
   • Make sure to check if the BGToolSet website is working on a computer before deciding to update your console. If BGToolSet is down, please use the alternative flash writer instead.