PS3 Slim Model Jailbreak: CFW 4.91

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Unlock the full potential of your PlayStation 3 Slim by installing custom firmware (CFW) on firmware 4.91. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can enjoy all the benefits of a jailbroken PS3 Slim. If you have a PS3 FAT or Superslim model, check out our detailed guides on PS3 Jailbreak FAT and PS3 Jailbreak Superslim.

PS3 Slim Tested Models

Before proceeding, ensure your PS3 is one of the following Slim models:

CECH-20xxACECH-25xxACECH-25xxA
CECH-20xxBCECH-25xxBCECH-25xxB
CECH-21xxACECH-25xxACECH-25xxA
CECH-21xxBCECH-25xxBCECH-25xxB
CECH-25xxACECH-25xxACECH-25xxA
CECH-25xxBCECH-25xxBCECH-25xxB

Prerequisites

Check Your Firmware Version

  1. Navigate to “Settings” > “System Information” on your PS3 to check your current firmware version.
  2. If your console is on firmware 3.55 or lower, you can directly install CFW.
  3. If your console is running firmware 3.56 or later, you need to check if your console can be flashed.

Check Your Model Number

  • Compatible Models:
    • If your model number is CECH-20xx or CECH-21xx, it is always compatible with CFW.
    • If your model number is CECH-30xx, it is impossible to install CFW.
  • Conditional Compatibility:
    • For CECH-25xx models, you must use BGToolSet or MinVerChk to check compatibility. Alternatively, if the manufacture date on the back/bottom is before April 2011, or the “Date Code” contains a 9, 0, or 1A, the console is guaranteed to be compatible.

PS3 Slim Model Compatibility

CECH-20xxACECH-21xxACECH-25xxA
CECH-20xxBCECH-21xxBCECH-25xxB
CECH-25xxACECH-25xxBCECH-25xxA
CECH-25xxACECH-25xxBCECH-25xxB
CECH-25xxACECH-25xxBCECH-25xxA
CECH-25xxACECH-25xxBCECH-25xxB

If your console is incompatible with CFW, you can use PS3HEN to run game backups and some homebrew. We also have a detailed guide on PS3 HEN 4.91 for non-CFW-compatible models.

PS3 HEN Models

CECH-30xxACECH-30xxB

Installing CFW for Firmware 3.55 or Lower

PS3 CFW 4.91.2 ⇛MediaF – PixelD – OneFile

Prepare Your USB Drive

  1. Format your USB drive to FAT32. (Format USB Drive with Rufus)
  2. Create a folder named “PS3” on the root of the USB drive.
  3. Inside the “PS3” folder, create another folder named “UPDATE”.
  4. Place the CFW file inside the “UPDATE” folder and rename it to “PS3UPDAT.PUP”.

Install CFW

  1. Plug the USB drive into your PS3.
  2. Navigate to “Settings” > “System Update” > “Update via Storage Media”.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Installing CFW for Firmware 3.56 or Higher (OFW to CFW)

PS3 HFW 4.91.1 ⇛MediaF – PixelD – OneFile
PS3 CFW 4.91.2 ⇛MediaF – PixelD – OneFile

Install Hybrid Firmware (HFW)

  1. Prepare your USB drive as mentioned above and place the HFW file in the “UPDATE” folder, naming it “PS3UPDAT.PUP”.
  2. Plug the USB drive into your PS3 and go to “Settings” > “System Update” > “Update via Storage Media”.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install HFW.

Apply Patches Using an Internet-Hosted Exploit

  1. Connect your PS3 to the internet.
  2. Open the internet browser and visit ps3xploit.net/bgtoolset/.
  3. Select “Flash Memory Manager”. Ensure it says “CFW compatible PS3: ✔”.
  4. Save a flash memory backup to your USB drive.
  5. Download the flash memory patch and apply it following the on-screen instructions.
  6. Reboot your PS3 once the patch is applied successfully.

Install CFW

  1. Replace the HFW file on your USB drive with the CFW 4.91 file, ensuring it is named “PS3UPDAT.PUP”.
  2. Update your system via the storage media as done previously.

By following this guide, you should be able to jailbreak your PS3 Slim model on firmware 4.91 successfully. Enjoy the enhanced features and flexibility that come with custom firmware!

FAQs

How can I find my PS3 model number?

You can locate your PS3 model number on the barcode sticker at the back or bottom of your console. Look for an 11-digit serial number starting with CECH-XXXX.

My PS3 says CFW compatible PS3: ❌. What should I do?

If your PS3 is incompatible with CFW, do not proceed with the CFW steps. Use the HAN installer instead.

Do I need to install HFW before applying bgtoolset patches?

Yes, we highly recommend installing HFW to avoid the risk of bricking your system.

I’ve installed HFW (PS3HEN) on my PS3. Can I still follow this process?

Yes, as long as your system is compatible with CFW. Ensure you verify your PS3 model number against the CFW-compatible list.

What if I prefer to use PS3HEN?

You also have the option to install PS3HEN for running game backups and some homebrew. However, since most Slim models can use CFW, PS3HEN is not typically necessary.