Big FAQ: Lower Firmwares & activating PSN accounts, transferring Content, 3.50 Pool Exploits, which eCFWs, …
Since a lot of people have a lot of questions regarding the PS Vita, how to get games on lower firmwares, how to activate the device, and so on…
Have yet another FAQ which will hopefully answer all your questions.
Frequently asked Questions – Lower PS Vita (TV) firmwares, eCFWs & content transfer
How can I upgrade/downgrade my PS Vita (TV) firmware from X.XX to Y.YY?
In general can you update your PS Vita to a selected firmware by using OpenCMA and replacing its XML file with one of the ones I offer (The Z’s manual firmware update thread), or by using QCMA and putting the (release) update file (available here) into QCMA’s ‘QCMA-Update’ directory. Either of these methods will do the job.
Downgrading a PS Vita, despite some April’s Fool attempts, is not possible.
You cannot downgrade a PS Vita’s system software (yet)!
How can I activate my PS Vita (TV) on a lower firmware?
If your PS Vita is running an older firmware, then you WILL need the help of a Playstation 3 to activate your PS Vita.
You will have to download one of your bought PSN PSP games onto the PS3 and use the OpenCMA/QCMA + PS3 Trick to transfer and thus activate your lower firmware PS Vita.
Follow this for activating your lower firmware PS Vita with a Playstation 3 (You can ignore the firmware parts).
Keep in mind that some firmwares are excluded from this method (various older 1.xx firmwares) and that a PS TV (VitaTV) will require a Playstation 3 + a Proxy to activate the mentioned device.
For the PS TV (VitaTV) follow these instructions. This should also work with a regular PS Vita.
How can I transfer PSN bought games onto my lower firmware PS Vita (TV)?
On most firmwares you will have to use a Playstation 3 to add content onto your lower firmware PS Vita device. This is once again possible via the OpenCMA/QCMA + PS3 Trick (ignore the firmware parts).
On the second most recent firmware (Firmware 3.50 is the most recent at the moment, thus firmware 3.36 is the second most recent one), and ONLY on the second most recent firmware(!), it is possible to use 2 tricks to add content onto your PS Vita. These Tricks require either nothing at all, or just the usage of the PS Vita update blocker Proxy programme.
The first Trick is the Download Queue trick. You simply login into your PSN account on http://store.playstation.com/ and check your download list. On said download list should be a ‘Download onto (all) my PS Vita device(s)’ button, which you have to press.
This will force the download of the selected game onto (all) your PS Vita device(s) the next time you reboot your PS Vita(s) with enabled Wifi connection.
The second Trick is done via the PS Vita Update Blocker v1.2. You simply start the programm on your PC and follow the on-screen instructions.
The programme will then spoof the PS Vita’s firmware upon connection to the PSN services, which should enable you to go Online on the second most recent firmware (this would be 3.36 as of now).
Being able to go Online enables you to add content onto your lower firmware PS Vita.
How can I add content from my PC to my lower firmware PS Vita (VitaTV)?
On the regular (fat & slim) PS Vita you can simply use OpenCMA or QCMA to transfer content from/to your PC/Vita. – If your PS Vita wants an Update, then be sure to grab the right version of CMA + OpenCMA (available here), or that you’ve selected the right Protocol Version inside of QCMA’s settings menu.
It is also recommended to enable the Airplane mode, disable Wifi and then reboot the PS Vita. This should allow you to transfer content, as long as you’ve installed the right OpenCMA or that you’re using the right configuration for QCMA.
On the PS TV (VitaTV) you will have to use OpenCMA or QCMA in addition to the PS Vita Update Blocker, since the PS TV (VitaTV) can only transfer files via Wifi, and this would perform a firmware check (which then blocks the data transfer).
So OpenCMA or QCMA for the regular PS Vita, and OpenCMA or QCMA in addition to the Update Blocker for the PS TV (VitaTV).
FAQ: Qwikrazor’s Pool Exploits, eCFWs, Custom Bubbles and co.
How can I set up Custom Bubbles after I’ve got Qwikrazor’s Pool Exploit on my PS Vita?
At first it is worth to say that Firmware 3.50 is not able to set up any Custom Bubbles, because those are patched as of system software 3.50.
On Firmwares 3.36 (and below) you are able to use Qwikrazor’s Pool Exploit (either Pool Hall Pro or World of Pool) to run PSPFiler via the ARK-2 eCFW, which grants you the ability to set up Custom Bubbles.
If you are not familiar with setting up Custom Bubbles, be sure to check out how to set up a VHBL Bubble, an ARK-2 Bubble or PSP game Bubbles.
It requires you to pay attention and gathering all the information slowly and carefully, because a slight mistake can render the wished Custom Bubble unable to do what you want, and you would have to start over again.
This cannot seriously harm your device, don’t worry.
Nothing a quick system restore can’t fix!
In case you still need help, check out my ‘short’ Tutorials on how to create Custom Bubbles (Homebrew/Games).
My PS Vita’s currently running the ‘Game: X’ Exploit. Do I need the new Exploit?
No. You do not need a new exploit game, if your current one is fully working. The only reason would be if you want to update to firmware 3.50, which is not recommended.
On any other firmware you are able to set up Custom Bubbles and then Update to your desired firmware (not higher than 3.36!). This still enables you to run an eCFW without the need to buy a new exploit game.
Can I use Firmware X.YZ for the Exploit as well?
In general, yes. You can use pretty much any Firmware you want, as long as it is not higher than version 3.50.
So you can use 3.36, 3.35, 3.30, 3.20, 3.18, 3.15, 3.12, 3.10, 3.01, 3.00, and so on. It does not matter that your device is not running EXACTLY version 3.36 or 3.50.
Can we use TN-V, TN-X or the PSOne Loader on 3.3x/3.50?
The answer is No. TN-V & TN-X can only be used by Total_Noob himself, due to various reasons.
The PSOne Loader can also not be updated to firmwares 3.3x/3.50, since an entry point (PS1 usermode exploit game) is missing.
You will be able to use TN-C (on 3.36), VHBL (3.36/3.50, but redudant) and the ARK-2 eCFW (3.36/3.50) with the Pool exploits.
So you can play PS1 games, but they will be soundless. Better than nothing, huh?
Can I use ‘older exploit game’ on ‘new firmware’ as well?
In general the answer is No! If you update your firmware above the previously stated ‘limit’, then your exploit will be rendered useless and is not capable of exploit the PS Vita at the newly installed firmware.
Please check the official Exploit game List to determine the highest firmware limit for your exploit game.
You might be suprise how many Exploit game have been re-exploit on a higher firmware. But in general will updating your device render your exploit useless.
I’ve updated my Vita, but I own ‘exploit game for older firmware’. Please re-exploit it for me!
Slow down, youngster. In general exploit games are not re-exploitable, and updating your device will require you to buy a new exploit game.
Sure, from time to time it might happen that a game can be re-used at a higher firmware, but don’t bother (especially) Qwikrazor with requests to re-exploit older exploit games.
If they think they can re-exploit games, then they will do it and eventually release said exploits, but they won’t do it just because you ask for it.
If you (or someone else who touched your device in your absense) have updated your Vita above your exploit games firmware limit, and you are unable to buy a new one (no money, hard to get in your country, another weak reason), well…, then sucks to be you.
People hate hindsight, but ‘you shouldn’t have updated your PS Vita’.
I think this should do the job so far. If you have some more questions, then feel free to write them in the comments.
I will try to answer most of them! Oh, and the release of the firmware 3.36/3.50 Pool exploit savedata files will be soon, so be patient!
im impatient for the pool exploit !!!coming tomorow later?
Lol! Same here
Coming when it’s done.
Is it still safe to download POOL game? It’s still up on my PS store =/
Thank you for posting this.
You say the exploit save files for 3.50 are coming soon, but are the files out for 3.36? I apologize if I’ve missed something, but I may have misunderstood something due to the wording. 🙂
Both, nothing’s released yet.
Thanks for the quick answer. 🙂
Great, thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding. Keep up the great work!
Great. Hope this will help most of the regulars.
So what you say I can update my PS vita to a lower firmware for example 3.36 to 3.18
No, you cannot.
Thx wanderer
Slightly different type of question, but does the Ika Musume theme come with ARK? And how do her tentacles work, do they move along with the icons, does it stay in place pointing to the selected icon? Inquiring minds want to know!
I can’t use vita update blocker v1.2 , or rather it doesn’t work anymore. It detect my vita’s firmware (3.18) but then it says latest firmware is the same as the one on my handheld, and wont connect to PSN and/or download updates.. Dunno if this is a bug, hope an update for the vita update blocker gets released so that I could download DLCs and updates for my gaems..
Thanks!
The proxy method that Vita Update Blocker uses is only available on the firmware immediately prior to the current firmware. The only way to transfer files to 3.18 at this point is to use OpenCMA and a PS3.
dang, I should really get a 2nd PS3
Here is a ULTIMATE question: How to put the psvita in trial mode like the ones you see in the Sony stores?
I found a way to remove it so it can be use regularly.
Via an external IDU Cartridge. No other way to add/remove that demo/kiosk mode.
so u stole a kios vita and now want to unlock
They already unlocked it, read again. Also, they most likely work at a store and just got to keep an old display model when a new one went up.
hey wololo this is a bit irrelevant but i have a ps3 on the latest 4.70 ofw slim is there a cfw out yet for that and if so how can i install and use homebrew on there? my twitter name is @wilfredo628 if you can dm me on there would be fantastic
Can I use bubbles (isos, homebrews…) created on lower firmwares if I update my vita?
Nope. On some you’ll be able to create new bubbles, but the bubbles generally break after every update.
This applies, of course, to bubbles designed for the lower firmware. If you made a 3.36 style bubble on 3.18, those would probably work if you updated to 3.36.
As of yet, there are no publicly known methods to create bubbles for 3.50.
vielen dank fur das sauber tutorial! I managed to download pool hall pro onto my vita tv running 3.35 with vitaupdateblocker. will i need my ps3 now to get the save exploit on my vita tv or can i just use my pc? (for various reason i would rather not use the ps3 again for this purpose if it can be helped).
You could use your pc if you want, but remember that you will need either QCMA or OpenCMA installed on your computer.
thanks for the reply. i have them installed although i cant get them to work yet. when i open the bat file in the sony cma folder i get an error. eventually ill get it
So how do you put psp ISO’s onto your hacked Vita? Can you put say FF VII CC, or KH BBS, and other PSP games not on the Store on the vita.
You put them in a semi-fake PSP (or PS1) save game and transfer them with CMA.
See this video at around the 20:24 mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg3Y7_ohQ14&t=20m24s
Once they’re on the Vita, you use PSP Filer to move them out of the savedata folder, and into a more sensible one.
Just a quick question about Ark-2 and VHBL: does this upcoming Ark-2 exploit require VHBL to already be installed? I’ve read some guides that state the Patapon 2 VHBL exploit is required in order for Ark-2 to be installed (or the custom bubble to be set up).
Thanks for the great guides!
The pool exploit does not require a pre-existing exploit in order to run.
You do need a PSP or an already hacked Vita (with ARK or TN on it) to hack the target Vita, of course, but the Vita that’s the target of the hack doesn’t need an exploit of it’s own already on it.
@Z i have psTV and im following the instruction link below to update my fw 2.x to 3.x said that i need to disable wifi and enable airplane mode, but there is no airplane mode on PSTV? Can anyone clarify, thanks.
http://wololo.net/talk/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=23013&p=209065#p209065
Setting everything up:
At first we need our PS Vita device. We should be able to boot into the main menu and its recommended to disable every Wifi option at the device. Use the airplane mode AND disable Wifi, recommended.
Next we need the correct version of the official Sony CMA which has to be patched with the correct version of OpenCMA for using our little firmware update trick.
Grab the xml file for the wished Firmware from above.
Disabling Internet (Wifi + Ethernet) and then rebooting the PS TV should do the same trick as Airplane mode + reboot.
thanks i did that and when i hit update it still query 3.50 not 3.6
Ok so about this custom bubbles is it going to be a long process to do? Cause ity’s all like hacking and like you have to use tools and dycrypt and enter such gargon( I don’t think many people will do this)
To to the ones who are on 3.36 and not creating bubbles, then its just like 3.50?
and we have to use the psp to keep using the exploit.
Assuming that the hack doesn’t automatically create a bubble for itself, yes.
It’s pretty easy to set up bubbles for 3.36 though. The Z’s got a tutorial here:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yg3Y7_ohQ14
It’d take maybe an hour to get the first one done, but it could easily be done in about five to ten minutes once you get used to the process.
Can custom firmware PS3s access PSN right now?
Look i just saw that earlier, about that i watched that vid and that is a long process and also that is a lot of hacking to do, I know i cant be the only one to even be confused how that can be created on the Vita.
What specifically is confusing about it?
Hi the Zett, thanks for this huge FAQ
juste one thing about the PSTV part
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That’s not true , you can transfer files by ethernet just need classic RJ45 directly connected to PC.
i speak about that part , sry for double post : “On the PS TV (VitaTV) you will have to use OpenCMA or QCMA in addition to the PS Vita Update Blocker, since the PS TV (VitaTV) can only transfer files via Wifi, and this would perform a firmware check (which then blocks the data transfer)”
Do i need to use a vita USB cable? Vita TV doesnt have one right? so how can i transfer the games from PS3 to vita via wifi?
It mentions Vita Update Blocker…i didn’t think that worked anymore? I couldn’t get it to work last time I tried it at elast
Did you use the 1.2 version? I used it yesterday to buy Uno so I could use it to make a custom bubble to launch ARK.
Could you add a section about the difference between TN and ARK? Im sure lots of people (and me) still don’t know the difference.
i have pS3 4.7 ofw and downloaded UNO games. installed open CMA and vita update blocker is runninng. Do i need TWO TV for this? One for PS3 and 1 for PSTV so i can transfer my games, im connected to wireless my internet connection. PLEASE assist.
@Z can you make it clear on psTV if we have to use, cables like usb to usb to connect PS3 so we can transfer files from PS3 to psTV, or we do it wireless or via cable ethernet, and do we have to register psTV to PS3? Can you clarify this so we can activate our device please.
Can anyone please paste the link for Tekken 2 in JPN PSN store? I cant find it there please.
Hi the Zett, I came a cross this point in your guide above: “Can I use ‘older exploit game’ on ‘new firmware’ as well?” My situation is the opposite, is it possible the use a new exploit game (say, numblast TN-V11 for 3.36) on a old firmware (OFW 3.15)?
Seems you can’t download sp/vita games using yoru psp anymore at ALL. this means you can no longer activate older firmwares at all.
i’m trying. the download refuses to start. 🙁 jsut wasted my money on an exploit game