This sounds extreme, but it’s often the most cost-effective and safe method. PS4s on 9.00 sell for a premium; newer ones sell for less. Use the difference to fund a downgraded console.

If a system update fails mid-installation, the PS4 can be bricked. A downgrade tool can sometimes reflash a working firmware to revive the console.

Before you reach for a soldering iron, consider these safer options:

For users who have a PS4 on a vulnerable firmware (usually 9.00 or lower) and have successfully jailbroken their system, the Apollo Save Tool is the gold standard.

It is vital to clarify a major misconception: There is currently no tool available to the public that can downgrade PS4 system firmware.

Unlike the PS3, where the core security keys could be manipulated, the PS4 utilizes a sophisticated security architecture. The System Software contains specific "fuses" burned into the processor during the update process. Once the console updates to a higher firmware, these physical changes cannot be reversed via software.

Therefore, if your PS4 is on firmware 10.01, you cannot use a "tool" to downgrade it to firmware 9.00 to run homebrew. The only consoles that can run exploits are those that happen to be on the specific vulnerable firmware versions naturally.

Q: Can I downgrade from 12.00 to 9.00?
A: Not without a NOR backup taken when the console was on 9.00. Without that, impossible.

Q: Is there a USB downgrade tool?
A: No. Any USB stick claiming to downgrade PS4 is a scam.

Q: What about “PS4 Downgrade Tool” on eBay / AliExpress?
A: Most are Teensy boards with misleading labels. Read the fine print – they require an existing backup.

Q: Does Safe Mode allow downgrading?
A: No. Safe Mode’s “Update System Software” only installs higher or equal versions.