PS Vita CFW Guide - Installing h-encore² (3.65 to 3.73)
h-encore² by TheFlow is the highly requested exploit to hack PS Vita devices on firmware 3.69 and above. It is compatible with 3.65 to 3.73 and also serves to replace the 3.70 Trinity hack that required a game from the PSN. h-encore² can be easily installed using the FinalHE application and the method largely resembles that of the previous h-encore exploit. It is strongly advised to immediately downgrade to 3.60 using Modoru 2.0 for greater compatibility with homebrew applications and plugins, as well as access to Ensō for persistent custom firmware after reboot.
Required Downloads
PlayStation Vita on Firmware 3.65 to 3.73
- h-encore² is compatible with firmware 3.65 to 3.73. If your firmware is 3.61+, you will need to Offline Update your PS Vita to 3.65
- If your firmware is 3.60 or lower, it is highly recommended that you install the HENkaku exploit for 3.60 as this is considered the golden firmware with the best homebrew compatibility
It is highly recommended to downgrade to firmware 3.60 with Modoru 2.0 after installing h-encore²
PS Vita 1000 (Fat) Models require an official Sony Memory Card to install homebrew
Linked PSN Account
- A linked PSN Account is required to use the PS Vita’s Content Manager to transfer files
Windows PC
- A Windows PC is required to run FinalHE
PS Vita USB Connection
- You will need the USB cable to connect your PS Vita to a PC and transfer the h-encore files via the Vita’s content manager
SD2Vita Adapter (Recommended)
- Greatly expand your storage options with the MicroSD to PSVita (SD2Vita) adapter
- Convert the PS Vita game slot into a MicroSD slotggggggggggg
- 128GB or larger MicroSD recommeded for storing games
- Follow this guide on setting up the SD2Vita
Preparing h-encore² Files
- Extract the FinalHE
.7zto a folder on your PC
- Launch
FinalHE.exe
FinalHE requires network access so you may be prompted by your firewall to allow access
- On your PS Vita, launch [Content Manager] -> [Copy Content] -> [PC]
- FinalHE should confirm that your PC is connected to the Vita
If you are having USB connection problems, try installing Qcma and select the [libusb0] driver. Reconnect the USB and re-open FinalHE after installation is complete. - Leave [Trim h-encore to ~7MB] unchecked
- Click [Let’s Go!] to start the process
- FinalHE will display instructions for the next step once the files are prepared
- Launch [Content Manager] -> [Copy Content] -> [PC]
- Select [PC -> PS Vita System] -> [Applications] -> [PS Vita]
- Check h-encore² and select [Copy] -> [OK]
- Once the file is copied, press the [PS] button to find the new h-encore² bubble in your LiveArea
Installing h-encore²
- Launch h-encore² and select [Yes] if there is a trophy warning
The application may fail to run and your PS Vita will restart, retry if this happens. - Select [Install HENkaku]
- Select [Download VitaShell]
- Select [Exit] to go back to your LiveArea after the installation is complete
- Go to [Settings] -> [HENkaku Settings]
- Check [Enable Unsafe Homebrew]
- Return to the [Settings] menu and close the application
Congratulations, you’ve successfully hacked you PS Vita with h-encore². You should now prepare to downgrade to firmware 3.60 with Modoru 2.0.
Next Steps
Downgrade Firmware with Modoru 2.0
- Downgrade to firmware 3.60 with Modoru 2.0 for more stability and greater compatibility with homebrew
- Modoru 2.0 by SKGleba is an unofficial update of the Modoru application to include support for 3.71 / 3.73.
- DO NOT attempt to downgrade firmware from 3.71 / 3.73 using the original Modoru, it will cause your PS Vita to become inoperable.