PS Vita CFW Guide - Installing h-encore
h-encore a port of the original 3.60 HENkaku that allows homebrew for PS Vita devices on firmware 3.65 to 3.68. h-encore grants all the benefits of custom firmware such as the extra features and customisation options. The h-encore exploit is not persistent and it will need to be installed through an app every time your PS Vita reboots. Permanent h-encore is possible on 3.65 firmware via the Ensō hack.
Required Downloads:
PlayStation Vita on Firmware 3.65, 3.67 or 3.68
- h-encore is compatible with firmware 3.65 to 3.68. If your firmware is above 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
- If your firmware is 3.69 to 3.73, you can install h-encore²
- Once you have successfully hacked your PS Vita using any of the exploits mentioned above, you’ll be able to downgrade to any firmware version with Modoru or Modoru 2.0 for devices on 3.71 / 3.73.
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 the auto h-encore installer
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 slot
- 128GB or larger MicroSD recommeded for storing games
- Follow this guide on setting up the SD2Vita
Connect PS Vita to PC
- On your PS Vita, Block Updates via DNS then create and link a PSN account to your PS Vita if you haven’t done so already
- On your PC, install Qcma with the libusb0 driver
- Launch Qcma once it is installed to open the settings window, you can now transfer files using the PS Vita’s content manager assistant
- Launch auto-hencore and select English or your preferred language
- Make sure [Trim excess content from bitter smile demo] is checked
- Select [Start] to begin the process
- When prompted, select [USB]
- Unplug your PS Vita and click [Next]
- Plug your PS Vita into your PC via USB
- On your PS Vita, open [Content Manager] -> [Copy Content] -> [PC] -> [USB Cable]
- The auto h-encore files will be extracted to the Qcma folders and more instructions will pop up
- In Content Manager on your PS Vita, [Select PC -> PS Vita System] -> [Applications] -> [PS Vita]
- Check [h-encore] and select [Copy] -> [OK]
- Wait for the h-encore files to be copied
- Close Content Manager once completed
Installing HENkaku Settings
- Launch the new [h-encore] bubble in your LiveArea
- Select [Install HENkaku]
- Select [Download VitaShell]
VitaShell is the primary file manager for your PS Vita, allowing you to conveniently transfer files via USB and install homebrew apps (.vpk files) - Open the [Settings] application
- Go to [HENkaku Settings]
- Check [Enable PSN Spoofing]
- Check [Enable Unsafe Homebrew]
- Check [Version Spoofing]
- [Spoof Version] -> Enter
3.71 - Close the Settings application
Congratulations, you’ve successfully run the h-encore exploit and installed the HENkaku Settings. Your PS Vita is now able to install and run homebrew for greater features and customisation.
The h-encore exploit is not persistent, this means you will need to run the [h-encore] app and select [Install HENkaku] every time you reboot your console. PS Vita consoles on 3.60 or 3.65 can install Ensō to make the exploit permanent, even after rebooting
If your firmware is not compatible with Ensō, it is highly recommend that you install Modoru and downgrade your firmware to 3.60 or 3.65
PS Vita Homebrew
Vita Homebrew Browser
- The Vita Homebrew Browser is a large repository for homebrew apps and plugins that can be conveniently installed on your Vita without a PC
Ensō
- Ensō is a homebrew that allows the HENkaku Settings to stay active permanently, eliminating the need to run the h-encore application after every reboot
NoNpDrm + ref00d
- NoNpDrm allows you to play downloaded game backups, themes and DLC
- ref00d is a plugin that unlocks 3.61+ games to be played on any firmware, perfect for those who choose to stay on 3.60 but still want to play newer games
Adrenaline
- Adrenaline is a homebrew that completely unlocks the built-in ePSP, allowing for flawless PlayStation Portable emulation that is also compatible with PSP homebrew.
Moonlight
- Moonlight is a homebrew that uses Nvidia GameStream technology for Windows remote play on the PS Vita – requires an Nvidia GPU