Modoru - Downgrading PS Vita Firmware
This guide will show you how to downgrade the firmware on your homebrew enabled PS Vita. Modoru (戻る) by TheOfficialFlow is a firmware downgrade app for the PS Vita, you will use Modoru + a firmware update file (PSP2UPDAT.PUP) of your choice to downgrade your PS Vita provided that the firmware is higher than your Vita’s factory firmware. While HENkaku has been ported to higher firmwares, 3.60 is still considered the golden firmware with the highest compatibility with homebrew as well as access to persistent custom firmware via the Ensō hack.
Required Downloads:
- Modoru
PSP2UPDAT.PUP (Firmware Update File)
PlayStation Vita with Custom Firmware
- The Modoru homebrew app requires an active custom firmware exploit running on your PS Vita
- If you are on 3.65-3.68, install the h-encore exploit
- If you are on firmware 3.69-3.73, install h-encore²
PS Vita devices on firmware 3.71+ should NEVER use this version of Modoru to downgrade, ONLY use Modoru 2.0 by SKGleba to downgrade from firmware 3.71 / 3.73.
PS Vita 1000 (Fat) Models require an official Sony Memory Card to install homebrew
PS Vita Firmware File (PSP2UPDAT.PUP) [Full List]
- Modoru requires the chosen firmware’s update file to downgrade to your chosen firmware
- The update file must be named
PSP2UPDAT.PUP - Downgrade to 3.60 for the HENkaku exploit (recommended)
- Downgrade to 3.65 for the h-encore exploit
You can downgrade to any firmware with Modoru, however Ensō (permanent CFW) is only compatible with 3.60 and 3.65.
You will not be able to downgrade to lower than your PS Vita’s factory firmware, so newer consoles may not be able to downgrade to 3.60.
Wi-Fi or USB Connection
- You will need a Wi-Fi or USB connection to transfer the install files via FTP or USB with VitaShell
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
Installing Modoru
Modoru can be easily installed without a PC using the Vita Homebrew Browser, a large repository for homebrew apps that can be downloaded directly to your Vita.
Modoru requires you to manually disable all plugins before installing, so you will not be able to use your SD2Vita or Ensō temporarily while you downgrade.
FTP mode is required to access ur0: (internal memory), you may connect via USB mode when you are transferring to the
ux0: directory (memory card).- On your PS Vita, launch VitaShell and Press [Select] to enter FTP mode
- Enter the address displayed on the PS Vita in your PC file browser e.g.
ftp://xxx.xxx.x.x:1337
- On your PC file browser, go to
ux0:and create a folder calledvpkif it doesn’t already exist
- Copy
modoru.vpkto the ux0:/vpk/ folder
- Press [Circle] to close FTP/USB mode
- In VitaShell, go to
ux0:->/vpk/then highlightmodoru.vpk - Press [Cross] to install it and confirm the extended permissions prompt
- Press [Select] to enter FTP/USB mode again
- On your PC file browser, copy your
PSP2UPDAT.PUPupdate file toux0:/app/MODORU000/on your PS Vita
- Go to
ur0:and rename the/tai/folder to/taibackup/ - Go to ux0: and rename the /tai/ folder to /taibackup2/ if it exists
This will disable all of your plugins, you will not be able to use SD2Vita or Ensō temporarily. - Press [Circle] on your PS Vita to close FTP/USB mode
- Exit VitaShell and reboot your PS Vita
- Launch your exploit app (h-encore or Tinity) and select [Install HENkaku] then [Exit] once it is installed
- When your PS Vita reloads, open [Settings] -> [HENkaku Settings] -> check [Enable Unsafe Homebrew] then close Settings
You’ve now disabled your plugins and enabled homebrew via HENkaku, you can now run the Modoru app to downgrade to your desired firmware version.Downgrading PS Vita Firmware
- Launch the new Modoru bubble in your LiveArea
- Press [Cross] to confirm and wait 20 seconds
- Press [Cross] to accept the terms and start the downgrade[Error 0x80010002 opening ux0:app/MODORU000/PSP2UPDAT.PUP] indicates the firmware you are attempting to install is lower than the factory firmware of the PS Vita. Try a higher firmware version.
- The Modoru menu will be replaced by the green update screen
- Your PS Vita will reboot when the update is finished, check [Settings] -> [System] -> [System Information] to confirm your new firmware version
If you have downgraded to 3.60: follow this guide to install HENkaku + Ensō
If you have downgraded to 3.65: follow this guide to install h-encore + Ensō
Remember to restore your plugins after installing your new exploit by renaming the
/taibackup/ folder back to/tai/ in the ur0: directory via VitaShell.