As of early 2026, firmware 13.02 is considered a "security patch" version.
: Reassemble the console components to see if the system boots into the old firmware environment.
: Use computer software to extract the current 13.02 system image files from the chips. ps4 downgrade 13.02 to 9.00
Sony's security model for the PlayStation 4 is designed to prevent exactly this. The console's security hardware permanently records the highest firmware version that has ever been installed, making a simple "uninstall" of an update impossible through official means.
There is a process known as a but it isn't a traditional downgrade. Every PS4 stores two copies of its firmware on the motherboard—one active (Slot A) and one backup of the previously installed version (Slot B). As of early 2026, firmware 13
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
When you try to install an older firmware using the standard USB method, your PS4 will simply refuse to proceed. This is due to a sophisticated hardware-based security feature. Sony's security model for the PlayStation 4 is
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Downgrading your PS4 firmware requires advanced hardware manipulation, voids your warranty, violates Sony’s Terms of Service, and carries a high risk of permanently bricking your console. Proceed at your own risk. This content is not endorsed by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
From the PS4’s inception, Sony implemented a hardware-based fuse or anti-rollback system. Inside the console’s Southbridge chip and the main system-on-a-chip (SoC), there exists a set of one-time programmable fuses. Each official firmware update updates certain keys and increments an internal fuse counter. When the system boots, it compares the currently installed firmware’s version number against the fuse count. If the firmware version is lower than what the fuses indicate, the console refuses to boot, effectively bricking itself.