PS4 Jailbreak: Complete Guide to the Homebrew Enabler (HEN) up to FW 13.52

May 23, 2026

Last updated: 1 October 2026

The PlayStation 4 has a very mature modding scene: the Homebrew Enabler (HEN) mod unlocks the console without soldering, safely and reversibly. In 2026 the jailbreak is available up to firmware 13.52. In this guide I explain everything about the PS4 jailbreak: how it works, which firmware versions are compatible, what you can do and how to order the professional service.

What the PS4 mod (HEN jailbreak) is

The PS4 jailbreak with Homebrew Enabler (HEN) is a software mod that unlocks the console, allowing you to:

Run homebrew (unsigned applications)
Launch PS4 game backups in PKG format
Install emulators (PS1, PS2, PSP, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, N64, etc.)
Edit save files (save editor)
Load custom themes and plugins
Use mod menus in single-player games (GTA V, Fallout, etc.)
Unlock Debug Settings in the system menu
Block firmware updates (Update Blocker)

HEN is a soft mod: it requires no soldering, does not damage the console and can be removed at any time by updating to the official Sony firmware.

Compatible PS4 firmware in 2026

Activating HEN depends on the installed firmware. Here is the complete, up-to-date situation:

✅ Firmware 4.55 — 9.00

All firmware from 4.55 to 9.00 can be jailbroken with HEN. FW 9.00 has historically been one of the most stable, the classic choice for anyone who has been on this firmware for a while.

✅ Firmware 9.50 — 11.00

All firmware 9.50, 9.51, 9.60, 10.00, 10.01, 10.50, 10.70, 10.71 and 11.00 can be jailbroken with HEN. Full compatibility with most homebrew.

✅ Firmware 11.50 — 12.02

Jailbreak supported. Good compatibility, with some minor limitations on older plugins.

✅ Firmware 12.50 — 13.52

The latest public exploit covers up to FW 13.52. Available via a BD-JB payload using discs such as HenLoader LP or Lapse 1.2, or via WebKit. A plug-and-play solution with no PC needed.

⚠️ Firmware above 13.52

If your PS4 has updated beyond 13.52, there is currently no public exploit. What to do:

Block automatic updates immediately and wait for new releases from the modding scene
Consider buying a ready-to-use modded PS4 with compatible firmware
Trade in your PS4 for a modded one with our used console trade-in service

What you can do with a modded PS4

🎮 PKG games — native backups

Install PS4 games in PKG format (Sony's package format) directly from USB or over the network. Works with backups of original games, DLC, updates, themes and PSN apps.

🕶️ Multi-platform emulators

A modded PS4 supports emulators for almost every pre-PS4 console:

Sony: native PS1, PS2 (PCSX2), PSP
Nintendo: NES, SNES, N64, GBA, GameCube (limited)
Sega: Mega Drive, Master System, Saturn, Dreamcast
Arcade: MAME, NeoGeo, CPS1/CPS2/CPS3
RetroArch with hundreds of available cores

🔧 Debug Settings & developer tools

Unlock the system Debug Settings menu with hidden options:

Change PSN region
Start development mode
Change network parameters
Force video resolution
Unlock advanced recording options

📝 Save editor & mod menus

Save Wizard equivalents — edit GTA V, Fallout, RDR2 saves, etc.
Mod menus in single-player (GTA V, Skyrim, RDR2)
Cheat tools for specific games

📺 Media player and more

VLC and other video players
Alternative web browsers
Development tools (Linux no longer supported after FW 9.00)

Compatible PS4 models

✅ PS4 Fat (CUH-1xxx, 1100, 1200)

The original model (2013-2016). Compatible with HEN on all supported firmware. 500GB-1TB hard drive.

✅ PS4 Slim (CUH-2xxx)

Lighter, quieter version (2016+). Compatible with all mod services. 500GB/1TB hard drive.

✅ PS4 Pro (CUH-7xxx)

Enhanced version with 4K support (2016+). Compatible with all mods. 1TB/2TB hard drive.

What our PS4 jailbreak service includes

Our PS4 jailbreak service — Homebrew Enabler + Debug Settings + Update Blocker for €59.99 includes:

✅ GoldHEN installation (compatible up to FW 13.52)
✅ Debug Settings unlocked
✅ Update Blocker to prevent accidental updates
✅ Homebrew store preinstalled (PKG manager, basic RetroArch)
✅ FTP setup for file management
✅ Full functionality test
✅ 12-month warranty
✅ Turnaround time: 3-5 working days

BD-JB discs for jailbreaking without a PC

Want to activate HEN without using a PC and without configuring anything? BD-JB discs are the simplest solution: just insert them into the PS4 and they run the jailbreak payload automatically.

💿 BD-JB HenLoader LP disc — €9.99 — launches HEN directly from disc, for firmware up to 11.00
💿 BD-JB Lapse 1.2 disc — €9.99 — Lapse jailbreak from disc, for more recent firmware up to 13.00

The ideal solution if you want to jailbreak on your own with minimal technical effort.

Ready-to-use modded PS4 consoles

If you'd rather buy a PS4 that's already modded, we have available:

🎮 Modded PS4 Fat with HEN — €249.99
🎮 Modded PS4 Slim with HEN — €299.99
🎮 Modded PS4 Pro with HEN — €349.99

All configured, tested and with a 12-month warranty. See the full modded PS4 catalogue.

What you need besides the mod

1. External USB 3.0 hard drive (recommended)

To store PS4 game backups (some titles exceed 100GB each). A 2TB-4TB external HDD is recommended. It can be formatted as extended storage by the PS4 itself.

2. USB stick (for the first HEN launch)

A FAT32 USB stick is useful for installing additional PKGs and for the first HEN launch via payload (if you are not using the browser).

3. Internet connection (wired or Wi-Fi)

To load HEN via the browser and to transfer PKGs via FTP.

Pay in instalments

All PS4 services and modded consoles can be bought in 3 interest-free instalments with Klarna (for amounts over €35). Example: modded PS4 Slim at €299.99 → 3 instalments of €100. Find out how Klarna works.

Frequently asked questions about the PS4 jailbreak

Up to which firmware can the PS4 be jailbroken?

In 2026 the HEN jailbreak is available up to firmware 13.52. For firmware above 13.52 there is currently no public exploit: block automatic updates and wait for new releases from the scene, or consider buying an already modded PS4.

Is the PS4 jailbreak permanent?

No, HEN must be re-activated at every boot (via the browser or a BD-JB disc). It is a non-permanent software mod. To make it more convenient, the HenLoader or Lapse 1.2 BD-JB discs activate the jailbreak just by inserting them.

Can I still play online on a modded PS4?

Not recommended: connecting a modded PS4 to PSN can easily get your account banned. For online play it's better to use a secondary account or, even better, a second, unmodded console.