Curious about jailbreaking a PS5 in 2025? Dive into the current state of PS5 jailbreaking, what you can do with a hacked console, the risks involved, and what’s next for the modding scene. Get the full scoop here!
The PlayStation 5 has been a gamer’s dream since its release, but for some, the real thrill lies in pushing the console beyond Sony’s limits. In 2025, the question on many modders’ minds remains: can you jailbreak a PS5? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as straightforward as it was with older consoles like the PS3 or PS4. The modding community has made impressive strides, unlocking features like homebrew apps and PS4 game backups, but a full-blown jailbreak for native PS5 games is still out of reach. If you’re wondering what’s possible, what risks you’re facing, or how to get started, this article breaks it all down for you.
From kernel exploits to Blu-ray vulnerabilities, hackers have been chipping away at the PS5’s defenses since its launch. Yet, Sony’s robust security—think hypervisors and dedicated chips—keeps the console locked down tight. Whether you’ve got an older PS5 with a low firmware or you’re just curious about the modding scene, we’ll walk you through the current state of affairs, what you can achieve, and what’s on the horizon.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not endorse or encourage jailbreaking or piracy, as these actions can void your warranty, damage your console, or lead to legal issues. Proceed at your own risk.
Can You Hack a PS5 in 2025?
Jailbreaking a PS5—essentially bypassing Sony’s software restrictions to run unauthorized code—is possible in 2025, but it comes with caveats. The success of a jailbreak depends heavily on your console’s firmware, which is the system software that runs the PS5. If your PS5 is on firmware 5.50 or lower, you’re in luck: kernel exploits exist that allow deeper access to the system. For those on firmwares up to 7.61, there are more limited “usermode” exploits. But if your console is updated to the latest firmware, like 24.06-10.01.00 from October 2024, you’re out of options for now.
What does this mean in practice? With the right firmware, you can run homebrew apps, play PS4 game backups, and even tweak performance for certain titles. However, cracking native PS5 games remains a pipe dream due to Sony’s ironclad security measures, including a hypervisor and a dedicated chip that block unauthorized access. For modding enthusiasts, the scene offers exciting possibilities, but it’s not a free-for-all.
The Current State of PS5 Jailbreaking
The PS5 modding scene in 2025 is a mixed bag—there’s progress, but it’s a far cry from the wide-open days of older consoles. Hackers have uncovered vulnerabilities that let you tinker with the system, but Sony’s security, including a hypervisor that protects the core of the PS5’s operating system, keeps a lid on what’s possible. Let’s break down where things stand.
For PS5s on firmwares between 1.00 and 5.50, two major kernel exploits are making waves: the UMTX exploit and the IPV6 exploit. The UMTX exploit, discovered in 2024, is the newer of the two and supports tools like etaHEN 2.0, which let you run homebrew, PS4 backups, and performance patches. The IPV6 exploit, around since 2022, is rock-solid for firmwares 3.00 to 4.51, offering similar capabilities. These exploits give modders a decent amount of control, but they’re not without issues—newer firmwares like 5.50 can be unstable, and not every app or game runs smoothly.
If your PS5 is on a firmware up to 7.61, you’ve got options like the BD-JB exploit, which uses the Blu-ray drive to run limited code. It’s only viable for disc-based consoles, though, so digital PS5 owners are out of luck. Then there’s the Mast1c0re exploit, which taps into vulnerabilities in PS2 games like Okage: Shadow King to run PS2 homebrew and ISOs. It works on firmwares up to 7.60, with the best support on 4.03 and 6.50. Lastly, the PSFree exploit, based on Webkit (the PS5’s browser engine), offers limited code execution up to firmware 5.50 but isn’t as versatile.
The catch? Sony’s hypervisor and security chip make it nearly impossible to run pirated PS5 games. While you can play around with homebrew and PS4 titles, the dream of a fully unlocked PS5 remains just that—a dream.
What Do You Need to Jailbreak a PS5?
Jailbreaking a PS5 means unlocking the console to run code Sony didn’t approve, like homebrew apps or game backups. It’s not as simple as plugging in a USB and hitting a button—it takes the right console, some technical know-how, and specific tools. Here’s the big picture.
You’ll need a PS5 with a vulnerable firmware, ideally 4.51 or lower for the most stable exploits, though some work up to 5.50 or even 7.61. The firmware is the PS5’s operating system version, and Sony patches vulnerabilities with each update, so newer consoles are tougher to crack. You’ll also need a USB drive formatted in FAT32 or exFAT, or a device like an ESP8266, to inject the exploit code. Tools like etaHEN or kstuff are popular for loading payloads—small programs that enable custom features.
The process starts with a usermode exploit, which takes advantage of flaws in components like the Blu-ray drive (BD-JB) or the browser (Webkit) to run initial code. From there, a kernel exploit, like UMTX or IPV6, digs deeper into the system for more control. This might involve setting up a local web server on your PC or using an external device to send the payload to your PS5. It’s a technical process, and while we won’t dive into step-by-step guides to steer clear of promoting piracy, you can find reliable tutorials on sites like Wololo.net.
In essence, jailbreaking a PS5 boils down to a few key steps:
- Get a PS5 with a Vulnerable Firmware: Aim for 5.50 or lower, with 4.51 being the sweet spot, as newer firmwares like 10.60 are patched.
- Prepare a USB or External Device: Use a FAT32/exFAT USB or an ESP8266 to deliver the exploit.
- Choose the Right Exploit: Pick UMTX (up to 5.50), IPV6 (up to 4.51), or BD-JB (up to 7.61), depending on your firmware.
- Load the Payload: Use tools like etaHEN to send code to the console, enabling homebrew or other features.
What Can You Do with a Jailbroken PS5?
A jailbroken PS5 opens up a world of possibilities for modding enthusiasts, though it’s not the free-for-all some might hope for. With the right exploit, you can tap into features that go beyond what Sony intended, but there are limits to what’s possible.
You can run homebrew apps—custom software created by the community, like emulators or game managers such as Itemzflow. Another big draw is playing PS4 game backups, with reports of up to 60 titles running smoothly, taking advantage of the PS5’s faster load times and improved resolution. For example, modders have gotten Bloodborne to hit a buttery-smooth 60 FPS at 1080p, something the official version doesn’t offer. You can also access the PS5’s debug mode, a hidden developer setting that lets you poke around the system’s internals, or apply performance patches to certain games.
The downside? Native PS5 games, like Horizon Forbidden West or Final Fantasy XVI, are off-limits due to Sony’s security measures. Exploits on newer firmwares, like 5.50, can also be unstable, leading to crashes or glitches. Still, for those who love tinkering, a jailbroken PS5 offers a playground of custom possibilities.
In summary, here’s what you can do with a jailbroken PS5:
- Run Homebrew: Install custom apps like emulators or Itemzflow for a personalized gaming experience.
- Play PS4 Backups: Enjoy up to 60 stable PS4 game backups with enhanced performance.
- Apply Performance Patches: Boost games like Bloodborne to 60 FPS at 1080p.
- Access Debug Mode: Explore hidden system settings used by developers.
Risks and Consequences
Jailbreaking a PS5 isn’t without its downsides. If you connect a modified console to the internet, you risk a permanent ban from PlayStation Network, locking you out of online features, digital games, and cloud saves. Modifying your console also voids the warranty, meaning Sony won’t help if something goes wrong. Worse, a misstep during the jailbreak process could brick your PS5, turning it into an expensive paperweight. Depending on where you live, piracy could also land you in legal hot water.
Sony’s updates, like the October 2024 firmware 24.06-10.01.00, have added hurdles, such as changes to license restoration that even affect legit offline players. If you’re considering a jailbreak, weigh these risks carefully—it’s not a decision to take lightly.
Which PS5 Models Are Hackable?
Not every PS5 is ripe for jailbreaking. Your best bet is a disc-based PS5 manufactured before December 2022, running firmware 4.51 or lower. These older consoles are the most vulnerable to stable exploits and are highly sought after in the modding community, often fetching a premium on the secondhand market.
Digital-only PS5s rely on Webkit-based exploits, which are less common and more restricted. Newer models, like the PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro, typically ship with recent firmwares like 10.60, making them untouchable for now. If you’re hunting for a hackable PS5, check the firmware before buying and keep it offline to avoid automatic updates.
Key Milestones in the PS5 Jailbreak Scene
The PS5 modding scene has come a long way since the console’s debut, with hackers steadily uncovering ways to bypass Sony’s defenses. Here are the standout moments that have shaped the journey:
- May 2020: SMAP Bypass
Early in the PS5’s life, hackers found a flaw in the SMAP (Supervisor Mode Access Prevention) system, hinting that the console wasn’t invincible. It was a small but promising first step. - October 2021: Fontface Webkit Exploit
This exploit targeted Webkit, the PS5’s browser engine, allowing initial code execution. It laid the groundwork for running homebrew on early firmwares. - March 2022: Mast1c0re Exploit
By exploiting bugs in PS2 games like Okage: Shadow King, this hack enabled PS2 homebrew and ISOs, giving modders a limited but exciting entry point. - June 2022: BD-JB Exploit (TheFloW)
Hacker TheFloW discovered a way to use the Blu-ray drive to run unauthorized code, offering a usermode exploit for disc-based PS5s up to firmware 7.61. - September 2022: IPV6 Kernel Exploit
A major breakthrough, this kernel exploit gave deeper system access on firmwares 3.00 to 4.51, enabling tools like etaHEN for homebrew and PS4 backups. - October 2022: Kernel Exploit for 4.03/4.50/4.51
The community released a polished exploit for specific firmwares, making jailbreaking more accessible and reliable for older PS5s. - July 2023: Hypervisor Exploit (Flat_z)
Hacker Flat_z teased a hypervisor exploit, a potential game-changer for bypassing Sony’s core security. It remains undisclosed, keeping hopes alive for a bigger breakthrough. - September 2024: UMTX Kernel Vulnerability
Based on a FreeBSD flaw, this exploit extended jailbreaking to firmware 5.50, expanding the reach of tools like etaHEN 2.0. - April 2025: kstuff Support for Firmware 7.61
The kstuff tool enhanced the BD-JB exploit, bringing limited code execution to newer firmwares, showing the scene’s ongoing momentum.
What’s Next for PS5 Jailbreaking?
The future of PS5 jailbreaking is a tug-of-war between hackers and Sony’s relentless security updates. The community is still digging into potential vulnerabilities, like new Webkit flaws or issues in the PS5’s save system (lua save), but the hypervisor and security chip remain formidable barriers. With each firmware update, like the recent 24.06-10.01.00, Sony patches holes, and newer models like the PS5 Pro come with even tighter defenses.
For those looking for alternatives, the gaming landscape is shifting. Many PS5 exclusives, such as God of War Ragnarök, are hitting PC, and PlayStation Plus offers free monthly games, making legal options more appealing. While the modding scene isn’t giving up, a fully unlocked PS5 capable of running native games seems like a distant goal for now.
FAQ: Quick Answers on PS5 Jailbreaking
- What’s a jailbreak? A process to bypass the PS5’s software restrictions, allowing custom apps (homebrew) or game backups, though limited on the PS5.
- What’s an exploit? A system vulnerability, like Webkit or BD-JB, used to run unauthorized code.
- What’s the kernel? The core of the PS5’s operating system, targeted by exploits for deeper control.
- What’s Webkit? The PS5’s browser engine, exploited in hacks like PSFree for initial code execution.
- What’s firmware? The PS5’s system software version. Exploits only work on specific ones, like 4.51 or 5.50.
- What’s the BD-JB exploit? A hack using the Blu-ray drive to run limited code, available up to firmware 7.61.
- What’s the Mast1c0re exploit? Uses PS2 game bugs to run homebrew and ISOs, working up to firmware 7.60.
- What’s the PSFree exploit? A Webkit-based hack for limited code execution, compatible up to firmware 5.50.
Conclusion
In 2025, jailbreaking a PS5 is within reach for consoles on firmware 5.50 or lower, with more limited options up to 7.61. You can dive into homebrew, play PS4 backups, and tweak games like Bloodborne to run at 60 FPS, but native PS5 game piracy remains impossible due to Sony’s robust security. The risks—PSN bans, voided warranties, and potential console damage—are steep, so tread carefully. Stay informed with trusted resources like modding tutorials, and consider legal alternatives like PC gaming or PlayStation Plus. The PS5 modding scene is alive and kicking, but Sony’s defenses are keeping the hackers on their toes.
