Jailbreaking your PS5 unlocks exciting possibilities like running homebrew software, backups, emulators, mods and more. Here is an in-depth look at the current status of the PS5 jailbreak scene, the available exploits, compatible firmware versions and what you can do once jailbroken.
The State of PS5 Jailbreaking
As of early 2023, there is a public “partial jailbreak” for PS5 firmware versions 3.00 to 4.51. This uses a kernel exploit to enable a payload loader for running basic homebrew.
However, full control of the PS5 is not yet possible due to additional hypervisor security protections. This means the PS5 jailbreak is still limited compared to the capabilities of a full PS4 jailbreak.
Recently, a new advancement called “lib hijacker” was released that can bypass some hypervisor restrictions and allow more advanced functionality like 60FPS patches. But a full jailbreak giving complete system access remains elusive on the latest firmware.
Partial vs Full PS5 Jailbreak
Let’s clarify the difference between a “partial” and “full” PS5 jailbreak:
- Partial jailbreak – Exploits kernel but can’t bypass hypervisor protections fully. Can run simple payloads and homebrew in restricted environments.
- Full jailbreak – Fully compromises the system, including hypervisor. Gives full control for modding games, running backups and emulators.
The PS5’s hypervisor is an additional security layer that sandboxes processes and limits access to protected system memory. A hypervisor exploit is needed for a full jailbreak.
Firmware Version Requirements
The compatible firmware version range for jailbreaking PS5 is:
- Partial jailbreak – Firmware 3.00 to 4.51
- Lib hijacker – Up to firmware 4.51
- Potential full jailbreak – Reported for firmware 2.50 and below
So for now, firmware versions 3.00 to 4.51 are your best bet for access to the partial public jailbreak and lib hijacker homebrew.
Staying on firmware 2.50 or lower provides a small chance of a future full jailbreak, but nothing is guaranteed yet.
Exploits and Entry Points
There are a few different entry points that can initiate the PS5 jailbreak:
- WebKit browser – Visit a webpage that triggers the kernel exploit
- Blu-ray disc – Load exploit via custom firmware on a burned Blu-ray disc
- Lib hijacker – Exploit redis server bug to run payloads outside browser/disc restrictions
For most users, using the WebKit browser method is the simplest way to trigger the jailbreak. But lib hijacker offers more flexibility.
These then chain together userland and kernel exploits to gain partial access to run homebrew software payloads.
What Can You Do Once Jailbroken?
The capabilities are limited initially, but here are some of the things a partial PS5 jailbreak enables:
- Run payload loader homebrew apps
- FTP access to PS5’s internal files and filesystem
- Enable debug settings and menus
- Dynamic FPS mods and patches
- Cheat menus and trainers
- Limited game modding ability
- Extract game assets and data
- Potentially run PS4 game backups and homebrew
- Possibly emulate older systems like PS1/PS2/PSP
Expect more features as developers dig deeper into the system. But full custom firmware remains a distant prospect.
Lib Hijacker Advances Jailbreak Capabilities
The recent “lib hijacker” development has expanded the jailbreak substantially. It allows executing payloads with more system rights by exploiting redis bugs.
Benefits of lib hijacker include:
- Patch games to run at 60FPS (implemented by Illusion)
- Enable developer menus and debug settings
- Access memory of any process, not just browser/disc
- Potential for more advanced mods and trainers
- Further progression towards full jailbreak status
Lib hijacker is a major step forward. But hypervisor-level access is still needed for PS5 custom firmware.
PS5 Jailbreak Community Progress
The current public PS5 jailbreak is thanks to work from the hacking scene:
- theflow0 – Discovered the kernel exploit, released WebKit implementation
- SpecterDev – Created alternative implementation using Blu-ray discs
- ChendoChap – Ported theflow’s jailbreak to firmware 4.50 initially
- illusion – Adapted the jailbreak for 4.51-6.50, created lib hijacker
- Others – Contributions across many developers, testers and modders
Meanwhile, private efforts by fail0verflow and hackers like flatz have reportedly jailbroken PS5 fully on firmware 2.50 or lower. But this has not been publicly released.
The Future of PS5 Jailbreaking
The PS5 scene is clearly making steady progress. But Sony’s improved security will likely mean jailbreaking PS5 remains restricted for some time.
Ideally, the private research by hacking groups could be combined with the public WebKit kernel exploit to deliver a full jailbreak on latest firmware.
But in the meantime, developers are still working on enabling more functionality and homebrew with the limitations of the partial jailbreak.
The PS4 took around 5 years to reach the maturity offered by full custom firmware support. Expect the PS5 to follow a similar timeline as security gradually falls away.
Should You Jailbreak Your PS5?
Jailbreaking does come with risks, such as the possibility of being banned from PSN for running unauthorized content. And you will lose access to many online functions without an ability to easily un-jailbreak at this stage.
But for advanced users, the rewards outweigh the risks, enabling exciting new use cases not officially possible on PS5 yet.
If you are technically inclined and want to unlock extra functionality from your console, it could be worth jailbreaking while staying on compatible firmware versions for now.
But more casual users should wait until the process is simpler and jailbreaking is more reversible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will a full PS5 jailbreak release?
It’s impossible to say for certain, but likely not for several more years based on PS4 jailbreak timelines. Sony’s improved security will delay progress.
Can you jailbreak a PS5 Slim or Pro?
As these models don’t exist yet, no exploits have been developed. But any future PS5 models will surely be jailbreak targets when available.
Does PS5 jailbreak work on every firmware version?
No, you need to be on firmware between 3.00-4.51 for the public jailbreak. Stay on 2.50 or below for potential future full jailbreak.
Is jailbreaking legal / will you get banned?
Jailbreaking itself is legal in many regions, but piracy or cheating online canresult in PSN bans. Avoid these activities.
Can you unlock trophies with a jailbroken PS5?
Potentially yes via cheat engines, but this is highly risky and can result in console bans from PSN. Not recommended.
What can’t you do with the partial PS5 jailbreak?
Disabling hypervisor protections prevents full custom firmware, backups, unrestricted mods and decryption currently.
Do you need a computer to jailbreak a PS5?
Yes, you need a computer to visit the jailbreak webpage or prepare an exploit Blu-ray disc and transfer payloads.
Is there an easy way to un-jailbreak your PS5?
No, there is no simple way currently. You must do a full factory reset and update, losing everything.
Will running homebrew or mods get your PS5 banned?
If designed well without PSN cheating, homebrew and mods are generally safe. But risk still exists.
In Summary
The PS5 jailbreak scene has come a long way since the console’s launch in 2020. But full access remains elusive due to the hypervisor security standing in the way.
For now, stay on firmware 3.00-4.51 to access the partial jailbreak and lib hijacker advances opening up new possibilities. Or roll the dice on a future jailbreak by remaining on 2.50 or lower.
While limited, these early jailbreaks still allow PS5 owners to tap into extra functionality and run custom code for the first time. The future looks promising as workarounds appear circumventing key restrictions.
Experience from previous PlayStation consoles suggests we could be waiting until around 2025 or 2026 before mature PS5 custom firmware becomes feasible. But the building blocks are falling into place with the excellent progress made so far.