The PS4 alternatingly toggles between two separate system boot slots (Slot A and Slot B) when installing system updates. If you updated directly from 9.00 to a higher firmware, your previous 9.00 installation files might still reside in the inactive backup slot. Required Hardware Tools High-quality soldering station with fine tips
Because of these hardware-level checks, a standard PS4 running version 13.02 will completely ignore any older PS4UPDATE.PUP file (like version 9.00) placed on a USB drive, rendering software-only downgrades impossible. The Only Exception: The Syscon Hardware Revert Method
directly from firmware 13.02 to 9.00 via a simple software or USB update is completely impossible. Sony designed the
There is technically one way to revert firmware, but it is extremely difficult and risky:
For standard users, there is simply no method to "undo" the 13.02 update. Attempting to follow online "downgrade tutorials" that claim to work via simple USB will lead to wasted time and potential confusion. ps4 downgrade 13.02 to 9.00
However, while a conventional downgrade is impossible, the reality for those with advanced technical skills is more nuanced. Under very specific circumstances, which are highly unlikely for someone who has already updated to the latest version, a "firmware revert" to a previous version is theoretically possible. Let's break down exactly what that means, why it's almost certainly not an option for you, and what your actual alternatives are.
Do you have electronics?
This process is incredibly complex and dangerous, requiring advanced electronics skills. It is not a software solution.
The interest in version 9.00 stems from its famous WebKit and kernel exploit chain, triggered by a specially crafted USB device. This exploit allows the execution of unofficial code, leading to homebrew launchers, backup loaders, and customization. However, this exploit was patched in firmware 9.03 and all subsequent releases, including 13.02. Even if a console were on 9.00, updating to 13.02 permanently removes the vulnerable components. There is no known, publicly available exploit for 13.02 that would grant the low-level access necessary to overwrite the system’s bootloader or downgrade the firmware. Without that, attempting to install 9.00 over 13.02 results in a signature verification failure, as Sony digitally signs each firmware update package. The PS4 alternatingly toggles between two separate system
If you are on 9.00 or lower, Block update downloads in your network settings and never accept system software prompts.
You can usually only revert to the immediately preceding firmware version (e.g., from 13.02 back to 13.00), not skip back several years to 9.00.
: Websites claiming to offer a modified "9.00 downgrader pup" file that installs via Safe Mode are completely fake. The console hardware encryption checks will instantly reject these files.
Medium–High
: When the PS4 detects the corrupted active slot, it attempts to boot from the inactive slot. If that inactive slot was 9.00, the console "reverts." Current Status of 13.02 (April 2026) PS4 13.00, 13.02 & 13.04 HEN Released 30 Jan 2026 —
: There is no "magic file" or USB update that can revert your firmware. Sony's security ensures the console only accepts versions higher than what is currently installed. The Hardware Route : Downgrading requires a process called
Selling your PS4 on 13.02 and buying a pre-owned console on 9.00 is cheaper, safer, and faster than a hardware downgrade.