A new jailbreak method for the PlayStation 4 has emerged, leveraging the PlayStation Vue application to unlock consoles running firmware versions from 7.00 up to 13.00. This development marks a significant shift in the homebrew scene, as it eliminates the longstanding requirement for a physical Blu-ray disc, a key component of the widely used 9.00 exploit. The process involves restoring a modified system backup to install a dormant version of the Vue app, which is then used to execute a custom payload, granting users access to homebrew applications, game backups, and system-level modifications.
Preparing the Console for the Jailbreak Process
Before initiating the exploit, ensuring the console’s firmware is compatible and preventing inadvertent updates is critical. The exploit supports all PS4 system software versions from 7.00 to the current 13.00. It is strongly advised to remain on a lower firmware if already on one, such as 9.00 or 11.00, as stability is reported to be higher on these versions compared to the upper limit of 13.00.
Securing System Settings and Firmware Verification
The first step involves navigating the PS4’s settings to disable automatic updates and confirm the system version. Users must go to the Notifications section on the home screen, access Downloads, and delete any pending system update files. Following this, within Settings > Network, the internet connection should be disabled temporarily. Further safeguards are applied in Settings > System > Automatic Downloads, where all automatic download options should be unchecked. The exact firmware version can be confirmed under Settings > System > System Information.
Backing Up User Data and Preparing the Exploit Medium
Since the jailbreak method requires a full system restoration, which erases all local data, creating a comprehensive backup is an essential precaution. All installed games, save files, and captured media should be preserved.
Creating a Full Console Backup
Using a USB drive formatted to the exFAT file system, users can navigate to Settings > System > Backup and Restore. Selecting ‘Back Up PS4’ allows for the choice of applications, captures, and themes to save. Once the backup completes, the resulting ‘PS4’ folder on the USB drive should be copied to a secure location on a PC. After securing the data, the folder must be deleted from the USB drive to free space for the jailbreak files.
Assembling the Necessary Jailbreak Files
The exploit requires three primary components: the ‘Vue After Free’ system backup, the GoldHen payload, and homebrew application files, such as the Homebrew Store PKG. These files are sourced from trusted community repositories. The Vue backup file, typically a compressed .7z archive, must be extracted, and its ‘PS4’ folder copied directly to the root of the USB drive. The GoldHen payload file, often named ‘goldhen.bin’, must also be placed on the root and renamed to ‘payload.bin’. Any additional PKG files for homebrew or games are also copied directly to the root directory, not within any subfolders.
Executing the Jailbreak via PlayStation Vue
With the prepared USB drive connected, the console is manipulated into a state where it can run unsigned code through the Vue application.
Restoring the Modified System Backup
In Settings > System > Backup and Restore, selecting ‘Restore PS4’ and choosing the Vue After Free backup from the USB drive initiates a system wipe and restoration. After the console reboots, a new user account named ‘Vue’ will appear on the home screen.
Configuring Network Settings to Block Updates
Logging into the new Vue account, users must configure a custom network setup. Under Settings > Network, selecting ‘Custom’ for the internet connection setup and proceeding to DNS settings allows for the input of a manual Primary DNS. The address ‘62.210.38.117’ is commonly used, as it actively blocks communication with Sony’s update servers. Alternatives like ‘127.0.0.1’ can be used to sever internet access entirely while maintaining local network functionality.
Launching the Exploit and Installing GoldHen
The core of the jailbreak is activated by launching the PlayStation Vue application from the home screen. After bypassing any prompts to sign into the PlayStation Network, a ‘Jailbreak’ option should be present in the app’s menu. Selecting it triggers the exploit, which reads the ‘payload.bin’ file from the USB drive and installs the GoldHen payload onto the console’s internal storage. A successful installation is indicated by the appearance of a GoldHen menu within the PS4’s Settings menu, signifying the jailbreak is active.
Optimizing and Managing the Jailbroken System
With GoldHen running, several steps can be taken to enhance convenience and safeguard against common issues.
Backing Up the PlayStation Vue Application Data
To prevent potential network errors within the Vue app, its saved data can be backed up. Using the Application Saved Data Management settings, the Vue app data can be copied from system storage to the USB drive. This backup can be restored later if the app malfunctions.
Automating the Exploit and Removing PSN Prompts
Within the Vue application’s payload menu, a ‘Fake Signin’ payload can be run to suppress network sign-in prompts. Furthermore, the app’s configuration menu allows for setting an auto-loader. For firmware 12.02 or lower, ‘Auto Load Laps’ is selected with ‘Auto Close’ enabled. For firmwares 12.50, 12.52, and 13.00, ‘Auto Load Poop’ with ‘Net Control’ behavior is used. This configuration allows the jailbreak to reapply automatically upon launching the Vue app after a reboot.
Installing Homebrew and Game Backups
Using the Package Installer option found within the GoldHen debug settings, users can install PKG files from the USB drive. Selecting ‘Install All’ will queue and install homebrew applications like the Homebrew Store and any game backup files, making them available directly on the PS4 home screen.
Utilizing GoldHen Features and Maintaining the Jailbreak
The GoldHen environment unlocks a suite of advanced features, transforming the console into a highly customizable platform. The integrated plugin loader allows for the application of community-made game patches, such as frame rate unlocks or visual effect removals. A cheat manager enables the activation of mods during gameplay, often accessible by holding the Share button. GoldHen also provides tools for running background FTP servers for wireless file transfers and synchronizing the system clock.
Understanding the Tethered Nature and Using Rest Mode
It is crucial to recognize this jailbreak as tethered; a full system shutdown or restart will deactivate it, locking homebrew applications until the exploit is rerun. To avoid this, the console should be placed into Rest Mode instead of powering off completely. Enabling ‘Rest Mode Support’ within the GoldHen settings ensures the jailbreak state persists through sleep cycles, allowing for instant resumption of modified gameplay and applications upon waking the console.
This method represents a notable evolution in PS4 homebrew accessibility, removing hardware dependencies and extending support to newer firmware versions. While the process requires careful preparation and an understanding of the tethered limitations, it opens a pathway to expanded functionality for consoles that were previously updated beyond the reach of older, disc-based exploits. The community-driven development of tools like GoldHen continues to build upon this foundation, offering users deeper control over their gaming systems.
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