PS4 Linux Tutorial

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Key information ​

In this very professional tutorial, we'll go over how to install Linux on your PS4.

This guide was originally made because the PS4Linux.com's guide was old, hard to understand, incomplete and with tons of ads. It was updated recently, but the guide section hasn't really changed.

Still, thanks to noob404 for their website, as this is a better-put-together version of their work. This guide wouldn't exist without it.

Is it reversible? Will it delete all my games and saves?

All your data will stay intact. Whether you install it on the internal HDD or an external drive, you will keep your data as you first need to exploit your console at every boot.

The internal drive method actually creates a file as big as you want it to be which is going to be mounted whenever you launch Linux as it's own virtual hard disk, so it won't overwrite any data you have on your console. For the external drive method your HDD isn't even touched at all.

TLDR: yes it is reversible, and no you won't loose any data.

What consoles are compatible?

All consoles that can run a homebrew enabler (like GoldHEN or ps4hen) are able to run Linux.

At the time of writing, the newest compatible firmware is 12.02.

However, every console has a different southbridge, and Baikal in particular has many issues. You should be able to get a working installation either way.

Video guide (optional) ​

TIP

If you prefer a video guide, I recommend Modded Warfare's on YT.

As is the nature with videos, it may not be up to date with the content here.

Important places ​

Here are some links you'll probably find useful. You can come back to them if needed.

  1. PS4Linux Website
  2. PS4Linux Forums
  3. PS4Linux Forums' Discord server
  4. YouTube
    1. Modded Warfare
    2. Noob404 (PS4Linux Forums)
    3. Qba
  5. Discord
    1. PS4Linux Forums' Discord server
      1. For general help regarding things not working
    2. tux4orbis
      1. More development focused
    3. PS4-LINUX (saya's)
      1. Mostly in French
  6. Mental Health Institute of your choice (optional, if you feel overwhelmed)

Warning before you proceed ​

CAUTION

Read the guide carefully to avoid any mistakes. It is recommended to read it fully at least once, as it may be a little bit overwhelming at first.

This guide is offered as is, with no warranty whatsoever. The writers are not responsible if you screw something up.

TIP

If you do share this tutorial, remember to mention the source and that things are subject to change.

To the Revisions and Southbridges section ​

In the next section, we'll figure out what are the differences between all consoles and southbridges, as well as additional terms for Linux and general computing.