This page offers troubleshooting advice for commonly encountered issues. If you are unable to solve your issue with the advice on this page, please join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) and describe your issue, including what you have already tried.
You are missing `boot9strap.firm` and `boot9strap.firm.sha` from the `boot9strap` folder, or the `boot9strap` folder is misnamed. Download the latest release of [boot9strap](https://github.com/SciresM/boot9strap/releases/download/1.4/boot9strap-1.4.zip), and place `boot9strap.firm` and `boot9strap.firm.sha` in the `boot9strap` folder.
There is an issue with your `boot9strap.firm` and `boot9strap.firm.sha` files. Re-download the latest release of [boot9strap](https://github.com/SciresM/boot9strap/releases/download/1.4/boot9strap-1.4.zip), and place `boot9strap.firm` and `boot9strap.firm.sha` in the `boot9strap` folder.
You are missing `secret_sector.bin` from the `boot9strap` folder, or the `boot9strap` folder is misnamed. Download [secret_sector.bin](magnet:?xt=urn:btih:15a3c97acf17d67af98ae8657cc66820cc58f655&dn=secret_sector.bin&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.torrent.eu.org%3a451%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.lelux.fi%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.loadbt.com%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.moeking.me%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.monitorit4.me%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.ololosh.space%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.pomf.se%3a80%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.srv00.com%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.theoks.net%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.tiny-vps.com%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2fopen.tracker.cl%3a1337%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.zerobytes.xyz%3a1337%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker1.bt.moack.co.kr%3a80%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2fvibe.sleepyinternetfun.xyz%3a1738%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2fwww.torrent.eu.org%3a451%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.openbittorrent.com%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2f9.rarbg.com%3a2810%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2ftracker.opentrackr.org%3a1337%2fannounce&tr=udp%3a%2f%2fexodus.desync.com%3a6969%2fannounce&tr=http%3a%2f%2fopenbittorrent.com%3a80%2fannounce) using a torrent client, and place it in the `boot9strap` folder.
This occurs when you use your SD card in multiple 3DS devices and is intended to prevent inadvertently merging data that would not be valid on other devices. To figure out which long folder name is correct for your 3DS, follow these instructions:
Your friend code was blocked from using the friend code bot because your 3DS did not successfully friend the bot. Ensure your 3DS is properly connected to the Internet, then join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) and ask to be unlocked.
The website has determined that your `movable.sed` cannot be brute-forced. Ensure that you gave the correct ID0 to the website. If your ID0 is correct, then you will be unable to use Seedminer and you will have to use an alternate method that will require additional games or hardware.
This can occur if you've used multiple SD cards on a 3DS and then merged the contents of the SD cards together. This is done to prevent conflicting, valid data from being merged together.
To fix this, you will need to determine which folder contains your data. Usually, this will be the larger (or largest) of the folders. Backup and delete the smaller one(s), then create a `Nintendo DSiWare` folder in the one that remains and move `F00D43D5.bin` to that location.
<summary><u>DSiWare Management menu crashes without showing BB3 multihax menu</u></summary>
Ensure that `F00D43D5.bin` is the only file in `Nintendo 3DS` -> `<ID0>` -> `<ID1>` -> `Nintendo DSiWare`. If it is, then re-create it with the [Bannerbomb3 Injector](http://3dstools.nhnarwhal.com/#/bb3gen).
Also, ensure that `bb3.bin` is on the root of the SD card. If it is missing, then download the latest release of [Bannerbomb3](https://github.com/lifehackerhansol/Bannerbomb3/releases/download/v3.0-lhs1/bb3.bin) (direct download), and copy the `bb3.bin` file to the root of your SD card.
If neither of these solutions fixes this problem, then custom firmware may have been uninstalled on this device in a way that makes this method impossible to perform. If this is the case and Safe Mode works, you will need to follow [an alternate branch of Seedminer](homebrew-launcher-(pichaxx)). If Safe Mode doesn't work or you need assistance with this matter, join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) and ask, in English, for help.
`F00D43D5.bin` is missing from `Nintendo 3DS` -> `<ID0>` -> `<ID1>` -> `Nintendo DSiWare`. Make sure that `Nintendo DSiWare` is correctly spelled and spaced. Uppercase/lowercase does not matter.
There may be an issue with your `F00D43D5.bin` file (it may be corrupted or intended for the wrong 3DS). Re-create your `F00D43D5.bin` file with the [Bannerbomb3 Injector](http://3dstools.nhnarwhal.com/#/bb3gen), ensuring that you use the `movable.sed` file for your console.
The file `usm.bin` is missing or misplaced. Download the latest release of [unSAFE_MODE](https://github.com/zoogie/unSAFE_MODE/releases/download/v1.3/usm.bin) and place `usm.bin` on the root of your SD card. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
The file `SafeB9SInstaller.bin` is missing or misplaced. Download the latest release of [SafeB9SInstaller](https://github.com/d0k3/SafeB9SInstaller/releases/download/v0.0.7/SafeB9SInstaller-20170605-122940.zip), extract it, and place `SafeB9SInstaller.bin` on the root of your SD card. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
Back up your data and reformat your SD card as FAT32 with the recommended tool depending on your operating system ([Windows](formatting-sd-(windows)), [macOS](formatting-sd-(mac)), [Linux](formatting-sd-(linux))). MiniTool Partition Wizard and the HP formatting tool (HPUSBDisk) are known to cause issues with 3DS SD cards.
You forgot to delete `F00D43D5.bin` from the SD card. Navigate to `Nintendo 3DS` -> `<ID0>` -> `<ID1>` -> `Nintendo DSiWare` on your SD card and delete the `F00D43D5.bin` file.
There is an issue with your `42383821.bin` file (it is incorrect, missing, misplaced, or corrupted). Re-create your files with the [DSIHaxInjector_new](https://jenkins.nelthorya.net/job/DSIHaxInjector_new/build?delay=0sec) website and ensure that you place the `42383821.bin` file from `output.zip` -> `hax` in `Nintendo 3DS` -> `<ID0>` -> `<ID1>` -> `Nintendo DSiWare`.
Your DS Connection Settings application is broken, and you will need Homebrew Launcher access to fix this issue. Join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance.
You may have accidentally touched the touch screen while in the modified Flipnote. Re-enter DS Connection Settings and try again, ensuring that you don't accidentally use the touchscreen.
The file `boot.nds` is missing or misplaced. Download the latest release of [b9stool](https://github.com/zoogie/b9sTool/releases/latest) and place `boot.nds` on the root of your SD card, replacing the existing one.
<summary><u>White screen after pasting</u></summary>
There is an issue with your `boot.nds` file. Re-download the latest release of [b9stool](https://github.com/zoogie/b9sTool/releases/latest) and place `boot.nds` on the root of your SD card, replacing the existing one.
Your `00000001.sav` and/or `otherapp.bin` files may be misplaced. Ensure that `00000001.sav` is in `Nintendo 3DS` -> `<ID0>` -> `<ID1>` -> `title` -> `00040000` -> `0017c100` -> `data` and that `otherapp.bin` is on the root of your SD card.
If your files are in the correct locations, re-create the save using the [PicHaxx Save Tool](https://3dstools.nhnarwhal.com/#/pichaxx), then place it in `Nintendo 3DS` -> `<ID0>` -> `<ID1>` -> `title` -> `00040000` -> `0017c100` -> `data`. Ensure that the file is named exactly `00000001.sav` and that you used your console's `movable.sed` to create it. Re-download the latest release of [unSAFE_MODE](https://github.com/zoogie/unSAFE_MODE/releases/latest), place the `.bin` file relevant to your console from the `otherapps_with_CfgS` folder to the root of your SD card, and rename it to `otherapp.bin`. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
There is an issue with your `otherapp.bin` file. Download the latest release of [unSAFE_MODE](https://github.com/zoogie/unSAFE_MODE/releases/latest), place the `.bin` file relevant to your console from the `otherapps_with_CfgS` folder to the root of your SD card, and rename it to `otherapp.bin`. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
Your modified `00000001.sav` file may be misplaced, or you may have used the wrong `movable.sed` when creating it. Re-generate your `movable.sed` from [Bruteforce Movable](https://seedminer.hacks.guide), then re-create the save using the [PicHaxx Save Tool](https://3dstools.nhnarwhal.com/#/pichaxx) and place the resulting file (`00000001.sav`) in `Nintendo 3DS` -> `<ID0>` -> `<ID1>` -> `title` -> `00040000` -> `0017c100` -> `data`.
If your device is on system version 9.4.0, 9.5.0, or 9.6.0, you may be encountering a bug with an old version of universal-otherapp. Download the latest version from [here](https://github.com/TuxSH/universal-otherapp/releases/latest).
There is an issue with your `otherapp.bin` file (it is missing, misplaced, or corrupted). Download the latest release of [universal-otherapp](https://github.com/TuxSH/universal-otherapp/releases/latest) and place it on the root of your SD card.
You have the wrong Soundhax file for your device and region, or your device is incompatible with Soundhax. In the latter case, you should update your device to the latest version and follow [Seedminer](seedminer).
The file `SafeB9SInstaller.bin` is missing or misplaced. Download the latest release of [SafeB9SInstaller](https://github.com/d0k3/SafeB9SInstaller/releases/download/v0.0.7/SafeB9SInstaller-20170605-122940.zip), extract it, and place `SafeB9SInstaller.bin` on the root of your SD card. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
Back up your data and reformat your SD card as FAT32 with the recommended tool depending on your operating system ([Windows](formatting-sd-(windows)), [macOS](formatting-sd-(mac)), [Linux](formatting-sd-(linux))). MiniTool Partition Wizard and the HP formatting tool (HPUSBDisk) are known to cause issues with 3DS SD cards.
If this is unsuccessful, try using another SD card.
The file `arm11code.bin` is missing or misplaced. Download the latest release of [universal-otherapp](https://github.com/TuxSH/universal-otherapp/releases/latest), place `otherapp.bin` on the root of your SD card and rename it to `arm11code.bin`. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
There is an issue with your `arm11code.bin` file. Download the latest release of [universal-otherapp](https://github.com/TuxSH/universal-otherapp/releases/latest), place `otherapp.bin` on the root of your SD card and rename it to `arm11code.bin`. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
First, make sure you entered the correct proxy for the connection you're using. If not, go back to [Section II](installing-boot9strap-(ssloth-browser).html#section-ii---ssloth). If the proxy is correct, then your device has been cart-updated, which means an alternate exploit will need to be used.
If the two numbers before the region in the system version string is equal to or less than 36 (e.g. Ver. 11.14.0-**36**U), you can follow [Soundhax](installing-boot9strap-(soundhax)). When prompted to select a firmware to generate the sound file, use:
If you have an Old 3DS / Old 3DS XL / 2DS, you can try a Safe Mode update, which will trigger an alternate exploit:
1. Ensure that the proxy that you used for SSLoth is still actively applied to your internet connection
1. With your device powered off, hold the following buttons: (Left Shoulder) + (Right Shoulder) + (D-Pad Up) + (A), and while holding these buttons together, power on your device
+ Keep holding the buttons until the device boots into Safe Mode (a "system update" menu)
1. Press "OK" to accept the update
1. If everything worked correctly, the update will fail and the 3DS will boot into SafeB9SInstaller. If it did, then continue from [Section IV](installing-boot9strap-(ssloth-browser)#section-iv---installing-boot9strap).
---
If these methods didn't work (or do not apply to you), update your device to the latest version and follow [Seedminer](seedminer).
The file `SafeB9SInstaller.bin` is missing or misplaced. Download the latest release of [SafeB9SInstaller](https://github.com/d0k3/SafeB9SInstaller/releases/download/v0.0.7/SafeB9SInstaller-20170605-122940.zip), extract it, and place `SafeB9SInstaller.bin` on the root of your SD card. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
<summary><u>Frozen on "Doing agbhax..."</u></summary>
There may be an issue with your `arm11code.bin` file. Re-download the latest release of [universal-otherapp](https://github.com/TuxSH/universal-otherapp/releases/latest), place it on the root of your SD card, and rename it to `arm11code.bin`. Do not add the `.bin` extension if you do not already see it.
If you have a Taiwanese unit (with a T in the version string, ie. 11.3.0-##T), you will not be able to follow these instructions, and you will need to update your console and follow [Seedminer](seedminer) instead.
If you have a Mainland Chinese unit (with a C in the version string, ie. 11.3.0-##C), join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance.
<summary><u>Failed to mount the SD card!</u></summary>
Back up your data and reformat your SD card as FAT32 with the recommended tool depending on your operating system ([Windows](formatting-sd-(windows)), [macOS](formatting-sd-(mac)), [Linux](formatting-sd-(linux))). MiniTool Partition Wizard and the HP formatting tool (HPUSBDisk) are known to cause issues with 3DS SD cards.
If this is unsuccessful, try using another SD card.
1. Update from Safe Mode by turning off the console, holding (Left Shoulder) + (Right Shoulder) + (D-Pad Up) + (A) on boot, and following the on-screen prompts
1. Delete your WiFi connection, then reconnect to your WiFi again
1. Reboot your WiFi router
1. Connect to a different WiFi connection, like a mobile hotspot
1. Nintendo servers may be down; Try again later
1. If you still get an error, [follow CTRTransfer](ctrtransfer), then try again
There is an issue with your `boot.3dsx` file (it is missing, misplaced, or corrupted). Download the latest release of [the Homebrew Launcher](https://github.com/devkitPro/3ds-hbmenu/releases/latest) and place `boot.3dsx` on the root of your SD card, replacing any existing file. Make sure you are extracting the ZIP file with any tool other than WinRAR, as it is known to cause issues with 3DS-related files.
You did not copy the `gm9` folder from the GodMode9 `.zip` to the root of your SD card. Download the latest release of [GodMode9](https://github.com/d0k3/GodMode9/releases/latest) and place the `gm9` folder on the root of your SD card, merging it with the existing one.
<summary><u>"Backup failed" or "Error: Could not open directory" when attempting a NAND backup</u></summary>
Make sure you have at least 1.3GB available in your SD card. If you don't have enough space, follow these steps:
1. Power off your console
1. Remove the SD card and insert it into your computer
1. Copy the `Nintendo 3DS` folder from the root of your SD card to your computer
1. Delete the Nintendo 3DS folder from the SD card
1. Power off your console, hold START and power on still holding START to boot on GodMode9
1. Perform a [NAND Backup](godmode9-usage#creating-a-nand-backup)
1. Copy the files in `gm9/out` on your SD to a safe location on your computer
1. Delete the `<date>_<serialnumber>_sysnand_##.bin` and `<date>_<serialnumber>_sysnand_##.bin.sha` files from the SD card, keeping essential.exefs in `/gm9/out/`
1. Copy the `Nintendo 3DS` folder from your computer to the root of your SD card
1. Delete the `Nintendo 3DS` folder from your computer
If you have enough space on your SD card, your SD might be corrupted or faulty. Check your SD card for any errors by following the guide according to your computer's operating system: [Windows](h2testw-(windows)), [Linux](f3-(linux)), [macOS](f3xswift-(mac)).
The steps detailed here generally assume that your device has a modern custom firmware setup (boot9strap + Luma3DS 8.0 or greater). If your console is running an older homebrew setup (for example, something based on arm9loaderhax or menuhax), you should update your setup before trying these instructions.
There is an issue with your `boot.firm` file. If you're running [boot9strap 1.4](https://github.com/SciresM/boot9strap/releases/tag/1.4), your 3DS notification LED may flash a certain color. This color is used to diagnose issues involving your `boot.firm` file on SD card or internal memory. On older versions of boot9strap, the blue light will power off almost immediately when trying to turn on the device.
If the notification LED flashes:
- **White**: Your 3DS was not able to find `boot.firm` on your SD card or on internal memory.
- **Magenta**: Your 3DS was not able to find `boot.firm` on your SD card. It was able to find `boot.firm` on internal memory, but the file is corrupted.
- **Red**: Your 3DS was able to find `boot.firm` on both your SD card and on internal memory, but both files are corrupted.
You can get a new `boot.firm` file by downloading the [latest release of Luma3DS](https://github.com/LumaTeam/Luma3DS/releases/latest), extracting it, and placing `boot.firm` on the root of your SD card. If your `boot.firm` file is consistently being detected as corrupted, you may want to check your SD card for errors ([Windows](h2testw-(windows)), [Linux](f3-(linux)), or [macOS](f3xswift-(mac))). Also, note that the 3DS tends to have issues with files extracted using WinRAR.
If you hear a "popping sound", potentially accompanied with the backlight turning on for a split second, there is a hardware issue with your device (such as a disconnected backlight cable). You may be able to get your device to boot by holding it at certain angles.
1. Power off your device, eject the game cartridge if inserted, power on your device, then wait up to ten minutes. If your device boots within ten minutes, the issue has been fixed and is unlikely to reoccur
1. Rename the `Nintendo 3DS` folder on your SD card to `Nintendo 3DS_BACKUP`, then attempt to boot. If your device successfully boots, there is some issue within your `Nintendo 3DS` folder. Try clearing HOME Menu extdata:
Your Luma3DS version is outdated. Download the latest release of [Luma3DS](https://github.com/LumaTeam/Luma3DS/releases/latest) and place `boot.firm` on the root of your SD card, replacing any existing file. Make sure you are extracting the ZIP file with any tool other than WinRAR, as it is known to cause issues with 3DS-related files.
<summary><u>"Unable to mount CTRNAND or load the CTRNAND FIRM. Please use an external one."</u></summary>
There are a number of reasons as to why this could be happening. In any case, this error can usually be fixed by following the [CTRTransfer](ctrtransfer) guide.
This could be caused by various reasons, but most likely because your SD card is not being read by the system.
You can check if your SD is being read by holding SELECT on boot and checking the yellow text on the bottom screen; if it says "Booted from CTRNAND via B9S", then your device is booting from the internal memory and not from the SD card.
If this is the case, attempt the steps below, which are listed from easiest to hardest:
1. Power off your device, remove the SD card, insert it on your PC, download the latest release of [Luma3DS](https://github.com/LumaTeam/Luma3DS/releases/latest), extract `boot.firm` from the `Luma3DS.zip` and place it on the root of your SD card (replacing any existing file)
1. Power off your device, remove the SD card, insert it on your PC and reformat your SD card according to your computer's operating system: [Windows](formatting-sd-(windows)), [macOS](formatting-sd-(mac)), [Linux](formatting-sd-(linux)) *(this will wipe your SD card data)*
1. Test your SD card for errors by following the guide according to your computer's operating system: [Windows](h2testw-(windows)), [Linux](f3-(linux)), [macOS](f3xswift-(mac)). If your SD card is marked as faulty, then you will have to replace your SD card
1. Your SD card slot may be broken. Join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for further assistance
Your device is likely hard-bricked. You will need to buy an ntrboot flashcart to reinstall boot9strap in order to attempt to fix your device. This may also indicate a hardware issue that cannot be fixed. In any case, join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance.
+ It is also possible that someone has set a boot-time splash screen that just looks like a brick. Try leaving your device powered on, waiting on the blue screen, for five minutes.
Your device is running Luma3DS 6.6 or older, likely via arm9loaderhax. You should follow [A9LH to B9S](a9lh-to-b9s) to update your device to a modern custom firmware environment.
<summary><u>Exception screen when booting/loading an application</u></summary>
Look for your exception screen in [this page](https://wiki.hacks.guide/wiki/3DS:Error_screens/Luma3DS_exception_screen).
If you weren't able to find your error or the instructions didn't work, join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for further assistance.
<summary><u>Turning off Parental Controls</u></summary>
You can disable the Parental Controls feature by going to System Settings -> Parental Controls and inserting the PIN, then pressing "Clear Settings", then "Delete" to remove it.
However, if you do not know the PIN and therefore cannot access the device's settings, you will need to disable it. In order to do this, you need to obtain your device's master key (mkey):
1. Go to [this website](https://mkey.eiphax.tech/)
1. Fill the following boxes with the information:
+ Device Type: Select "3DS" (the same applies if you are using a 2DS, New 3DS (XL/LL) or New 2DS (XL/LL))
+ System Date: The day and month your console's clock is set to
+ Inquiry Number: Can be obtained by pressing "Forgot PIN" then "I Forgot" in the Parental Controls screen
1. After you have obtained your mkey, press OK on the screen you have obtained your Inquiry Number, then input the master key
1. Press "Clear Settings", then "Delete" to remove all Parental Controls data
