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.
<summary><u>Failed to open SafeB9SInstaller.bin</u></summary>
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.
Your SD card is most likely acting weird. Try reformatting your SD card ([Windows](formatting-sd-(windows)), [macOS](formatting-sd-(mac)), [Linux](formatting-sd-(linux))). If this doesn't work, try another SD card.
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 consoles and is intended to prevent inadvertently merging data that would not be valid on other consoles. 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.
New 3DS users can follow [Installing boot9strap (super-skaterhax)](installing-boot9strap-(super-skaterhax)), while Old 3DS users can follow [Installing boot9strap (MSET9)](installing-boot9strap-(MSET9)). If you cannot do MSET9 for any reason, you will need to follow a method that requires 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.
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](https://zoogie.github.io/web/bb3).
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/zoogie/Bannerbomb3/releases/download/v3.0/Release_v3.0.zip) (direct download), and copy the `bb3.bin` file from the Release `.zip` to the root of your SD card.
If neither of these solutions fixes this problem, then custom firmware may have been uninstalled on this console in a way that makes this method impossible to perform. If this is the case, 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](https://zoogie.github.io/web/bb3), ensuring that you use the `movable.sed` file for your console.
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`.
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.
<summary><u>"An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER button to turn off the power..." (black screen with text)</u></summary>
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 [HBL otherapps](https://github.com/zoogie/ninjhax2.x/releases/download/v11.17/otherapps_with_CfgS_11.17.zip), place the `.bin` file relevant to your console 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 [HBL otherapps](https://github.com/zoogie/ninjhax2.x/releases/download/v11.17/otherapps_with_CfgS_11.17.zip), place the `.bin` file relevant to your console 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 console 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 console and region, or your console is incompatible with Soundhax. In the latter case, your course of action will determine on what version your 3DS is currently on. Join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance.
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 may be 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.
You can also try resetting your browser save data:
1. Launch the browser, then launch the browser settings
1. Scroll to the bottom and select "Reset Save Data" (it may also be called "Initialize Save Data" or "Clear All Save Data")
<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.
<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.
<summary><u>"An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER button to turn off the power..." (black screen with text)</u></summary>
The file `arm11code.bin` is missing or misplaced. Make sure to copy the files of the [latest version of super-skaterhax](https://github.com/zoogie/super-skaterhax/releases/latest) for your region and version to the root of your SD card (not inside of a folder).
<summary><u>(title/import).db does not exist, create them now?" / invalid database</u></summary>
Full error messages:
* "Nintendo 3DS/\<ID0>/\<ID1>/dbs/\<import.db and/or title.db> does not exist on SD card! Create them now? (type yes/no)"
* "Invalid database"
This happens when no valid title database is present, usually because you never installed any titles from eShop on this SD card.
1. Type "yes", then press Enter
1. Insert the SD card into your console
1. Power on your console
1. Navigate to System Settings -> Data Management -> Nintendo 3DS -> Software -> Reset ([visual instructions](/images/screenshots/database-reset.jpg))
1. Power off your console
1. Insert the SD card into your computer
1. Return to [Section I Step 7](installing-boot9strap-(mset9)#section-i---prep-work)
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<summary><u>[WinError 5] Access is denied</u></summary>
The SD card may be write-locked. If you are using a full-size SD card, ensure that the lock is flipped in the [upright position](/images/sdlock.png). Otherwise, try ejecting and reinserting your SD card.
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<summary><u>UnboundLocalError: cannot access local variable 'haxid1_path'</u></summary>
This can happen when Option 1 stopped because of an error and there is an incomplete installation.
1. Close the script window
1. Execute the `mset9.py` script on the root of the SD card
+ **Windows**: Double-click `mset9.bat`
+If this doesn't work: hold SHIFT and right-click anywhere in the SD card window, then click the option that opens Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt, then type `py -3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ **Linux**: open a Terminal window, `cd` to the root of your SD card, then type `python3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ You should see a window that says "MSET9 ... SETUP by zoogie"
You may be missing `SafeB9S.bin` from the root of your SD card, or the file may be corrupted. Copy it from the `SDMC` folder in the MSET9 `.zip`, replacing any existing files.
Alternatively, your SD card may be improperly formatted or partitioned. Try reformatting your SD card: [Windows](formatting-sd-(windows)), [Linux](formatting-sd-(linux)) *(this will wipe your SD card data)*
Your SD card does not have Mii Maker Data, which is necessary for this exploit to run.
1. Close the script window
1. Execute the `mset9.py` script on the root of the SD card
+ **Windows**: Double-click `mset9.bat`
+ If this doesn't work: hold SHIFT and right-click anywhere in the SD card window, then click the option that opens Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt, then type `py -3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ **Linux**: open a Terminal window, `cd` to the root of your SD card, then type `python3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ You should see a window that says "MSET9 ... SETUP by zoogie"
1. Type the number corresponding to your console model and version, then press Enter
1. Type `4`, then press Enter to remove MSET9
1. Insert the SD card into your console
1. Power on your console
1. Launch Mii Maker
1. Wait for your console to reach the "Welcome to Mii Maker" screen, then exit Mii Maker
1. Power off your console
1. Insert the SD card into your computer
1. Return to [Section I Step 7](installing-boot9strap-(mset9)#section-i---prep-work)
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<summary><u>System Settings loading infinitely after reinserting the SD card</u></summary>
You most likely did something different from the MSET9 instructions, or selected the wrong model or version.
1. Close the script window
1. Execute the `mset9.py` script on the root of the SD card
+ **Windows**: Double-click `mset9.bat`
+ If this doesn't work: hold SHIFT and right-click anywhere in the SD card window, then click the option that opens Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt, then type `py -3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ **Linux**: open a Terminal window, `cd` to the root of your SD card, then type `python3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ You should see a window that says "MSET9 ... SETUP by zoogie"
1. Type the number corresponding to your console model and version, then press Enter
1. Type `3`, then press Enter
1. Once the window says "Deleting... done.", insert the SD card into your console
1. Power on your console
1. Return to [Section II Step 1](installing-boot9strap-(mset9)#section-ii---mset9)
If you continue to have this issue and are sure that you did everything correctly, it's possible that there's something wrong with your Mii Maker extdata. Follow these instructions to reset it:
1. Close the script window
1. Execute the `mset9.py` script on the root of the SD card
+ **Windows**: Double-click `mset9.bat`
+ If this doesn't work: hold SHIFT and right-click anywhere in the SD card window, then click the option that opens Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt, then type `py -3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ **Linux**: open a Terminal window, `cd` to the root of your SD card, then type `python3 mset9.py` and press Enter
+ You should see a window that says "MSET9 ... SETUP by zoogie"
1. Type the number corresponding to your console model and version, then press Enter
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
You said 'No' to the "Make essential files backup?" prompt in GodMode9. Power off your console, power it on while holding (Start) to re-enter GodMode9, say 'Yes' to the prompt, then try again.
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)).
You are somehow running a version of GodMode9 not packaged with the script. Make sure you copied the contents of `finalize.zip` to the root of your SD card and that you are holding START while powering on your console.
Ensure that your SD card is not [locked](/images/sdlock.png). If the SD card is not locked and you continue to get this error, join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance.
The script has detected that the Nintendo 3DS folder is missing AND that you have already made a NAND backup before. If you intend to install homebrew applications, you should do the following:
The steps detailed here generally assume that your console 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 console.
+ **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 console (such as a disconnected backlight cable). You may be able to get your console to boot by holding it at certain angles.
1. Power off your console, remove the SD card, re-insert it, then power on your console.
1. Power off your console, eject the game cartridge if inserted, power on your console, then wait up to ten minutes. If your console 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 console 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.
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 console is booting from the internal memory and not from the SD card.
1. Power off your console, remove the SD card, insert it on your computer, 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 console, remove the SD card, insert it on your computer 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 console is likely hard-bricked. You will need to buy an ntrboot flashcart to reinstall boot9strap in order to attempt to fix your console. 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 console powered on, waiting on the blue screen, for five minutes.
Your console is running Luma3DS 6.6 or older, likely via arm9loaderhax. You should follow [A9LH to B9S](a9lh-to-b9s) to update your console 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>Opening the HOME Menu settings crashes the console or loads the Homebrew Launcher</u></summary>
Your console likely still has menuhax67 installed. To uninstall menuhax67, download the latest release of [menuhax67](https://github.com/zoogie/menuhax67/releases/latest) (the menuhax `.zip`), then follow the ["Uninstall menuhax67" section](https://wiki.hacks.guide/wiki/3DS:Alternate_Exploits/menuhax67#Uninstall_menuhax67) here.
If you are missing the Homebrew Launcher application from your HOME Menu, you can follow these instructions to manually enter the Homebrew Launcher. (You will need [boot.3dsx and boot.firm](https://github.com/LumaTeam/Luma3DS/releases/latest) on the root of your SD card.)
<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 console's settings, you will need to disable it. In order to do this, you need to obtain your console's master key (mkey):
