---
title: "Troubleshooting"
---
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.
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Table of Contents
Used on multiple pages:
* [SafeB9SInstaller](#issues-with-safeb9sinstaller)
Guide pages:
* [Seedminer](#seedminer)
* [BannerBomb3](#bannerbomb3)
* [Installing boot9strap (USM)](#installing-boot9strap-usm)
* [Installing boot9strap (Fredtool)](#installing-boot9strap-fredtool)
* [Homebrew Launcher (PicHaxx)](#homebrew-launcher-pichaxx)
* [Installing boot9strap (Soundhax)](#installing-boot9strap-soundhax)
* [Installing boot9strap (SSLoth-Browser)](#installing-boot9strap-ssloth-browser)
* [Finalizing Setup](#finalizing-setup)
Issues after installation:
* [Boot issues](#boot-issues-on-devices-with-custom-firmware)
* [Software issues](#software-issues-on-devices-with-custom-firmware)
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{: .notice--info}
## Issues with SafeB9SInstaller
### SigHaxed FIRM was not installed! Check lower screen for more info.
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SigHaxed FIRM - File not found
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.
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SigHaxed FIRM - invalid FIRM
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.
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Secret Sector - File not found
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.
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Something else
Join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance, and describe the message that you see.
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## Seedminer
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Multiple long folder names in Nintendo 3DS folder
![]({{ "/images/screenshots/multiple-id0.png" | absolute_url }})
{: .notice--info}
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:
1. Rename the `Nintendo 3DS` folder to `BACKUP_Nintendo 3DS`
1. Reinsert your SD card into your device and power on your device
1. Wait for the device to generate the SD card data
+ Your applications will have disappeared. This is normal and will be resolved shortly
1. Power off your device and reinsert your SD card into your computer
1. Navigate to the `Nintendo 3DS` folder on your SD card
1. Copy the 32 character long name of the folder you see
+ This is your true ID0 that you will use in [Section II of Seedminer](seedminer#section-ii---seedminer)
1. Delete the `Nintendo 3DS` folder
1. Rename the `BACKUP_Nintendo 3DS` folder to `Nintendo 3DS`
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Bruteforce Movable skips to step 4
The website has already mined your `movable.sed` using your friend code and ID0 combination. You can use the `movable.sed` that it provides you.
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Important! You have been locked out of the automated part1 dumper system...
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.
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We were unable to successfully complete your bruteforce request. :`(
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.
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## BannerBomb3
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Multiple ID1 folders inside of ID0
![]({{ "/images/screenshots/multiple-id1.png" | absolute_url }})
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.
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DSiWare Management menu crashes without showing BB3 multihax menu
Ensure that `F00D43D5.bin` is the only file in `Nintendo 3DS` -> `` -> `` -> `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.
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DSiWare Management menu displays "No accessible software data."
`F00D43D5.bin` is missing from `Nintendo 3DS` -> `` -> `` -> `Nintendo DSiWare`. Make sure that `Nintendo DSiWare` is correctly spelled and spaced. Uppercase/lowercase does not matter.
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DSiWare Management shows a question mark
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.
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## Installing boot9strap (USM)
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Safe Mode system update succeeds instead of giving error 003-1099
unSAFE_MODE is not installed. [Follow the instructions](installing-boot9strap-(usm)) to install it.
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Red screen after selecting "Detailed Setup"
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.
There is also a possibility that the console isn't reading your SD card. Make sure it is inserted and formatted correctly.
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Failed to open SafeB9SInstaller.bin
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.
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Failed to mount the SD card!
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.
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## Installing boot9strap (Fredtool)
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Error on Fredtool Injector page
Ensure that your `movable.sed` and DSiWare backup come from the same console. A mismatch will result in an error.
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Unable to select "Haxxxxxxxxx!" because the BB3 multihax menu appears
You forgot to delete `F00D43D5.bin` from the SD card. Navigate to `Nintendo 3DS` -> `` -> `` -> `Nintendo DSiWare` on your SD card and delete the `F00D43D5.bin` file.
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"Haxxxxxxxxx!" does not appear
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` -> `` -> `` -> `Nintendo DSiWare`.
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DS Connection Settings launches normally
`Haxxxxxxxxx!` was not copied from your SD card to your system memory.
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Black screen when launching DS Connection Settings
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.
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SD card is grayed out in Flipnote
Flipnote may take a long time to index your card if you have a large SD card. Let it sit for a few minutes.
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Lenny face does not appear in SD card section
You did not copy the `private` folder from the Frogminer_save `.zip` to the root of your SD card.
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Flipnote freezes
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.
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Green screen after pasting
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.
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White screen after pasting
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.
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Unable to open Luma3DS configuration menu after running B9STool
Join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) and explain what has happened.
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## Homebrew Launcher (PicHaxx)
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"An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER button to turn off the power..." (black screen with text)
Your `00000001.sav` and/or `otherapp.bin` files may be misplaced. Ensure that `00000001.sav` is in `Nintendo 3DS` -> `` -> `` -> `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` -> `` -> `` -> `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.
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"An exception occurred" or Errdisp when opening Picross
Your device already has custom firmware. You should [check for CFW](checking-for-cfw).
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"An error has occurred, forcing the software to close..." (white message box)
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.
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Game starts normally
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` -> `` -> `` -> `title` -> `00040000` -> `0017c100` -> `data`.
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## Installing boot9strap (Soundhax)
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Red/purple/pink and white screen after running Soundhax
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).
If your device is not on those firmwares, it likely indicates that you already have custom firmware. You should [check for CFW](checking-for-cfw).
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"An error has occurred, forcing the software to close..." (white message box)
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.
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"Could not play"
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).
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Failed to open SafeB9SInstaller.bin
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.
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Failed to mount the SD card!
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.
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## Installing boot9strap (SSLoth-Browser)
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Red/purple/pink and white screen after running Browserhax
This likely indicates that you already have custom firmware. You should [check for CFW](checking-for-cfw).
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"An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER button to turn off the power..." (black screen with text)
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.
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"An error has occurred, forcing the software to close..." (white message box)
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.
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Opening the browserhax QR code or URL crashes
Browser based exploits (such as this one) are often unstable and crash frequently, but they can sometimes be fixed by doing the following steps.
1. Launch the browser, then launch the browser settings
1. Scroll to the bottom and Initialize Savedata (it also may be called Clear All Save Data)
1. Try the exploit again
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System Update prompt when opening browser
The SSLoth proxy was incorrectly configured. Re-do the SSLoth section on the page.
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Error 032-0420 when opening browser
Follow these steps in order:
1. Launch the System Settings application
1. Navigate to `Internet Settings` -> `Connection Settings`
1. Click on your network connection slot and navigate to `Change Settings` -> `Next Page (right arrow)` -> `Proxy Settings`
1. Set "Proxy Settings" to "No"
1. Click OK, then click Save
1. When prompted, click "Test" to perform the connection test
+ The test should succeed
1. Click "OK" to continue
1. Press "Back" twice, then "Close" to go back to the HOME Menu
1. Open the Internet Browser once
1. If prompted about a system update, press OK
+ This won't actually update the system
1. Start again from [Section II](installing-boot9strap-(ssloth-browser).html#section-ii---ssloth)
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"To use the Internet Browser, please update your system using the System Update option in the System Settings."
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.
Method 1
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:
* 1.x - 2.1 if the number is between 0 and 2
* 2.1 - 2.2 if the number is between 3 and 4
* 3.x - 4.x if the number is between 5 and 10
* 5.x - 11.3 if the number is between 11 and 36
Method 2 (Old 3DS only)
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).
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Failed to open SafeB9SInstaller.bin
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.
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Frozen on "Doing agbhax..."
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.
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"PrepareArm9ForTwl returned error c8804631!"
Join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance.
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Failed to mount the SD card!
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.
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## Finalizing Setup
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Unable to update device
The steps below can be attempted in any order, but are listed from easiest to hardest to perform.
1. Set your DNS settings to "Auto"
1. Move closer to your WiFi router
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
1. For further support (in English), join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp)
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Unable to enter Rosalina menu due to broken Left Shoulder / Down D-Pad / Select button(s)
Download this [alternate config.ini](assets/config.ini) and place it in `/luma/`. This will change the Rosalina key combination to (X) + (Y).
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Infinite loading screen after trying to launch Homebrew Launcher from Download Play
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.
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"Scripts directory not found" in GodMode9
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.
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"Backup failed" or "Error: Could not open directory" when attempting a NAND backup
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 `__sysnand_##.bin` and `__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)).
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---
## Boot issues on devices with custom firmware
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.
{: .notice--info}
### Power/notification light indicators
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My device powers off when I try to turn it on, and/or the notification LED shows a color on boot
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.
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My device gets stuck on a black screen with blue power light staying on
The steps below can be attempted in any order, but are listed from least to most time-consuming.
1. Power off your device, remove the SD card, re-insert it, then power on your device.
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:
+ Navigate to `/Nintendo 3DS///extdata/00000000/`
+ Delete the corresponding folder for your 3DS region:
+ **EUR Region**: `00000098`
+ **JPN Region**: `00000082`
+ **USA Region**: `0000008f`
+ **CHN Region**: `000000A1`
+ **KOR Region**: `000000A9`
+ **TWN Region**: `000000B1`
1. Try booting into recovery mode and updating your system:
+ Power off your device
+ Hold (Left Shoulder) + (Right Shoulder) + (D-Pad Up) + (A)
+ Power on your device
+ If you were successful, the device will boot to an "update your system" screen
1. Follow the [CTRTransfer](ctrtransfer) guide
1. For further support, ask for help at [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp)
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### Error message on boot
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"An error has occurred: Failed to apply 1 FIRM patch(es)" or "An exception has occurred -- Current process: pm"
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.
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"Unable to mount CTRNAND or load the CTRNAND FIRM. Please use an external one."
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.
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"An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER button to turn off the power..."
ARM11 exception handlers are disabled, or custom firmware is not installed. Try enabling ARM11 exception handlers:
+ Power off your device
+ Hold (Select)
+ Power on your device, while still holding (Select)
+ If the "Disable ARM11 exception handlers" box is checked, uncheck it
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HOME Menu is missing installed applications
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, re-insert it, then power on your device
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
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Blue "BOOTROM ERROR" screen
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.
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Some other error
Please take a photo of the error and join [Nintendo Homebrew on Discord](https://discord.gg/MWxPgEp) for assistance.
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## Software issues on devices with custom firmware
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DSi / DS functionality is broken or has been replaced with Flipnote Studio
1. Download the latest release of [TWLFix-CFW](https://github.com/MechanicalDragon0687/TWLFix-CFW/releases/latest) (the `.3dsx` file)
1. Power off your device
1. Create a folder named `3ds` on the root of your SD card if it does not already exist
1. Copy `TWLFix-CFW.3dsx` to the `/3ds/` folder on your SD card
1. Reinsert your SD card into your device
1. Open the Homebrew Launcher
1. Launch TWLFix-CFW from the list of homebrew
1. Press (A) to uninstall the broken TWL titles
1. Press (Start) to reboot the device
1. Perform a System Update by going to System Settings, then "Other Settings", then going all the way to the right and using "System Update"
+ The update will see that the essential TWL titles have been uninstalled, and will redownload and reinstall them
1. Once the update is complete, tap "OK" to reboot the device
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GBA Virtual Console and/or Safe Mode functionality is broken
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.
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Extended memory mode games (Pokemon Sun/Moon, Smash, etc.) don't work
This can occur after a CTRTransfer or region change on Old 3DS / 2DS. You will need to system format your device to fix this issue.
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Exception screen when booting/loading an application
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.
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---
## Other troubleshooting
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Clear HOME Menu extdata
1. Power off your device
1. Εισάγετε την κάρτα SD στον υπολογιστή σας
1. Navigate to the `/Nintendo 3DS///extdata/00000000/` folder on your SD card
1. Delete the corresponding folder for your 3DS region:
+ **EUR Region**: `00000098`
+ **JPN Region**: `00000082`
+ **USA Region**: `0000008f`
+ **CHN Region**: `000000A1`
+ **KOR Region**: `000000A9`
+ **TWN Region**: `000000B1`
1. Reinsert your SD card into your device
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Clear HOME Menu theme data
1. Power off your device
1. Εισάγετε την κάρτα SD στον υπολογιστή σας
1. Navigate to the `/Nintendo 3DS///extdata/00000000/` folder on your SD card
1. Delete the corresponding folder for your 3DS region:
+ **EUR Region**: `000002ce`
+ **JPN Region**: `000002cc`
+ **USA Region**: `000002cd`
1. Reinsert your SD card into your device
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Turning off Parental Controls
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
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