---
title: "Get Started"
---

This page is for instructions on how to install boot9strap to a *stock* 3DS or 2DS. If you already have arm9loaderhax installed and are looking to update to boot9strap, follow [A9LH to B9S](a9lh-to-b9s).
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Th' colors 'o th' devices in th' image may vary, but note th' button placement 'n features 'o each device carefully to ensure ye be selectin' th' correct one.
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Click th' image 'o ye device to take ye to th' appropriate page.
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Different device models, versions, and regions will require different steps to achieve the end goal of boot9strap Custom Firmware. This page will help you find where to start for your device.
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If ye have already hacked ye 3DS before 'n be havin' an EmuNAND based CFW setup, jus' follow all instructions while on SysNAND. Your data will be transfered from EmuNAND to your new B9S install at the end.
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Note that screenshots in this guide can be enlarged to show more context by clicking on them.
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Before starting, Windows users should enable the option to show file extensions using [File Extensions (Windows)](file-extensions-(windows))!
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Before startin', ye may want to check ye SD card fer errors usin' [H2testw (Windows)](h2testw-(windows)), [F3 (Linux)](f3-(linux)), or [F3X (Mac)](f3x-(mac))!
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Note that the new [ntrboothax](installing-boot9strap-(ntrboothax)) and [hardmod](installing-boot9strap-(hardmod)) methods work on *all devices, regions, and versions*! This includes CHN and TWN region devices that were previously unhackable!
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{% capture notice-1 %}
There have been reports of a wave of bans being handed out to CFW users by Nintendo. To protect yourself, please do the following steps before starting this guide:

1. Go to System Settings, then "Internet Settings", then "SpotPass", then "Sending of System Information"
1. Disable the "Sending of System Information" option
1. Exit the System Settings
1. Go to your Friend's List (the Face Icon in the top row of your Home Menu)
  + If you receive an error and are kicked out of the menu, the Friend's List setting is already disabled
1. Go to the Friend's List settings, then "Friend Notification Settings", then "Show friends what you're playing"
1. Disable the "Show friends what you're playing" option
1. Exit your Friend's List

{% endcapture %}

<div class="notice--danger">{{ notice-1 | markdownify }}</div>

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      <th style="text-align: center">New 3DS or New 2DS</th>
      <th style="text-align: center">Old 3DS or Old 2DS</th>
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      <td style="text-align: center"><a href="get-started-(old-3ds)"><img src="{{ base_path }}/images/old3ds.png" style="padding: 0.5em;"></a> <a href="get-started-(old-3ds)"><img src="{{ base_path }}/images/old3dsxl.png" style="padding: 0.5em;"></a> <a href="get-started-(old-3ds)"><img src="{{ base_path }}/images/2ds.png" style="padding: 0.5em;"></a></td>
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