aradotso/trending-skills/ps5-linux-loader

---
name: ps5-linux-loader
description: Linux payload for PS5 consoles implementing HV exploit and custom bootloader to run full Linux on PS5 Phat hardware
triggers:
  -"run linux on ps5"
  -"ps5 linux loader"
  -"boot linux on playstation 5"
  -"ps5 jailbreak linux"
  -"compile ps5 linux payload"
  -"ps5 hv exploit linux"
  -"install linux ps5 usb"
  -"ps5 linux bootloader"
---
 
# PS5 Linux Loader
 
> Skill by [ara.so](https://ara.so) — Daily 2026 Skills collection.
 
## What It Does
 
`ps5-linux-loader` is a C-based payload that exploits a patched HV (Hypervisor) vulnerability on PS5 Phat consoles running firmware 3.xx or 4.xx to boot a full Linux environment. It implements:
 
-A custom bootloader that takes over from the PS5 OS
-HV exploit chain to escape the GameOS VM and run bare-metal
-Boot configuration via `cmdline.txt` and `vram.txt` on a FAT32 USB partition
-Support for USB boot drives, M.2 SSD installation, GPU/CPU boost, and fan control
 
**Supported hardware:** PS5 Phat only  
**Supported firmwares:** 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.21, 4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, 4.51
 
---
 
## Prerequisites
 
### Build Dependencies
 

 
### Required Hardware
 
- PS5 Phat console on firmware 3.xx or 4.xx
- USB drive ≥ 64GB (external SSD recommended)
- USB Ethernet or WLAN adapter
- USB keyboard and mouse
- A PC on the same network as the PS5
 
### Optional Hardware
 
- M.2 SSD (PS5-compatible) for dedicated Linux partition
- Bluetooth dongle for DualSense controller
- Capture card for external display testing
 
---
 
## Building the Payload
 

 
Alternatively, download a prebuilt `ps5-linux-loader.elf` from the [releases page](https://github.com/ps5-linux/ps5-linux-loader/releases/).
 
---
 
## Building the Linux Image
 

 
**Windows (WSL2):**

 
---
 
## Flashing the Image to USB
 
**Linux/macOS:**

 
**Windows (WSL2 + usbipd):**

 
---
 
## PS5 Configuration (Required)
 
Before running the exploit, configure the PS5:
 
1. **Enable USB power in Rest Mode:**  
   `Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode → Supply Power to USB Ports → Always`
 
2. **Disable HDMI Device Link:**  
   `Settings → HDMI → Enable HDMI Device Link` (turn off)
 
3. **Recommended — Disable auto-updates:**  
   `Settings → System Software → System Software Update and Settings`
 
---
 
## Running the Exploit
 
### Step 1: Set up Fake DNS + HTTPS Server
 

 
### Step 2: Point PS5 DNS to your PC
 
On PS5: `Settings → Network → Advanced Settings → Primary DNS` → set to your PC's IP  
Leave Secondary DNS as `0.0.0.0`
 
### Step 3: Trigger the exploit
 
On PS5: Go to user manual in Settings, accept the untrusted certificate prompt, and run.
 
### Step 4: Send the payload
 

 
### Step 5: Boot into Linux
 
1. PS5 will automatically enter rest mode after payload is sent
2. Wait for the **orange LED to stop blinking** and become **static**
3. Press the power button once
4. **White LED = successful Linux boot**
 
---
 
## Boot Configuration
 
The FAT32 partition on the boot USB contains two config files:
 
### `cmdline.txt` — Kernel command line
 

 
### `vram.txt` — VRAM allocation
 

 
---
 
## M.2 SSD Installation
 

 
To make M.2 the default boot target, edit `/boot/efi/cmdline.txt`:

 
---
 
## Fan & CPU/GPU Boost Control
 

 
> ⚠️ Always enable the fan before enabling boost, matching official PS5 OS behavior.
 
---
 
## First Boot Setup
 

 
---
 
## Troubleshooting
 
### White LED but black screen
 

 
- Try different monitors or cables
- Try a capture card
- Test with different resolution monitors
- Check Discord for EDID-specific help
 
### PS5 boots back into PS5 OS instead of Linux
 
- You pressed the power button **before** the orange LED became static
- Re-run the exploit and wait longer after rest mode LED becomes static
 
### Build fails (ARM64 host)
 

 
### M.2 asks to reformat after m2_init
 
- Report your M.2 model and storage size to the Discord server
- Known issue with certain M.2 models
 
### No internet in Linux
 
- Re-toggle your network adapter (disable, then enable) in network settings
- USB Ethernet or WLAN adapter required — built-in PS5 NIC/WLAN not yet supported
 
### socat command not found
 

 
---
 
## Firmware-Specific Notes
 
| Firmware | Support | M.2 Support |
|----------|---------|-------------|
| 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.21 | ✅ | ❌ |
| 4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, 4.51 | ✅ | ✅ |
| 1.xx, 2.xx | Planned | Unknown |
| 5.xx | Planned (VM only, limited) | Unknown |
| 6.xx+ | ❌ Not supported | ❌ |
 
**To downgrade/target a specific firmware:**  
Download PUP from [darthsternie.net/ps5-firmwares](https://darthsternie.net/ps5-firmwares/) and follow the [official Sony reinstall guide](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/reinstall-playstation-system-software-safe-mode).
 
---
 
## Hardware Specs Available Under Linux
 
| Component | Spec |
|-----------|------|
| CPU | 8 cores / 16 threads @ 3.5 GHz |
| GPU | AMD @ 2.23 GHz |
| Video Output | HDMI 4K @ 60Hz |
| Resolutions | 1080p, 1440p, 2160p @ 60Hz |
| USB Ports | All ports (front bottom Type-C, rear Type-A; front top Type-A is USB 2.0) |
| Storage | USB drive or M.2 SSD |
| Controllers | DualSense via Bluetooth dongle |
 
---
 
## Known Limitations / Bugs
 
- Screen saver is buggy — disable it after first boot
- HDMI audio does not work on some monitors
- HDMI 1440p and 2160p video issues on some monitors
- Built-in PS5 Bluetooth not supported (use a dongle)
- Built-in PS5 NIC/WLAN not supported (use USB adapter)
- No standby/resume support
- No dual-boot — must re-run exploit each time to boot Linux
- Internal SSD is not modified by this process
 
---
 
## Community & Support
 
- [Discord server](https://discord.gg/PeMGVB7BAm) — help, tips, development, issue reporting
- [AMD BC250 Documentation](https://elektricm.github.io/amd-bc250-docs/) — many tips apply to PS5
- [ps5-linux-tools](https://github.com/ps5-linux/ps5-linux-tools) — fan, boost, M.2 tools
- [ps5-linux-image](https://github.com/ps5-linux/ps5-linux-image) — Linux image builder