Latest revision as of 07:45, 17 November 2024

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.

Power/notification light indicators

My console 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, 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.

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, 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. 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.

My console gets stuck on a black screen with blue power light staying on

Follow the Black Screen Unbrick page

Error message on boot

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Your Luma3DS version is outdated.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 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.

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 guide.

"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 console
Hold (Select)
Power on your console, while still holding (Select)
If the "Disable ARM11 exception handlers" box is checked, uncheck it

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 console 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:

Power off your console, remove the SD card, re-insert it, then power on your console
Power off your console, remove the SD card, insert it on your computer, download the latest release of Luma3DS, extract boot.firm from the Luma3DS.zip and place it on the root of your SD card (replacing any existing file)
Power off your console, remove the SD card, insert it on your computer and reformat your SD (this will wipe your SD card data)
Test your SD card for errors by following the guide according to your computer's operating system: Checking SD card integrity. If your SD card is marked as faulty, then you will have to replace your SD card
Your SD card slot may be broken. Join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord for further assistance

Blue "BOOTROM ERROR" screen

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 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.

Some other error

Please take a photo of the error and join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord for assistance.

Software issues on consoles with custom firmware

DSi / DS functionality is broken or has been replaced with Flipnote Studio

Follow the DS mode unbrick guide

GBA Virtual Console and/or Safe Mode functionality is broken

Your console is running Luma3DS 6.6 or older, likely via arm9loaderhax. You should follow A9LH to B9S to update your console to a modern custom firmware environment.

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. This is most likely fixed by following Section VI - Delete system config savedata of the CTRTransfer guide.

Exception screen when booting/loading an application

Look for your exception screen in this page. If you weren't able to find your error or the instructions didn't work, join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord for further assistance.

Opening the HOME Menu settings crashes the console or loads the Homebrew Launcher

Your console likely still has menuhax67 installed. To uninstall menuhax67 follow removing menuhax67

Other troubleshooting

Unable to update console

The steps below can be attempted in any order, but are listed from easiest to hardest to perform.

If you are using Pretendo, switch to Nintendo Network with Nimbus
Set your DNS settings to Auto
Move closer to your WiFi router
Update from Safe Mode by turning off the console, holding L+R+D-Pad Up+A on boot, and following the on-screen prompts
Delete your WiFi connection, then reconnect to your WiFi again
Reboot your WiFi router
Connect to a different WiFi connection, like a mobile hotspot
Nintendo servers may be down; Try again later
If you still get an error, follow CTRTransfer, then try again
For further support (in English), join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord

Clear HOME Menu extdata

Power off your console
Insert your SD card into your computer
Navigate to the /Nintendo 3DS/<ID0>/<ID1>/extdata/00000000/ folder on your SD card
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
Reinsert your SD card into your console

Clear HOME Menu theme data

Power off your console
Insert your SD card into your computer
Navigate to the /Nintendo 3DS/<ID0>/<ID1>/extdata/00000000/ folder on your SD card
Delete the corresponding folder for your 3DS region:
- EUR Region: 000002ce
- JPN Region: 000002cc
- USA Region: 000002cd
Reinsert your SD card into your console

Multiple ID0

If you have multiple long 32-character folders (ID0) inside your Nintendo 3DS folder, follow this guide.

Multiple ID1

If you have multiple long 32-character folders (ID1) inside your ID0, follow this guide.

Manually entering Homebrew Launcher

Follow the guide to manually enter the Homebrew Launcher.

Turning off Parental Controls

Follow the guide to remove Parental Controls.

Broken NVRAM

Follow the guide to fix NVRAM.

Unable to complete initial console setup

Follow the guide to skip initial setup.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-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 [[3dsguide:checking-for-cfw|update your setup]] before trying these instructions.
+The steps detailed here generally assume that your console has a modern custom firmware setup ([[3DS:boot9strap|boot9strap]] + [[3DS:Luma3DS|Luma3DS]] 8.0 or greater). If your console is running an older homebrew setup (for example, something based on [[3DS:arm9loaderhax|arm9loaderhax]] or [[3DS:menuhax|menuhax]]), you should [[3dsguide:checking-for-cfw|update your setup]] before trying these instructions.
+= Power/notification light indicators =
-=Power/notification light indicators=
+=== My console powers off when I try to turn it on, and/or the notification LED shows a color on boot ===
-===My console 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 <code>boot.firm</code> file. If you're running [[3DS:boot9strap|boot9strap 1.4]], your 3DS notification LED may flash a certain color. This color is used to diagnose issues involving your <code>boot.firm</code> 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.
-There is an issue with your <code>boot.firm</code> file. If you're running {{GitHub|SciresM/boot9strap/releases/tag/1.4|boot9strap1.4}}, your 3DS notification LED may flash a certain color. This color is used to diagnose issues involving your <code>boot.firm</code> 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.
 If the notification LED flashes:
@@ Line 21: / Line 20: @@
-===My console gets stuck on a black screen with blue power light staying on===
+=== My console gets stuck on a black screen with blue power light staying on ===
-Follow the [[3DS:black screen unbrick| black screen unbrick]] guide
+Follow [[3DS:Black screen unbrick|the Black Screen Unbrick page]]
-=Error message on boot=
+= Error message on boot =
-===An error has occurred: Failed to apply 1 FIRM patch(es)" or "An exception has occurred -- Current process: pm"==
+=== 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 {{GitHub|/LumaTeam/Luma3DS/releases/latest|Luma3DS}} and place <code>boot.firm</code> 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.
-===Unable to mount CTRNAND or load the CTRNAND FIRM. Please use an external one."===
+=== 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 [[3DS:CTRTransfer|CTRTransfer]] guide.
-==="An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER button to turn off the power..."===
+=== "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:
@@ Line 43: / Line 42: @@
 # If the "Disable ARM11 exception handlers" box is checked, uncheck it
-===HOME Menu is missing installed applications===
+=== 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.
@@ Line 52: / Line 51: @@
 # Power off your console, remove the SD card, insert it on your computer and [[Formatting an SD card|reformat your SD]]  ''(this will wipe your SD card data)''
 # Test your SD card for errors by following the guide according to your computer's operating system: [[Checking SD card integrity]]. If your SD card is marked as faulty, then you will have to replace your SD card
-# Your SD card slot may be broken. Join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord for further assistance
+# Your SD card slot may be broken. Join [https://discord.gg/C29hYvh Nintendo Homebrew on Discord] for further assistance
-===Blue "BOOTROM ERROR" screen===
+=== Blue "BOOTROM ERROR" screen ===
-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 for assistance.
+Your console is likely hard-bricked. You will need to buy an [[3DS:ntrboot|ntrboot]] flashcart to reinstall [[3DS:boot9strap|boot9strap]] in order to attempt to fix your console. This may also indicate a hardware issue that cannot be fixed. In any case, join [https://discord.gg/C29hYvh Nintendo Homebrew on Discord] 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.
+It is also possible that someone has set a boot-time [[3DS:splash screens|splash screen]] that just looks like a brick. Try leaving your console powered on, waiting on the blue screen, for five minutes.
-===Some other error===
+=== Some other error ===
-Please take a photo of the error and join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord for assistance.
+Please take a photo of the error and join [https://discord.gg/C29hYvh Nintendo Homebrew on Discord] for assistance.
-=Software issues on consoles with custom firmware=
+= Software issues on consoles with custom firmware =
-===DSi / DS functionality is broken or has been replaced with Flipnote Studio===
+=== DSi / DS functionality is broken or has been replaced with Flipnote Studio===
-# Download the latest release of {{GitHub|/MechanicalDragon0687/TWLFix-CFW/releases/latest|TWLFix-CFW}} (the <code>.3dsx</code> file)
+Follow the [[3DS:DS mode unbrick|DS mode unbrick guide]]
-# Power off your console
-# Create a folder named <code>3ds</code> on the root of your SD card if it does not already exist
-# Copy <code>TWLFix-CFW.3dsx</code> to the <code>/3ds/</code> folder on your SD card
-# Reinsert your SD card into your console
-# Open the Homebrew Launcher
-# Launch TWLFix-CFW from the list of homebrew
-# Press {{B|A}} to uninstall the broken TWL titles
-# Press {{B|START}} to reboot the console
-# Update your console 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
-# Once the update is complete, tap "OK" to reboot the console
-===GBA Virtual Console and/or Safe Mode functionality is broken===
+=== GBA Virtual Console and/or Safe Mode functionality is broken===
 Your console is running Luma3DS 6.6 or older, likely via arm9loaderhax. You should follow [[3dsguide:a9lh-to-b9s|A9LH to B9S]] to update your console to a modern custom firmware environment.
-===Extended memory mode games (Pokemon Sun/Moon, Smash, etc.) don't work===
+=== 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 console to fix this issue.
+This can occur after a [[3DS:CTRTransfer|CTRTransfer]] or region change on Old 3DS / 2DS. This is most likely fixed by following [[3DS:CTRTransfer#Section_VI_-_Delete_system_config_savedata|Section VI - Delete system config savedata]] of the CTRTransfer guide.
-===Exception screen when booting/loading an application===
+=== Exception screen when booting/loading an application===
 Look for your exception screen in [[3DS:Error screens/Luma3DS exception screen|this page]].
-If you weren't able to find your error or the instructions didn't work, join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord for further assistance.
+If you weren't able to find your error or the instructions didn't work, join [https://discord.gg/C29hYvh Nintendo Homebrew on Discord] for further assistance.
-===Opening the HOME Menu settings crashes the console or loads the Homebrew Launcher===
+=== Opening the HOME Menu settings crashes the console or loads the Homebrew Launcher===
-Your console likely still has menuhax67 installed. To uninstall menuhax67 follow [[User:ItsCrocoSwine/projects/3DS:Troubleshooting/removing menuhax67|removing menuhax67]]
+Your console likely still has menuhax67 installed. To uninstall menuhax67 follow [[3DS:Troubleshooting/removing menuhax67|removing menuhax67]]
-=Other troubleshooting=
+= Other troubleshooting =
-===Clear HOME Menu extdata===
+=== Unable to update console ===
+The steps below can be attempted in any order, but are listed from easiest to hardest to perform.
+# If you are using Pretendo, switch to Nintendo Network with Nimbus
+# Set your DNS settings to '''Auto'''
+# Move closer to your WiFi router
+# Update from Safe Mode by turning off the console, holding {{B|L|R|D-Pad Up|A}} on boot, and following the on-screen prompts
+# Delete your WiFi connection, then reconnect to your WiFi again
+# Reboot your WiFi router
+# Connect to a different WiFi connection, like a mobile hotspot
+# Nintendo servers may be down; Try again later
+# If you still get an error, follow [[3DS:CTRTransfer|CTRTransfer]], then try again
+# For further support (in English), [https://discord.gg/nintendohomebrew join Nintendo Homebrew on Discord]
+=== Clear HOME Menu extdata ===
 # Power off your console
@@ Line 115: / Line 117: @@
 # Reinsert your SD card into your console
-===Clear HOME Menu theme data===
+=== Clear HOME Menu theme data ===
 # Power off your console
@@ Line 126: / Line 128: @@
 # Reinsert your SD card into your console
-===Multiple ID0===
+=== Multiple ID0 ===
-This can occur when using the same SD card on multiple consoles, or after reformatting your console without your SD card inside. This is a waste of space, as only the ''true'' id0 can be used by your console.
+If you have multiple long 32-character folders (ID0) inside your Nintendo 3DS folder, follow [[3DS:Troubleshooting/multiple ID0|this guide]].
+=== Multiple ID1 ===
+If you have multiple long 32-character folders (ID1) inside your ID0, follow [[3DS:Troubleshooting/multiple ID1|this guide]].
+=== Manually entering Homebrew Launcher ===
-# Rename <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> to <code>BACKUP_Nintendo 3DS</code>
+Follow the guide to [[3DS:Troubleshooting/manually entering homebrew launcher|manually enter the Homebrew Launcher]].
-# Insert your SD card into your console and power it on
-# Wait your the console to generate SD card data
-#* Your applications will have disappeared. This is normal and will be resolved shortly
-# Power off the console and insert your SD card into your computer
-#* You should now have a newly created <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder in addition to your existing renamed <code>BACKUP_Nintendo 3DS</code> folder
-# Determine the correct ID0 (32-character folder) in the newly created <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder.
-# Write down the first few characters of the folder you see
-#* This is your true ID0, which we will keep in the real Nintendo 3DS folder
-# Delete the ID0 from the current <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder
-# Move the true ID0 folder from the <code>BACKUP_Nintendo 3DS</code> folder to the <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder
-# If it exists, move the Private folder from the <code>BACKUP_Nintendo 3DS</code> 3DS folder to the <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder
-===Multiple ID1===
+=== Turning off Parental Controls ===
-his occurs when you use multiple SD cards with the same 3DS and then merge the SD card contents together, or after restoring a backup of your SD card while there is data already on the card. Both are “valid”, but the 3DS can only read one at a time.
-# Navigate to <code>Nintendo 3ds/<id0>/</code>
+Follow the guide to [[3DS:Remove Parental Controls|remove Parental Controls]].
-# create a folder named <code>BACKUP_ID1</code>
-# Place all but 1 of the ID1 folder(s) into <code>BACKUP_ID1</code>
-#* Keep the largest ID1 folder, this will likely have your actual data
-# Insert your SD card into your console and power on
-#* If this returned your data, you can delete <code>Backup_ID1</code>
-#* If your data is still missing try one of the other ID1(s)
-===Manually entering Homebrew Launcher===
+=== Broken NVRAM ===
-Follow [[User:ItsCrocoSwine/projects/3DS:Troubleshooting/manually entering homebrew launcher|manually entering homebrew launcher]]
+Follow the guide to [[3DS:Troubleshooting/Fix NVRAM|fix NVRAM]].
-===Turning off Parental Controls===
+=== Unable to complete initial console setup ===
+Follow the guide to [[3DS:2DSaver|skip initial setup]].
-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.
+[[Category:Nintendo 3DS troubleshooting]]
-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):
+[[Category:Nintendo 3DS information]]
-# Go to [https://mkey.eiphax.tech/ this website]
-# 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
-# After you have obtained your mkey, press OK on the screen you have obtained your Inquiry Number, then input the master key
-# Press "Clear Settings", then "Delete" to remove all Parental Controls data