Jailbreaking your PS4 in 2026: the complete beginner's HenLoader LP + GoldHEN guide

⚠️ Update, September 27, 2026: a new WebKit vulnerability called WebKitty went public on September 19, 2026, reopening the PS4's internet browser to exploits, the HenLoader LP disc method below still works, but it's no longer the only option. GoldHEN 2.4b18.11 has supported WebKitty since September 20, 2026, with compatibility extended up to firmware 13.52. If your console is on firmware between 12.53 and 13.52, check out our new dedicated guide, "Jailbreaking Your PS4 in 2026: The New WebKitty Guide for Firmware 13.52," instead of the disc method below.

Ever since the PS4's web browser was closed off to exploits, the most reliable jailbreak method has run through a homemade burned Blu-ray disc. HenLoader LP is the all-in-one tool that unified this approach: it combines two BD-J exploits (Lapse and Poops) into a single disc to load GoldHEN, the most widely used homebrew enabler on the console.

⚠️ Check your firmware version first. This guide reflects the situation as of August 12, 2026: HenLoader LP supports firmware 9.00 through 12.52, with the Lapse exploit recommended up to 12.02 and Poops beyond that, up to 12.52. If your console is on a firmware newer than 12.52, no public jailbreak exists yet: always check the official HenLoader website to see if compatibility has been extended since.

Prerequisites

You'll need: a PS4 whose exact firmware version you know (Settings → System Information); a computer with a Blu-ray burner and a blank BD-R or BD-RE disc (a USB stick won't work for this method); disc-burning software like ImgBurn or PowerISO; and, importantly, your PS4's internet connection turned off long enough to disable automatic updates.

Installation steps

1. Go to Settings → System Software Update → and disable automatic updates, so Sony can't patch the exploit before you get a chance to use it.
2. Note your exact firmware version, then download the matching HenLoader_LP ISO from the official website.
3. Burn the ISO to a BD-R or BD-RE disc at a slow speed for better stability.
4. On the PS4, enable HDCP in the display settings if it isn't already, a requirement for Blu-ray playback.
5. Insert the disc, open the Blu-ray Player app from the home screen, accept the BD-Live prompt if it appears, then choose Lapse or Poops mode depending on your firmware version.
6. Wait while the exploit runs and loads GoldHEN; a confirmation message appears once it's successful.
7. Return to the home screen: the GoldHEN menu is now active, with its built-in patch manager for easily installing homebrew.

Important warnings

The jailbreak doesn't persist through a full console shutdown: you'll need to reinsert the disc at every boot. Never update your PS4 through the PlayStation Network once jailbroken, or you'll lose homebrew access. There's a risk of PSN account bans if you go online with pirated games; RetroVault only endorses using backups of games you legally own.

For full documentation and up-to-date files, check the official HenLoader LP website and the official GoldHEN GitHub repository.