There is one scenario where downgrading might be possible, but it is expensive and not practical for most users:
Use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or /r/PS4Homebrew. Search for listings that explicitly say:
Prices for 9.00 consoles are rising, but selling your 9.60 will recoup most of the cost. This is the easiest, safest, and fastest way to get a jailbreakable PS4. how to downgrade ps4 9.60 to 9.00
Inside the PS4’s Southbridge chip (or APU on later models), there are electronic fuses. Every time you update the firmware to a major version, Sony “blows” a specific set of fuses. Once a fuse is blown, it cannot be un-blown. The firmware checks the fuse count during boot. If you try to install 9.00 after having 9.60, the system will see that the fuse count is too high and refuse to boot.
As of early 2025, there is no public jailbreak for PS4 firmware 9.60. The scene is largely stuck because: There is one scenario where downgrading might be
However, some developers (e.g., TheFlow, SpecterDev) have hinted at exploits beyond 9.00. Do not update further. Stay on 9.60 and monitor sites like Wololo.net or /r/PS4Homebrew for news.
If you are absolutely determined to perform the downgrade yourself: Prices for 9
If you see a black screen with a pulsing blue light, you have a brick. The only recovery is to re-flash your original 9.60 backup.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Downgrading your PlayStation 4 firmware is an advanced procedure that carries significant risks, including permanent console bricking (making it unusable), voiding your warranty, and violating Sony’s Terms of Service. Proceed entirely at your own risk. This guide assumes you have a basic understanding of file systems, soldering, and hardware modding.
Sony digitally signs all update files (PS4UPDATE.PUP) with private keys. The PS4 only accepts updates with valid signatures. You cannot simply rename a 9.00 file and flash it.