Updating Old 3DS XL

[link2077]

Hi guys. My 3DS was homebrewed a few years ago. freeShop no longer works & FBI can't download things with a QR code or update FBI itself. Still able to use FBI to install .cia's on the SD card, but some games hang in the 3DS boot screen when starting them, which I found online is an indication of firmware being too old. How can I update my firmware without losing anything installed, including games, save files, notes, etc.? I'd rather not update luma & FBI if I don't have to, since they still work sufficiently for installing stuff.

firmware version: 11.2.0-35E
FBI version: 2.4.2
Luma3DS version: 6.6

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Very old Luma3DS might or might not work with newer official firmware versions (v7.1 for instance is not affected by the Failed to apply 1 FIRM patch(es) problem, v9.1 doesn't have the ARM11 crash in process "PM"). I would NOT recommend trying.

The update process to latest CFW is very easy:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/a9lh-to-b9s

Please consider switching to B9S and latest Luma3DS.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[link2077]

Very old Luma3DS might or might not work with newer official firmware versions (v7.1 for instance is not affected by the Failed to apply 1 FIRM patch(es) problem, v9.1 doesn't have the ARM11 crash in process "PM"). I would NOT recommend trying.

The update process to latest CFW is very easy:
<link>

Please consider switching to B9S and latest Luma3DS.

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks. Looks like I'll have to do that to minimize risk. I'm considering just playing the newer games on Citra. Should that update guide be safe?

How do I know if my device has arm9loaderhax? Is it safe to assume everything the guide assumes and does applies to my 3DS, given the info I've given?

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Thanks. Looks like I'll have to do that to minimize risk. I'm considering just playing the newer games on Citra. Should that update guide be safe?

How do I know if my device has arm9loaderhax? Is it safe to assume everything the guide assumes and does applies to my 3DS, given the info I've given?

The Luma3DS version tells us that you are using A9LH. Hold (Select) on power on. If the settings menu appears and shows a version number lower than v7.1. The last version supporting A9LH was v7.0.5
The Guide does nothing else than this check for directing the reader into the correct subpage:
https://3ds.hacks.guide/checking-for-cfw
=====

3DS homebrew and CFW is as safe as it can be.

 

[SylverReZ]

Best to update both Luma3DS, your system menu firmware, as well as upgrade from A9LH to B9S.