Updating Luma3DS manually

update-luma3ds.md

Updating Luma3DS manually

The below steps require the ability to write files to the SD card using a computer or mobile device.

2021-08 update: The information in this gist has been moved to the Restoring / Updating CFW page on 3ds.hacks.guide. While the information in this gist will likely continue to remain accurate, it probably won't be updated going forward.

1. Download the latest release of Luma3DS.
   • Be sure to download the ZIP file labelled Luma3DS, and not the source code.
2. Open the archive using 7-Zip or your default file manager.
   • In most cases, you will be able to open the archive by simply double-clicking on it.
   • If this does not work, right click the file and select Open archive from the 7-Zip menu.
   • Avoid using WinRAR to open the archive, as it is known to cause issues.
3. You should see boot.firm and boot.3dsx in the archive. boot.firm is Luma3DS itself, and is what your 3DS loads upon power-on. boot.3dsx is the Homebrew Launcher executable, and can be ignored.
4. Copy the boot.firm file to the root of the SD card. Overwrite the version on the SD card if it already exists.
   • The root of the SD card refers to the initial directory on your SD card where you can see the Nintendo 3DS folder, but are not inside of it.
5. Re-insert the SD card into the console and power on. You may see the Luma3DS configuration menu.
   • If you don't, turn off the console, hold SELECT, and turn on the console while still holding SELECT to access it.
6. Enable Show NAND or user string in System Settings by highlighting it with the arrow keys and pressing (A). An x will appear next to the option.
   • This makes future troubleshooting easier.
7. (optional) Enable Enable game patching.
   • This is required to play romhacks (IPS patches and LayeredFS).
   • This is also required for Locale Emulation (if you are using LumaLocaleSwitcher for out-of-region games/DLC, you are using Locale Emulation).
8. Press Start to save changes and dismiss the configuration menu.
   • You must save changes or Luma3DS will not allow you to proceed beyond the configuration menu!

Setting up Luma3DS on CTRNAND

It is highly recommended that you follow these instructions so that your console will be able to boot without an SD card inserted!

1. Turn off the console.
2. If you do not already have it, download the latest release of GodMode9.
   • Open the archive using 7-Zip or your default file manager.
   • Place GodMode9.firm in the luma -> payloads folder, and place the gm9 folder on the root of the SD card, overwriting any existing files.
3. Insert the SD card into the console.
4. Hold the START button, then turn on the console while still holding START. You should see GodMode9.
5. Press the HOME button, then navigate to Scripts... -> GM9Megascript -> Scripts from Plailect's Guide -> Setup Luma3DS to CTRNAND.
   • If you get "No scripts directory found", ensure that you copied the gm9 folder from the GodMode9 .zip to the root of the SD card.
6. Press A to continue. Unlock write permissions when prompted.
7. Once you see Luma3DS copied successfully, exit GM9Megascript.
   • When prompted, relock write permissions.
8. Press the HOME button, then click Poweroff system.

Thanks it worked perfectly. :)

Perfect! Work just like it should!

Made an account just to post here and say it works! super easy, takes about 45 seconds to fix

woking 2021

Works perfectly ! Thank you very much for all the wonderful work you offer us!
I had an update pop-up,
I went to the discord to make sure it wouldn't break anything,
I was in Luma3DS v10.2, so I followed the link to get here,
I followed all the steps,
Then I did the official Nintendo update,
And it works perfectly! No problem!
My beautiful white and orange New Nintendo 2DS XL, and myself, thank you again!