Should you jailbreak your PS5? The pros, the cons and the real risks

For most players, no. The new PS5 jailbreak only works on older system software, it stops working every time you restart the console, and a jailbroken PS5 has to stay offline to avoid being banned from PlayStation Network. You give up online play, new games and system updates in exchange for a handful of homebrew apps. Below is what the jailbreak actually is, the few things it offers, and the downsides that we think clearly outweigh them.

What is the new PS5 jailbreak?

In October 2026, researchers published an exploit called Relapse. Reports say it works on PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles running system software from version 7.00 up to 13.60. Sony's version 14.00, released in mid-September 2026, closes the hole it uses, and system software cannot officially be rolled back - so a console that has already updated cannot use it. There are also reports of a private jailbreak for version 14.10, but it has not been released. And since mid-October 2026, signing in to PlayStation Network requires system software 14.10 or later, according to reports - so a console on the jailbreak's versions cannot sign in to PSN at all. Our explainer on what jailbreaking a PS5 actually does covers this in more detail.

Two details matter for anyone tempted: Relapse is "tethered", meaning it does not survive a restart and has to be run again after every reboot, and its developers warn that it can stall or crash the console while it runs.

What people use it for

The honest list of benefits is short:

• Homebrew apps - small programs and tools that are not available on the PlayStation Store.
• Emulators for older consoles.
• Tinkering - for some people, getting it to work is the whole point.

Piracy is not on this list. Playing copies of games you did not buy is illegal in most countries, and it takes money away from the studios that make the games you enjoy.

The downsides - and why they outweigh the benefits

You are stuck on old system software

To keep the jailbreak, you can never install a system update. New releases usually need recent system software - reports already note newer games that ask for a version this jailbreak does not support. Over time, a jailbroken console plays fewer and fewer of the games you actually want.

You have to stay offline

Consoles found running unofficial code can be banned from PlayStation Network. A banned console loses online multiplayer, the PlayStation Store and PS Plus features, and the account signed in on it can be affected too. That is why most people who jailbreak keep the console offline for good - which also means no online play, no cloud saves and no party chat.

It is unstable, and it never stays on

Because the jailbreak is lost on every restart, you run it again and again - and each run can stall or crash the console. Crashes are how saves get corrupted and installs get damaged.

It is a security risk

A jailbreak means running code written by strangers on a device that is signed in to your PlayStation account. Files downloaded from forums and unofficial sites are an easy way to pick up something you did not ask for.

No help if something goes wrong

Official support is unlikely to help with a console that has been modified, so if something breaks, you are on your own.

Jailbroken vs not jailbroken at a glance

What we suggest instead

If the appeal is playing more games for less money, there are safer ways. A PS5 already plays almost your whole PS4 library - here is how to play PS4 games on PS5. Full games in our store start at $7.99, and our list of the best PS5 games under $20 covers the best value picks. If you want a big catalogue to try, PS Plus Extra gives you hundreds of games for one yearly price.

PS4 · PS5 Save 87%

Red Dead Redemption 2

Primary slot · Instant delivery

$7.99 $59.99

Info & Buy

PS5 · PS4 Save 50%

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Primary slot · Instant delivery

$9.99 $19.99

Info & Buy

Over to you: do you jailbreak?

Have you ever jailbroken a PS5 or PS4 - or would you never risk it? Tell us in the comments below and share your experience. Comments are open to PSN Heaven members, and our team reads each one before it appears.

Questions people ask