Since you are on 4.89, you cannot simply install a 4.88 update file over it; the PS3 will block it as an "older version." You must exploit the system memory (Flash) to allow the installation of older or custom software.

| Model | Compatibility | Downgrade Method | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Best | Hardware flasher or E3 Flasher | | Slim (CECH-20xx, 21xx, 25xx) | Good (only 25xx with date code < 1A) | Hardware flasher | | Slim (CECH-25xx with date code 1B or 1C) | Limited | Difficult; requires specific serial NOR | | Slim (CECH-30xx) | No | Cannot downgrade or install CFW | | Super Slim (all models) | No | Cannot downgrade or install CFW |

While this guide focuses on the 4.89 to 4.88 downgrade, modern jailbreak tools often support newer versions (like 4.92), making a downgrade unnecessary for most homebrew goals.

: Ensure your PS3 is not connected to the internet to prevent it from automatically updating.