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How To Unbrick 3DS [A Detailed Tutorial]

Mar 24, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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A bricked 3DS is a Nintendo handheld rendered inoperable by software or firmware malfunctions. Symptoms include a blank screen, unresponsive buttons, and failure to boot, with possible freezing or display of a single image. Before you learn how to unbrick 3DS consoles, you must first know what causes it.

bricked 3ds console

Part 1: What Are the Causes of a Bricked 3DS?

So, you've got yourself a Nintendo 3DS, the handheld gaming console. But wait, it's not turning on, and you're starting to fear the worst – a bricked 3DS. Before you ask, "Can you unbrick a 3DS?" Here's a breakdown of the possible causes.

3ds crash dump message

Cause 1:Modding your 3DS with unofficial firmware, custom software, or homebrew applications can increase the risk of bricking your console. If not executed correctly, these modifications may cause irreversible damage. Corrupted Firmware Update

A failed system update is a major cause of a bricked 3DS. Incomplete updates—such as those interrupted by power outages during firmware installation—can corrupt console files and render your device inoperable.

Modding

Modding your 3DS with unofficial firmware, custom software, or homebrew applications can increase the risk of bricking your console. If not executed correctly, these modifications may cause irreversible damage.

Hardware Failure

In rare cases, hardware failure—caused by manufacturing defects or damage from excessive heat or moisture—can brick your 3DS. If this happens, self-repair is unlikely; professional assistance from a repair center is recommended.

Remember, prevention is key. Stick to official updates, avoid unauthorized software, use reliable SD cards, and treat your device with care. If you do end up with a bricked 3DS, professional repair might be your best bet. But can you unbrick a 3DS by yourself? Read on to learn more about bricked 3DS.

Part 2: Can You Unbrick a 3DS?

Wondering if your 3DS is bricked? Don't panic just yet. It's important to understand that there are two main types: soft brick and hard brick. Knowing the differences can guide you toward the right repair strategy.

Soft Brick 3DS

A soft brick occurs when your 3DS powers on but becomes unresponsive, preventing you from accessing any functions. This issue is typically fixable, although it may require some technical adjustments.

Hard Brick 3DS

A hard brick means your 3DS won't power on at all. This is often due to hardware failure or irreparable system file corruption. Hard bricks are significantly more challenging to fix than soft bricks and may be unrecoverable. The method for fixing a soft brick differs from a hard brick 3DS. So, it's vital to know the type of brick you have before you learn how to unbrick 3DS gaming consoles. Once you know what type of bricked 3DS you have, you can look for a method to unbrick 3DS. Below are some of the different solutions available, so you should be able to find one that works for you.

How To Unbrick 3ds in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode on the Nintendo 3DS, also known as Recovery Mode, allows you to fix software problems with your console. One of the things that Safe Mode can do is update the 3DS's firmware to the latest version. If you have a bricked console, you can try to unbrick 3DS consoles by entering Safe Mode and updating the firmware.

Here are the steps on how to unbrick a 3DS in Safe Mode:

  • Step 1: Turn off your 3DS, then hold down the L + R + A + D-pad Up buttons on the console while pressing the Power button.

press and hold buttons on 3ds

  • Step 2: It should boot into the System Update menu. Click OK to update your 3DS, and click I accept on the Important Notice prompt.

3ds system update

  • Step 3: Click OK on the dialogue box.

3ds connect the ac adapter prompt

  • Step 4: Wait while your 3DS console establishes an internet connection. It will update once connected.

3ds connecting to the internet

  • Step 5: After the firmware installation, your console is now an unbrick 3DS. Click OK in the This system is up to date message to confirm that your 3DS is up to date. Your console will then shut down automatically.

3ds system updated

  • Step 6: Your 3DS should be back to normal. Please power on your console to confirm.

How To Unbrick 3DS Without Safe Mode?

Lazarus3DS is a tool that can help you fix your bricked 3DS. To use Lazarus3DS to unbrick 3DS, you will need the following files:

  • A way to boot GodMode9.firm, such as hard mod and NTRBootHax.
  • Prepared donor nand_hdr.bin, ctrnand.bin, twln.bin, twlp.bin files, and SHAs for your console.
  • A clean boot9strap.bin, sector0x96.bin, sighax_hdr.bin, and SHA for your console type.
  • A copy of twlmbr.bin and SHA.
  • A Luma3DS file and a GodMode9 v.14+ file, both with the filenames luma.firm and boot.firm respectively.

Here's how to unbrick a 3DS that is still stuck on a blue screen or won't boot to Safe Mode:

  • Step 1: Copy the files listed above for your console type and region, including their SHA files, to a folder called Pit on the root of your SD card.
  • Step 2: Copy the file Lazarus3DS.gm9 to the folder SD:/gm9/scripts/ on your SD card.
  • Step 3: Copy the file Luma3DS.firm to the root of your SD card.
  • Step 4: Copy the file boot.firm to the root of your SD card.
  • Step 5: Boot GodMode9 using any method available to you.
  • Step 6: Press the Home button on your 3DS and navigate to the Scripts folder.

home button on 3ds

  • Step 7: Run the Lazarus3DS script.
  • Step 8: Unlock sysNAND writing and wait for the file's authentication against their SHAs.
  • Step 9: After Lazarus3DS finishes the script, your 3DS will have Luma3DS as the new boot.firm file.
  • Step 10: To finish the process, copy Luma3DS to NAND, install boot9strap, and remove all Lazarus3DS support files. Once you have done that, you can restart your 3DS.

If your Android smartphone is bricked, the unbricking process is similar to that of a 3DS. Once your phone enters download mode, you can use a flashing tool to install new firmware. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, seek professional help; otherwise, with some time and effort, you can restore your device.

Related Topics:

How to Fix It If Your Samsung Phone Got Bricked?

Ways to Unbrick Your Android Device: Various Ways for Recovery

Part 3: Pro Tips: How To Unbrick Android Smartphones? [For Soft Bricks]

Both bricked 3DS consoles and Android phones can become inoperable due to software issues like failed updates or unauthorized modifications. Fortunately, effective solutions exist to rescue your Android device from these problems.

Wondershare Dr.Fone System Repair for Android is a user-friendly tool that can help you fix several Android problems, including bricked devices. It is easy to use, even if you're not a tech expert or unfamiliar with complex troubleshooting. Dr.Fone has an intuitive interface that guides you through the repair process.

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Step-by-Step Guide on How To Unbrick Smartphones

Here is a guide on recovering your smartphone from a soft brick.

    • Step 1: You can download Dr.Fone from its official website to install it on your desktop.

dr.fone interface

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  • Step 2: Launch Dr.Fone and click System Repair from the Toolbox homepage.
  • Step 3: Select Android in the Select your device type section.

dr.fone select android as device type

  • Step 4: Click Start to begin the repair process.

dr.fone starts fixing android problems

  • Step 5: Select your device information from the Brand, Name, Model, Country, and Carrier drop-down lists. Then, select the agreement checkbox in the lower navigation pane and click Next.

dr.fone select device information

  • Step 6: Follow the in-app instructions to enter your device in Download mode and click Next.

dr.fone enters device to download mode

  • Step 7: When your device is in Download Mode, the firmware will start downloading.

dr.fone downloading firmware

  • Step 8: Once downloaded, you will see The firmware are already to complete with your device details. If your details are correct, click Fix Now to continue.

dr.fone firmware ready

  • Step 9: Enter "000000" in the input field and click Confirm in the dialogue box.

dr.fone confirm device information

  • Step 10: The repair process is now in progress. Once completed, click Done to exit.

dr.fone system repair complete

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Conclusion

To unbrick a 3DS, update the firmware or use Lazarus3DS from official sources while avoiding unauthorized software. For bricked Android phones, try Dr.Fone - System Repair (Android)—a user-friendly tool that restores your device even without technical expertise.

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FAQs

Here are some answers to questions that others have asked about this topic.

If it is running Luma 11.0 or newer, you can update your 3DS. To check your Luma version, hold Select while turning on your device. If it is running an older version of Luma, update it first.

There are a few reasons why your 3DS screen might not be working. If the screen is dirty or has debris, this can prevent the 3DS from working properly. A stuck button on a 3DS can also cause the system to be unresponsive. In some cases, a software problem can also cause the 3DS screen to stop working.

pink nintendo 3ds

You can try charging the battery for a few hours and then trying to turn on the DS again. Try using a different AC adapter or batteries. You can check if your device has been bricked. If the DS has been damaged, the power button or other internal components may have been damaged. In this case, take the DS to a qualified repair technician.

Daisy Raines

staff Editor

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