Many PlayStation 5 users running firmware 5.10 have reported encountering the error message:
“An error has occurred” When trying to install PS4 .pkg game files on their jailbroken PS5.
This issue occurs when installing certain PS4 games, while others install and run just fine. If you’re facing this problem, here’s a complete guide to understanding why this happens and how to fix or work around it.
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What Causes “An Error Has Occurred” on PS5 5.10
The main reason PS4 game packages fail to install on a jailbroken PS5 5.10 is due to firmware compatibility issues. PS4 games were originally designed for specific PS4 firmware versions. When trying to install them on a PS5 with lower firmware compatibility, you may hit this error.
Key Reasons
Higher Firmware Requirement
- Some PS4 games, especially newer titles like Metaphor ReFantazio, EA FC 25, or Cyberpunk 2077, were released for PS4 firmware 10.00 or higher.
- PS5 5.10, even with a jailbreak, is only equivalent to PS4 firmware 9.00 in terms of compatibility.
Missing Backport Patches
- To run on lower firmware consoles, PS4 games need to be backported. Without proper backporting, the installation fails.
Corrupt or Incomplete PKG Files
- If the downloaded .pkg file is incomplete, tampered with, or corrupt, you may also see this error.
How to Fix the Error on PS5 5.10
1. Check if the Game Requires a Backport
Newer PS4 games (usually released after 2022) often need backporting to work on PS5 5.10. If you try to install a game designed for PS4 firmware 10.00 or higher, you will get the “An error has occurred“ message.
What is Backporting
Backporting is a process that modifies the game files to work on lower firmware, such as 9.00 or 5.10. Without backporting, the game will fail to install.
How to Check
When downloading PKG files, look for terms like:
- Backport 9.00
- Pre-Backported
If you don’t see these, you likely have a retail PKG, which won’t work on your PS5 5.10 without manual backporting.
2. Backport the Game Yourself (If Necessary)
Tools Needed
- AutoBackport (Windows software)
- A PC with enough storage for the game
- The original PS4 .pkg file
Steps to Backport
- Download and install AutoBackport.
- Select the original PKG file.
- Choose target firmware 9.00 (recommended for PS5 5.10).
- Click Start to generate a backported PKG.
- Transfer and install the backported PKG to your PS5.
This process makes the game compatible with your jailbroken PS5 5.10.
3. Test on a Jailbroken PS4 (Optional)
If you’re unsure whether the PKG file itself is faulty or if it’s just a firmware issue, try installing the same game on a jailbroken PS4 running 9.00 or 11.00.
- If it installs fine on the PS4, you’ll know the issue is related to PS5 firmware compatibility.
- If it also fails, your PKG file may be corrupted.
4. Keep a Jailbroken PS4 for PS4 PKG Files
Many users with jailbroken PS5 consoles still keep a dedicated jailbroken PS4. This is because:
- PS4 PKGs work better on a PS4 jailbreak environment.
- PS5’s backward compatibility mode isn’t perfect for every game.
- PS4 games may have DRM checks or firmware checks that conflict with PS5.
5. Try Installing Older Games First
If you’re new to PS5 PKG installs, try installing older PS4 games like:
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
- Devil May Cry HD Collection
These games were made for PS4 firmware 5.00 to 7.00 and usually don’t need backports, making them perfect for testing.
Additional Notes from User Discussions
Backport Merging
In some cases, if you are installing a game along with its backport patch, you may need to manually merge the backport into the main PKG file before installation. Some tools automatically handle this, but if you are downloading a separate backport patch file, you will need to:
- Download both the base game PKG and the backport patch.
- Use a backport merging tool (like Orbis-Backport-Helper).
- Install the merged PKG file on your PS5.
This is less common if you are downloading pre-backported games, but it’s worth knowing.
DLC vs Backport
It’s important to know that DLC files (additional content) work differently than backports.
- Backports modify the base game files to work on lower firmware.
- DLC files are usually installed separately after the base game, but they also need to match the game’s firmware.
If you install a backported game, you will likely also need backported DLC files, if applicable.
PS5 Library Limitation (Too Many PS4 Games)
Several users have noted that installing too many PS4 games on a jailbroken PS5 can cause the PS5 library to get cluttered, and even hide some native PS5 games from appearing.
- This is a known limitation with the PS5 home screen and how it handles backward compatible PS4 content.
- If you are planning to install a lot of PS4 games, it may be easier to keep them on a dedicated jailbroken PS4 instead of the PS5.
Important Notes
PS5 Jailbreak is Limited
- Unlike PS4, PS5 jailbreaking is still evolving. Even though you can install PS4 packages, the compatibility isn’t 100 percent — especially for games requiring PS4 firmware above 9.00.
PS5 Game PKGs Are Different
- Don’t confuse PS4 PKGs with PS5 PKGs. PS5 games use a different structure, and PS5 PKGs won’t work on PS4 or lower firmware PS5 consoles.
Conclusion
The “An error has occurred” message when installing PS4 PKG games on a PS5 5.10 is usually caused by:
- Firmware mismatch
- Missing backports
- Corrupted PKGs
The best solution is to:
- Use pre-backported PKGs
- Manually backport newer games
- Consider keeping a dedicated jailbroken PS4 for PS4 games
With these steps, you can successfully install and play most PS4 games on your jailbroken PS5 5.10.