Firmware is tied to the console's internal flash memory (NOR/NAND), not the hard drive. Replacing the HDD will not change the system version.
(as of April 2026), you might feel "trapped" on a version that doesn't support the classic jailbreaks. While the short answer is that you cannot downgrade via simple software ps4 downgrade 13.02 to 9.00
Even this advanced method has massive hurdles when dealing with version 13.02: Firmware is tied to the console's internal flash
To downgrade a PS4 on 13.02 back to 9.00, you would need to perform the , which typically requires the following: While the short answer is that you cannot
: Initializing or factory resetting your console will not lower the firmware version . Why Users Want 9.00
The only legitimate way to lower your firmware is through a complex hardware process known as . However, even this method has strict limitations: