Your QA flags are not enabled. Go back to Phase 1.
If you are on OFW 4.89 and have a CFW-compatible PS3, a hardware flasher is your main option. This is an advanced and risky procedure.
Method 1: Downgrade via Custom Firmware (Already Jailbroken) how to downgrade ps3 firmware 4.89 to 4.88
Doing this removes your ability to run homebrew apps. ⚠️ Essential Safety Tips
Insert the USB drive into the right-most USB port of the PS3. Go to > System Update > Update via Storage Media . Your QA flags are not enabled
PS3 Firmware Explained: Updates and Compatibility . 3. Alternative: Update Instead
Sony learned from the PSP hacking wars. On the PS3, they introduced a fuse system (or rather, a "minimum version" flag in the Syscon chip). Every time you update, a virtual fuse is blown. If your console’s internal minimum version is 4.89, you are stuck. You cannot go back to 4.88 because the hardware physically refuses to boot a lower firmware. This is an advanced and risky procedure
So, how do the “downgraders” do it? And should you try?
Downgrading your PS3 firmware from version 4.89 to 4.88 can be a bit tricky, but with the right guidance, you can achieve it. Before attempting to downgrade, make sure you understand the risks involved and have taken the necessary precautions. If you're not comfortable with the process, it's recommended to stick with the latest firmware version.
The PS3 cannot read USB drives formatted to NTFS or exFAT.
Directly downgrading PlayStation 3 firmware from . Sony does not allow users to install older firmware versions over newer ones because this would enable piracy and hacking.