3DS: Dump Installed Games To CIA (Easy Guide)

Hey guys! Ever wanted to back up your installed 3DS games as CIA files? Maybe you want to archive them, share them (though I can't condone piracy!), or just have a backup in case something goes wrong. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through the process. It's easier than you might think! This method is really helpful if you've downloaded a game from the eShop and want to keep a copy safe on your computer or SD card. We're going to explore everything you need to know, ensuring you can confidently manage your 3DS game library. Let's dive in and get those games backed up!

What you'll need

Before we get started, you're going to need a few things. Think of it as gathering your tools for a fun little project. First off, you'll need a 3DS that's running custom firmware (CFW). If you're not sure what that is or whether you have it, don't worry! CFW basically unlocks a lot more potential for your 3DS, letting you run homebrew software (unofficial apps and games) and do cool stuff like dumping games. A popular CFW is Luma3DS. If you don't have CFW, you'll need to install it first, but that's a whole different guide. Secondly, you'll need FBI, which is a homebrew app that lets you install and manage CIAs. It's like the app store for your CFW. You can usually get it through the Homebrew Launcher. And finally, you'll need an SD card with enough free space to hold the game you're dumping. Games can be quite large, so make sure you have a decent-sized SD card. Make sure your 3DS is charged up and you're ready to go! Having these tools ready ensures a smooth process and minimizes any potential hiccups. Remember, backing up your games is a great way to ensure you always have access to your favorite titles, so let's get started!

Step-by-step guide

Alright, let's get down to business. Here's how to dump your installed 3DS game to CIA format. First, launch FBI from your Homebrew Launcher or your 3DS home menu. Once FBI is open, you'll see a list of options. Navigate to Titles. This section lists all the games and apps installed on your 3DS, both from cartridges and the eShop. Find the game you want to dump and select it. A menu will pop up with several options. Choose Dump to CIA. FBI will now start the dumping process. This might take a while, depending on the size of the game, so be patient. You'll see a progress bar on the screen, letting you know how far along it is. Once the dumping is complete, FBI will tell you that the CIA file has been created. The CIA file will be saved on your SD card, usually in the fbi/cias folder. Now, you can safely exit FBI. Connect your SD card to your computer and navigate to the fbi/cias folder. You'll find the CIA file of your game there. You can now copy it to your computer for safekeeping. And that's it! You've successfully dumped your installed 3DS game to CIA format. Remember to keep your CIA files in a safe place, and you can use them to reinstall the game on your 3DS or on another 3DS with CFW. Enjoy backing up your games, and have fun with your 3DS!

Accessing FBI

Accessing FBI is crucial for dumping your installed 3DS games to CIA format. FBI, or 'Fantastic Bug Injector', is a homebrew application that allows you to install, uninstall, and manage titles on your 3DS. If you've already got custom firmware (CFW) installed, chances are you've already got FBI set up. If not, don't worry, getting it running is straightforward. The most common way to access FBI is through the Homebrew Launcher. The Homebrew Launcher is basically a menu that lists all your installed homebrew applications. To launch it, you usually need to trigger it using a specific button combination when you turn on your 3DS. The exact button combination depends on how you installed CFW. Once you're in the Homebrew Launcher, you should see FBI listed as one of the available apps. Simply select it, and FBI will start up. If you can't find FBI in the Homebrew Launcher, you might need to install it. You can usually do this by downloading the FBI CIA file from a trusted source and then using another homebrew app, like the 'Decrytp9WIP' or the 'BigBlueMenu', to install it. Once FBI is installed, it should appear in the Homebrew Launcher, and you can access it whenever you need to manage your titles. Make sure you keep your FBI version up to date, as newer versions often include bug fixes and new features that can make managing your games even easier. With FBI ready to go, you're well on your way to backing up all your favorite 3DS games.

Navigating to titles

Once you've successfully launched FBI, the next step is navigating to the Titles section. This is where all your installed games and applications are listed, making it the gateway to dumping your games to CIA format. When FBI starts up, you'll be presented with a menu that lists various options, such as 'SD' , 'CIA' , 'Titles', and 'Networking'. Use the D-pad or the joystick on your 3DS to move the selection cursor to the 'Titles' option. This section is usually located near the top of the menu. Once you've highlighted 'Titles', press the A button to select it. FBI will then load a list of all the games, applications, and system titles that are installed on your 3DS. This list can be quite long, especially if you have a lot of games installed, so be patient while it loads. The titles are usually listed alphabetically, making it easier to find the game you're looking for. You can scroll through the list using the D-pad or the joystick. If you're having trouble finding a specific game, you can also use the search function, if FBI has one. Once you've found the game you want to dump, highlight it and get ready for the next step. Navigating to the 'Titles' section is a crucial part of the process, so make sure you do it carefully. With your game selected, you're just a few steps away from creating a CIA backup.

Dumping to CIA

After navigating to the Titles section and selecting the game you want to back up, the next crucial step is choosing the **