On the PS3, Apollo Save Tool replaces the old desktop re-signing routine entirely: its PFD re-signing lets your console accept saves made by other users and other consoles. This guide uses the current v2.4.0 build.
Before You Start
- Install Apollo on a CFW or HEN-enabled PS3.
- Back up your own save to USB first (Apollo lists saves from both USB and the internal HDD).
- Apollo auto-detects your PSID, IDPS and Account ID. With multiple accounts, sign into the right one first. Wrong IDs can be overridden with
owners.xmlat/dev_hdd0/game/NP0APOLLO/USRDIR/.
Step 1: Put the Save on the PS3
Copy the save folder to a FAT32 USB drive under PS3/SAVEDATA/, or download a save directly inside Apollo from the Online Database. Downloaded and shared saves are tied to their original account until re-signed.
Step 2: Unlock the Save if It Is Copy-Protected
Some saves carry a copy-lock flag (“Copying Prohibited”). In Apollo, select the save and use SFO unlocking to remove the flag so the save can be transferred and processed normally.
Step 3: Re-Sign the Save (PFD)
- Select the save in Apollo’s save list.
- Choose the re-sign option. Apollo re-encrypts the save’s protected files (PFD) against your console and account IDs and updates the save’s SFO information.
- Copy the re-signed save to the internal HDD if it came from USB.
Step 4: Load the Game and Verify
Start the game and load the save. If the PS3 still says the save belongs to another user, the account Apollo detected doesn’t match the profile you play on — see account-ID mismatch fixes. If a save was fine and now errors, restore the backup and check corrupted save after re-signing.
Related PS3 Powers
The same build re-signs and imports trophy sets, converts PS1/PS2 saves to the PS3 .PSV format, and manages licences — see the PS3 hub for the full feature list.
Related Guides
Download Apollo · PS3 hub · Activate a PS3 account · Apollo vs Bruteforce