Install game CIA files to 3DS/2DS

This tutorial will show you how to install game CIA files to your 3DS/2DS. These files can be obtained by downloading from online or by backing up your own 3DS carts.

Table Of Contents

Programs or Files Needed

REQUIRED
OPTIONAL

Downloading and Extracting
Installing Game on 3DS/2DS

Installing a single game
Installing multiple games

Video Tutorial

WARNING: Please follow this guide at your own risk. Deleting or changing files not in this page may brick your system. When in doubt, ask for help.

Programs or Files Needed

REQUIRED

7Zip File Manager – a utility used to compress or extract files.

OPTIONAL

FileZilla for Windows – used to transfer files and apps between your device and your PC.

FBI Navigation keys: [A] – select • [B] – go back • [START] – exit

At this point, turn off your 3DS/2DS and eject the SD Card. Insert the SD Card to your PC.

Downloading and Extracting

Search on google for “3ds cia files”.
After download, extract the game file from the zip/rar file (example:game.cia) to your desktop.
Transfer the game.cia to SD > CIA directory located in your SD CARD.

Installing Game on 3DS/2DS

After transfer is complete, put SD Card back on the 3DS/2DS and boot the FBI app.

Installing a single game

in FBI app go to SD > CIA
Select game file with [A] and choose INSTALL to install the game and keep the original CIA file, otherwise select INSTALL AND DELETE to install the game and delete the CIA file.
After the install is complete press the [HOME] on the 3DS/2DS. If it gives you the option to close the FBI app then tap [X] CLOSE on the bottom screen.
Wait a few seconds and it should give you the “NEW SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADDED” message.

Installing multiple games

In FBI app go to SD > CIA directory, select and press [A] on <CURRENT DIRECTORY>. The following options appears:
- Install all CIAs – will install all CIA files in the current directory.
- Install and delete all CIAs – will install all CIA files in the current directory and delete them after installation.
- Delete all CIAs – will delete all CIA files in the current directory.
After the install is complete press the [HOME] on the 3DS/2DS. If it gives you the option to close the FBI app then tap [X] CLOSE on the bottom screen.
Wait a few seconds and it should give you the “NEW SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADDED” message.