If you have a PS3 that does nothing but fold, it is possible to use it without hooking it up to your TV. This will allow it to fold anywhere as long as there is an internet connection.

This was tested on the new 120GB slim and a 40GB model, both running v3.15 and LWP 1.21


First it will need to be setup for folding. Make sure everything is correct. (Name, Team, ect.) The current client (1.21) will allow both Advanced mode and Expert mode to be used. Expert mode is highly recommended. This will disable all of the channels in LWP except for F@H and improve performance slightly.

Once everything is set quit folding to get to XMB. Time to set Auto-Start if you have not already done so.

From the XMB navigate to LWP if you're not already there.

Hit the triangle button for options.

Select Auto-Start

Select After 10 Minutes

Hit X button

Now that the PS3 is set to start folding automatically you're ready to go. Turn the PS3 off and unplug the video connector from the console. Start the PS3 normally by pressing the Playstation button and it will start folding away!


Turning it off is a bit trickier as you cannot see the onscreen prompts.

Here is the sequence to turn the PS3 off:

1. Press the Playstation button for @3 seconds

2. Press the X button

3. Press the left arrow button

4. Press the X button

5. Wait for at least 20 seconds

6. Press the Playstation button for @3 seconds

7. Press the X button

8. Press the X button again


Step 1 - 4 will quit folding. Step 5 is to allow the console to return to XMB. Step 6 - 8 will turn the console off.


Two words of caution. First, leave the controller hooked up to the PS3 at all times. If the controller looses it's charge or it's connection with the console you will not be able to shut it down as outlined above.

Second, be aware of updates. If you turn the PS3 off (or the power fails) and an update is required on restart the console will not fold.

Because of this I highly recommend the PS3 be hooked back up to a display and checked for proper operation anytime it is shut down for any reason. Once you know it's working properly you can revert to headless operation.


Happy (headless) folding!

Once again.....Thanks Amaruk

I'm about to learn the 'stop folding' sequence by heart!
So I'm having my wife to give me a wake up call in the middle of the night, asking me to repeat the steps

HTH!