When modding a Nintendo Switch, few errors are as frustrating as seeing the message: "No main boot entries found... Check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries." This usually happens right when you're ready to launch your custom firmware (CFW).
The issue stems from a missing or improperly configured hekate_ipl.ini file, which acts as the roadmap for the Hekate bootloader. Without it, Hekate has no instructions on how to load Atmosphere or your system's NAND. Why You’re Seeing This Error
Hekate does not come with boot entries by default. You must manually create or download a configuration file that tells the bootloader where to find the necessary files (like package3 or fusee.bin) to start your console. Common causes include:
Missing File: The hekate_ipl.ini file is entirely absent from the /bootloader/ folder.
Incorrect Naming: The file is named hekate_ipl.ini.txt because Windows is hiding file extensions.
Folder Misplacement: The file was accidentally placed inside a folder also named hekate_ipl.ini. How to Fix Your Boot Entries
To resolve this, you need to create or edit the hekate_ipl.ini file located at sdcard:/bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini. 1. Enable File Extensions
Before editing, ensure you can see file extensions on your computer. In Windows, go to the View tab in File Explorer and check File name extensions. This prevents you from accidentally creating a .txt file that Hekate can't read. 2. Create the Configuration File
Open a text editor (like Notepad) and paste the following standard configuration used by many modern guides:
[config] autoboot=0 autoboot_list=0 bootwait=3 backlight=100 autohosoff=0 autonogc=1 updater2p=1 [Atmosphere CFW] payload=bootloader/payloads/fusee.bin icon=bootloader/res/icon_payload.bmp [Stock SysNand] fss0=atmosphere/package3 stock=1 emummc_force_disable=1 icon=bootloader/res/icon_switch.bmp Use code with caution.
(Note: Ensure you have fusee.bin in your /bootloader/payloads/ folder if using the "Atmosphere CFW" entry above.) 3. Save and Verify
Save this file as hekate_ipl.ini and place it directly into the /bootloader/ folder on your SD card root. Once you re-inject the Hekate payload, the "Launch" menu should now show your new boot options. Advanced: Using "More Configs"
If you prefer to keep your main menu clean, you can place individual .ini files in the bootloader/ini/ folder. These will appear under the More Configs button in the Hekate GUI rather than the main Launch screen.
The error "No main boot entries found" in Hekate typically means the hekate_ipl.ini
file is missing, incorrectly named, or empty. By default, Hekate does not include any boot options; you must create them manually or download a template. 1. Correct File Placement and Naming : The file must be located exactly at /bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini on the root of your SD card. Common Mistake : Ensure the file is not accidentally named hekate_ipl.ini.txt
. In Windows, enable "File name extensions" in File Explorer to verify the extension is strictly Folder Error hekate_ipl.ini is a file, not a folder containing a text document. 2. Recommended Configuration Template bootloader hekateiplini has boot entries hot
You can copy and paste the following standard configuration into your hekate_ipl.ini
file. This setup includes entries for Atmosphere CFW on both emuMMC and sysMMC, as well as a clean Stock boot option.
[Corruption] How to fix the bootloader folder without formatting #614
The "No main boot entries found" error in Hekate occurs when the bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini
file is missing, misnamed, or improperly configured on the SD card root. Fix this by ensuring the file exists with valid configuration entries and, if using a Mac, by applying the "Fix Archive Bit" tool in Hekate to address file read issues. For more details, visit Hacks Guide Wiki
The error message "No main boot entries found... check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries" is a common issue with the Hekate bootloader on the Nintendo Switch. It typically means the configuration file that tells Hekate how to launch your Custom Firmware (CFW) is missing, empty, or incorrectly formatted. Common Fixes
If you are seeing this error, check the following common causes and solutions based on community consensus:
File Extension Issue (Most Common): Ensure the file is named exactly hekate_ipl.ini and is not actually hekate_ipl.ini.txt. In Windows, you must enable "File name extensions" in the View tab of File Explorer to see and remove the hidden .txt extension.
Missing Entries: Hekate does not come with boot options by default; you must add them yourself or use a premade template. A standard entry for Atmosphere often looks like this:
[Atmosphere CFW] payload=bootloader/payloads/fusee.bin icon=bootloader/res/icon_payload.bmp Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Wrong Directory: The file must be located at the root of your SD card in the /bootloader/ folder. It cannot be inside a subfolder or renamed.
Outdated Configuration: If you recently updated, older lines like fss0=atmosphere/fusee-secondary.bin may no longer work and should be updated to fss0=atmosphere/package3.
Archive Bit (Mac Users): If you use a Mac to transfer files, the "archive bit" can cause read errors. In Hekate, go to Tools -> Arch bit • RCM • Touch • Partitions -> Fix Archive Bit to resolve this. Where to Find Valid Configs
For a ready-to-use configuration, you can refer to authoritative community resources:
Hekate Official Templates: Official examples from the developer. When modding a Nintendo Switch, few errors are
NH Switch Guide: Provides a standard hekate_ipl.ini file for most setups.
What is Hekate?
Hekate is a bootloader that enables users to boot their Nintendo Switch into various operating systems, including the official firmware, custom firmware, and homebrew applications. It's designed to be highly customizable and user-friendly.
Boot Entries in Hekate
In Hekate, boot entries are essentially configurations that define how the system should boot. These entries can be customized to point to different operating systems, kernel versions, or even specific homebrew applications.
Hot Swapping Boot Entries
One of the key features of Hekate is its ability to hot swap boot entries. This means that users can change the boot entry without having to restart the system or reconfigure the bootloader. Hot swapping allows for greater flexibility and convenience when switching between different operating systems or homebrew applications.
How Hekate Manages Boot Entries
Hekate stores boot entries in a configuration file, usually named hekate.ini. This file contains a list of entries, each with its own set of parameters, such as:
title: The name of the boot entry.path: The path to the kernel or operating system.args: Additional arguments to pass to the kernel or operating system.Users can edit the hekate.ini file to add, remove, or modify boot entries. Hekate also provides a built-in editor or can be configured to use an external editor.
Benefits of Hekate's Boot Entry Management
The ability to manage boot entries in Hekate offers several benefits, including:
Overall, Hekate's boot entry management features make it a powerful and user-friendly bootloader for the Nintendo Switch.
The error message "Check that bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini has boot entries" typically means
cannot find your configuration file or the file itself is empty title : The name of the boot entry
. This usually happens after an update or if the file was accidentally moved or renamed Quick Fixes Check File Name & Type : Ensure the file is named exactly hekate_ipl.ini and located in the /bootloader/ Watch for double extensions : On Windows, the file might be named hekate_ipl.ini.txt if you have "Hide extensions for known file types" enabled Confirm it's a file, not a folder : Sometimes users accidentally create a folder named hekate_ipl.ini instead of a text file Fix Archive Bits : If you are using a Mac to transfer files, go to Hekate
Tools > Arch bit • RCM • Touch • Partitions > Fix Archive Bit hekate_ipl.ini
If your file is missing or blank, you can create a new one in the /bootloader/ folder and paste this basic configuration
Help Hekate can't find bootloader/hekate_ipl.ini : r/SwitchPirates
If you are using a version older than 5.5.0, you are missing power management patches.
Action: Download the latest hekate_ctcaer_x.x.x.bin from GitHub and replace the file on your SD card.
The text "bootloader hekateiplini has boot entries hot" likely translates to:
"The Hekate bootloader (misspelled as 'hekateiplini') has 'hot' boot entries."
While the message itself is informational, the context of "hot" entries can lead to three major issues. If your Switch is hanging, crashing, or refusing to boot, the "hottness" might be the culprit.
hekate_ipl.ini with a Hot Boot Entry[config] autoboot=1 autoboot_list=0 bootwait=3 timeout=5[Atmosphere CFW] emummc=1 payload=bootloader/payloads/fusee.bin icon=bootloader/res/icon_atmosphere.bmp
[Reboot to Payload] hotbl=False payload=reboot_payload.bin
Since Hekate is telling you your entries are "hot," you should treat them like high-performance engine components. Here is how to tune your hekate_ipl.ini for maximum speed.
In the Hekate ecosystem, "IPL" refers to the logic that actually parses your launch configurations. When Hekate says "bootloader hekateiplini," it means: "The Hekate bootloader is looking at the IPL configuration stored in the .ini file."
The most literal interpretation. If your SD card or eMMC chip gets physically warm during boot entry selection, it indicates:
boot0/boot1 partition causing retries.Symptom: The back of the Switch (near the SD card slot) feels warm to the touch within 10 seconds of booting Hekate.