AetherSX2 APK
AetherSX2 BIOS settings screen on Android

AetherSX2 · Android import

AetherSX2 BIOS Setup

Get PS2 .bin filesJump to Import steps

By Published Last updated

Quick summary

This page covers AetherSX2 BIOS setup on Android only: moving the file onto your phone and using Import BIOS in the app.

  • You need a .bin first: Download or dump firmware, then return here. Files live on the PS2 BIOS download page.
  • Import once: Settings → BIOS → Import BIOS. Pick SCPH-XXXXX.bin (4,194,304 bytes).
  • Then add games: Point the app at your ISO or CHD folder after BIOS shows as active.
Table of Contents

Before you import

AetherSX2 does not ship with PlayStation 2 firmware. The APK is only the emulator. You must supply a BIOS file yourself.

We do not explain regions, ZIP packs, or console dumping on this page. That belongs on the PS2 BIOS hub. Come back here once you have a single extracted .bin on your phone or PC ready to copy.

Copy the file to your phone

Use a USB cable and Android file transfer, an SD card, or cloud storage. Place the file somewhere the Files app can see, such as Download.

If you downloaded a ZIP, extract it first. The import picker cannot open archives. You should see one file named like SCPH-70012 (NTSC-U).bin with size exactly 4,194,304 bytes.

Import BIOS in AetherSX2

  1. Open AetherSX2 (install from our homepage if needed).
  2. Tap the menu, then Settings.
  3. Open BIOS, then Import BIOS.
  4. Browse to your .bin and confirm. The listed model should match your file (for example SCPH-70012 (NTSC-U)).
  5. Grant storage access if Android asks. Without permission the picker may look empty.

Screenshots of the full APK install flow: homepage install guide.

First-run wizard

On first launch, AetherSX2 may walk you through BIOS and game folders before the game list appears. Complete the BIOS step before you tap any title.

After import, open Settings → BIOS again. You should see your dump listed as enabled. If the list is blank, repeat Import BIOS and pick the file from Download instead of a messenger or email attachment path.

App error messages

Missing BIOS image means no firmware is active. Run Import BIOS again.

Invalid BIOS often means the file size is wrong or the download was cut off. Check 4,194,304 bytes in your file manager. Make sure you imported firmware, not a game ISO. See BIOS vs ROM in the which-BIOS guide.

Games that boot but run at the wrong speed or pitch are usually a region mismatch, not a bad import tap. Pick a matching dump from downloads. USA files: SCPH-70012 notes.

More Android symptoms (black screen, crashes): AetherSX2 troubleshooting.

NetherSX2

NetherSX2 is a fork with the same BIOS requirement. Use Settings → BIOS → Import BIOS and select the same .bin. You do not need a second download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AetherSX2 BIOS a special file type?

No. The app expects a normal Sony PS2 firmware dump (about 4 MB, ending in .bin). You obtain that file separately, then import it inside AetherSX2.

Where is Import BIOS in AetherSX2?

Open the app. Tap Settings, then BIOS, then Import BIOS. Choose your file. The app copies it into its own storage and shows the SCPH model name.

Why does AetherSX2 say Missing BIOS image?

You have not imported firmware yet, or the app cannot read the path you picked. Import again from Downloads or USB storage. If the file is still inside a ZIP, extract it first on your phone.

Can I import directly from a ZIP?

No. AetherSX2 needs the extracted .bin file. Unzip on your phone or PC, then import the single 4,194,304-byte file.

Does NetherSX2 use the same import steps?

Yes. Open Settings → BIOS → Import BIOS in NetherSX2 and select the same .bin you use in AetherSX2.

Should I use Fast Boot or Full Boot?

Full Boot runs the real PS2 startup sequence and is best when a game acts odd. Fast Boot skips the logo and is fine for most daily play once your BIOS is working.