From install to the first real save.

The five steps

1. 1

   Install PPSSPP

   Use the download page and pick the build for your device. On Android 11+, the first launch asks for a data folder. Create PSP at the root of storage and tap Use this folder.

2. 2

   Prepare dumps you own

   PPSSPP reads ISO, CSO, and (from 1.17) CHD. Run the image as a file. Do not extract an ISO into hundreds of folders. In the game list, use Calculate CRC to check a dump. PPSSPP will not play UMD Video discs or PS1 Classics.

3. 3

   Show PPSSPP the folder

   Open the Games tab and browse to the directory that holds your images. Subfolders are scanned. A simple PC layout is Documents/PPSSPP Games. On Android, PSP/ISO inside the folder you granted is enough.

4. 4

   Pick a graphics backend

   Settings → Graphics → Backend. Try Vulkan on current phones and PCs. If you get a black screen or an immediate crash, switch to OpenGL (Android) or Direct3D 11 (Windows). Change that one option, then test. Device presets live on the settings page.

5. 5

   Save inside the game first

   Use the title’s own save menu for anything you do not want to redo. Save states are fast but tied to the PPSSPP version that wrote them. On Android, save-state undo is off by default. Find the memstick from File → Open Memory Stick on desktop, or Settings → System → Show Memory Stick folder.

Common first-week mistakes

• Extracting ISOs: PPSSPP loads the disc image file. Hundreds of loose files in a folder will not show in the game list.
• Max CSO compression everywhere: Saves space but causes hitches in 3D. Keep ISOs for problem titles.
• 4× resolution on a weak phone: Half speed feels worse than 2× at full 60 FPS. Match preset to hardware on the settings page.
• Only using save states: States break across PPSSPP versions. Use in-game saves for story progress.
• Enabling every speedhack: Multithreaded (experimental) and aggressive frameskip cause more bugs than they fix. Restore defaults first.
• Syncing memstick to cloud: Drive and OneDrive corrupt saves while you play. Local storage only.

File formats

Format	What it is	When to use it
ISO	Uncompressed disc image	Highest compatibility. Largest files.
CSO	Compressed ISO, unpacked while playing	Phones with limited storage. Heavy compression can stutter in action titles.
CHD	Compressed hunks (MAME-style)	Archives. Needs PPSSPP 1.17 or newer.

1.20.4 can also pull an ISO out of some 7-Zip files. Homebrew belongs in PSP/GAME/ on the memstick, not next to commercial ISOs.

Android storage

On Android 10 and older, the memstick is often /PSP on shared storage. On Android 11+, you pick the folder. If the game list goes empty after an OS update, browse to the ISO folder again. Keep saves out of folders that OneDrive or similar sync tools lock.

Controls

Map hardware under Settings → Controls → Control Mapping. Resize on-screen buttons from the pause menu. If a pad works in other apps but not here, turn off accessibility overlays. See troubleshooting.