How to Use SP Flash Tool to Flash Firmware on MediaTek Devices

How to Use SP Flash Tool to Flash Firmware on MediaTek DevicesFlashing firmware on MediaTek-based Android devices can restore a bricked phone, update or downgrade firmware, remove persistent software issues, and unroot a device. SP Flash Tool (Smart Phone Flash Tool) is a widely used Windows utility for flashing stock ROMs, formatting, and installing recovery images on MediaTek (MTK) devices. This guide walks you through preparation, step-by-step flashing, troubleshooting, and safety precautions.

Flashing firmware incorrectly can permanently brick your device. Make a full backup of your data; flashing typically erases user data.
Use the correct firmware specifically for your device model and MTK chipset. Flashing wrong firmware may render the device unusable.
Ensure your PC’s battery and the device’s battery are adequately charged (device at least 40–50%).
Use official or well-trusted firmware sources.
This guide assumes a Windows PC. SP Flash Tool has limited support on Linux with additional setup steps.

Download the correct firmware (scatter-based) for your device. A typical firmware package includes a scatter file named like MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt and multiple image files (.bin, .img).
Download the latest SP Flash Tool from a trusted source and extract the ZIP to a folder on your PC.
Install MediaTek VCOM drivers:
- Disable driver signature enforcement on Windows ⁄₁₁ if needed.
- Run the driver installer or use Device Manager → Update driver → Browse my computer → Let me pick → Have Disk and point to the driver .inf file.
Optional: install ADB & Fastboot if you plan to backup data or verify device connection.

Download Only: Writes selected partitions to the device; typically used for a full firmware flash.
Format All + Download: Formats device partitions and then writes firmware—use with caution (data loss).
Firmware Upgrade: Similar to Download Only but can handle partition size changes; safer for upgrading firmware.
Readback: Reads partition data from device to PC (for backups or analysis).
Memory Test: Verifies memory chips on the device.

Extract the firmware package to a folder.
Run flash_tool.exe (right-click → Run as administrator if needed).
Click “Choose” or “Scatter-loading” and select the scatter file (*_scatter.txt) from the firmware folder. The file list will populate with partitions and file paths.
Verify the list and ensure partition filenames match the firmware contents. Uncheck any partitions you do NOT want to flash (for example, userdata if you want to keep user data—but this is only possible when the firmware supports it).
Choose “Download Only” from the dropdown mode (default for most flashes).
Click the Download button (green arrow).
Power off the device completely. If removable battery, remove and reinsert it.
Connect the device to the PC via USB while holding the appropriate key if required (often none — SP Flash Tool detects the device in preloader mode). The tool should detect the device and begin flashing. If detection fails, try:
- Reinstalling VCOM drivers.
- Trying another USB port/cable.
- Removing and reinserting battery (if possible).
Wait for the process to finish. A green check mark (“Download OK”) indicates success.
Disconnect and power on the device. First boot after flashing may take several minutes.

Firmware Upgrade: Use when moving between firmware versions that change partition sizes or when Download Only fails. It attempts safer handling of partition changes.
Format All + Download: Use only if recommended by the firmware provider or to fix persistent partition corruption. This erases userdata and other partitions—back up first.

Readback allows dumping partitions to your PC. Create readback entries carefully using exact partition start and length addresses (from scatter). Useful for making a backup of user data/firmware.
Editing the scatter file is advanced and risky. Do not change partition addresses unless you know what you’re doing.

“BROM ERROR: S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL (4032)” — Usually wrong firmware or incompatible scatter; verify firmware matches chipset.
“Download fails / Firehose / AUTH error” — Some newer devices require signed firmware or authorized tools; OEM authorization or specialized tools may be required.
Device not detected — Reinstall VCOM drivers, try different USB ports/cables, use USB 2.0 ports, disable USB selective suspend, or boot PC into safe mode to install drivers.
Stuck on boot logo after flashing — Try wiping cache and data via recovery. If still stuck, reflash using Firmware Upgrade or consult a compatible firmware.
“Preloader” related issues — If trying to flash without correct preloader, you may brick the device. Uncheck preloader in SP Flash Tool if instructed by the firmware provider (useful when flashing only recovery or system partitions).

Keep a copy of original scatter and firmware files.
If you only need to flash recovery or boot, uncheck preloader and other partitions to minimize risk.
Read device-specific forums and instructions (XDA Developers, official device threads) for quirks and device-specific steps.
Use a laptop on battery or ensure no power interruptions—an interrupted flash can brick the device.

Perform a factory reset from recovery if device shows boot loops or instability.
Reinstall Google services or apps if flashing to a firmware without them.
Restore your backed-up data.

Flashing can void warranties. Use official firmware when possible and be aware of legal restrictions in your region regarding device modification.

If you want, I can:

Provide a checklist you can print before flashing.
Review a specific firmware package or scatter file (tell me model and files you have).
Give device-specific steps for a particular MediaTek phone model.