SP Flash Tool is a reliable program designed for flashing smartphones and tablets running the Android operating system and based on MTK processors. The utility supports work with all models of Chinese-made devices with MediaTek processors, from the oldest to the newly released new products.

One of the most important advantages of SP Flash Tool is its ease of use. The program does not need to be installed on your computer. Simply unpack the archive into the root directory of your local disk and run the executable file. The utility makes it possible to reflash phones, test external memory (RAM) and flash memory for errors, and format flash memory of various types: EMMC, SDMMC, NAND. The functionality of the program allows you to restore the functionality of devices that do not even turn on or immediately freeze upon startup. And support for booting in safe mode "Secure boot" is a fail-safe method for restoring phones infected with viruses. The utility also has the function of creating backup copies of the flash memory of devices, which must be done before flashing the phone's firmware. Another feature of SP Flash Tool is that the program comes with drivers for various smartphones and tablets, which are necessary for correctly recognizing the device with which it will work, which saves users from searching on their own.

On top of that, the SP Flash Tool utility is great for preventative flashing of devices, because updating the phone software will increase its performance and solve the problem with many failures. Today, on the Internet on specialized websites, developers post many different modifications of firmware for smartphones and tablets. Which one to choose for your device is up to you!

FlashTool is a powerful tool designed for flashing smartphones running on the MediaTek chipset. Using this application, you can either install a newer version of the operating system on your device or completely replace it with a custom one (modified by third-party developers).

However, this whole process is accompanied by a certain risk, and one wrong action can lead to your smartphone turning into a useless “brick”. To prevent this from happening, please read this article carefully. From it you will learn how to flash via FlashTool correctly and not risk your phone needlessly.

Determining the processor model

As mentioned earlier, FlashTool only works with MediaTek-based devices. In view of this feature, it is important to make sure that your smartphone is equipped with a processor from this manufacturer, otherwise the firmware program may not interact with it correctly. This, in turn, is fraught with serious consequences.

To determine the processor model, you will need a special application - CPU-Z. It can be downloaded for free from the Play Market, so this process should not cause you any difficulties. After you download and install the program, do the following:

Launch CPU-Z on your smartphone.
Wait a few minutes while the program collects information about the device.
Go to the SOC tab and pay attention to the very top line. This is where your processor model will be displayed.

If the line mentioned above says MediaTek, then your smartphone is suitable for working with the program. But still, before flashing via FlashTool, you need to perform a few more important steps. They will be discussed below.

Preparation

It is important to know that flashing your smartphone's firmware will cause it to return to its factory settings. In other words, all information stored on the device will be deleted and cannot be restored. To prevent this from becoming a problem for you, do the following:

Save all contacts from your phone book. They can be transferred to your computer using special programs or synchronized with your Google account.
Copy all important photos, documents and videos to your computer.
Check if there is any important information left in the SMS (passwords from payment systems, bank codes, etc.). If there is one, then it is better to rewrite it.
Check the calendar for significant dates.
If you still have installation files of some rare programs, you can copy them to your computer before flashing them through FlashTool.

Don't neglect these simple tips, because they will help you save time and nerves. It is better to go through all the points several times, and only after that proceed with the firmware.

Setting up the operating system

Before flashing Android via FlashTool, you need to set some operating system settings. The fact is that Windows does not very adequately perceive smartphone drivers, so it is necessary to cancel the verification of digital signatures. This is done like this:

Launch Command Prompt (Administrator).
Write the command gpedit.msc for a 32-bit OS or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\gpedit.msc for a 64-bit OS. Press Enter.
The “Group Policy Editor” will open in front of you. Here you need to select “User Configuration”, then “Administrative Templates”, and then “System”.
Now click “Install Driver”, and then select “Digital Signature”.
In the window that opens, select “Disable”.
Click "Ok" and confirm the changes made.

Now the operating system will not “swear” at the smartphone driver, and the firmware program will be able to work normally.

Installing smartphone drivers

At this stage, you need to download and install a driver for your device that will allow it to interact normally with your computer. You should look for it in the following places:

First of all, you need to look for the driver on the website of the manufacturer of your device. This way you can be sure that you won't get a computer virus.
Sometimes the driver can be found on the disk that comes with some phone models. If so, then you need to insert the CD into your computer drive and follow the prompts.
If the above two methods do not suit you, you can search for the driver on thematic forums. Keep in mind that this way you risk the security of not only your phone, but also your computer. Therefore, be sure to check all downloaded files for viruses before installing them.

Once you find the driver, you should download and install it. This is done by double-clicking on the archive and should not cause any difficulties. But sometimes problems still arise, so such cases should be given special attention.

Problems installing drivers

It often happens that the driver does not want to be installed in any way. In fact, there is nothing wrong with this, and the problem can be solved quite simply. Namely:

Disconnect the data cable from your computer and phone.
Turn off your smartphone and remove the battery. You do not need to remove the memory card and SIM card.
Open Device Manager on your PC.
Place the driver files in any location convenient for you.
Without inserting the battery, connect your phone to your computer and get ready.
Just for a few seconds, a new device will appear in the manager. You need to have time to right-click on it and select the line “Update driver”.
Now just specify the path to the driver files and wait for the installation process to complete.

If you did not manage to update the phone driver in time and the device disappeared from the manager, you need to repeat the entire procedure again, starting from step 5.

Firmware search

Now it's time to find and download the firmware that you will install on your smartphone. Here you have two options: use official software or custom one. In the first case, simply go to the phone manufacturer's website and find the latest update for your model. But if you decide to use custom firmware, then you should follow a few simple rules:

Make sure that the selected firmware is suitable for your smartphone model. Failure to comply with this condition is fraught with serious problems, including turning the phone into a “dead” piece of plastic.
Download files only from reputable sites and forums. In this case, even if some problem arises, you can count on the help of software developers.
Carefully study the firmware reviews left by other users. It’s better not to take risks if there are many negative ones among them.
Make sure that the smartphone firmware installed on you is older than the one you are going to download.

Remember, by following these simple rules, you will protect your phone from unnecessary damage.

Creating a Backup

Most users do not experience any problems during the flashing process and the entire process goes smoothly. But it’s still better to prepare in advance for unforeseen situations, because no one is immune from them. To do this, you need to create a backup copy of your smartphone’s system files before flashing it via FlashTool. For this:

Connect your phone to your computer.
Select read speed.
Specify the NOR read type.
Go to the Read back tab and click Add. Create a backup file, giving it any name. After that, click Save.
A window will appear in front of you in which you should specify the size of the data to be read in the Length field. First, try entering the value 0x01000000, and if that doesn’t work, then 0x02000000.
Unplug your phone from the cable and turn it off. Take out the battery, insert it back, and then reconnect the smartphone to the data cable (without turning it on).
Press and immediately release the power button on your smartphone.

If you did everything correctly, the backup process will begin. Be sure to wait for it to finish.

Device firmware

If you have thought about everything and prepared, then you have no choice but to flash through FlashTool. The instructions for this procedure are actually not that complicated, and they look like this:

Launch FalshTool and click Scatter-loading.
Specify the path to the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter_emmc.txt (instead of “xxxx” there will be numbers corresponding to the processor model of your device). Click "Open".
Be sure to check the DA DL All With Check Sum checkbox. Otherwise, you risk “killing” your smartphone.
Click the Firmware-Upgrade button and connect the switched off phone.
Multi-colored loading bars will appear at the bottom of the program's main menu.
As soon as the firmware process is completed, a green circle will appear on the screen indicating a successful operation.

Now you can disconnect your smartphone from the data cable and use it. Keep in mind that turning on your phone for the first time sometimes takes quite a long time, so don't worry if this happens to you.

By the way, if you don’t know, through FlashTool, then you can use the same instructions. It is equally valid for all Android devices.

Firmware for Chinese phones

How to flash a Chinese phone using FlashTool? This can also be done, but this procedure is somewhat different from the standard one; it will be discussed separately. Here it is important to know the following:

Never click the Memory Test button in FlashTool. For some reason, Chinese phones do not respond adequately to this operation, and it may happen that the firmware is erased beyond recovery.
Carefully study the information about the firmware on the site from which you download it. It is possible that there are bugs in it that can cause you serious problems.
Do not try to install firmware from another device on your smartphone. So you risk ruining it, and it’s not a fact that you will be able to return the phone to working condition.

Also, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact your nearest service center. Chinese smartphones are very specific, so let the specialists deal with them.

Actions after flashing

After flashing your phone is completed, you need to perform a few more simple steps:

Don't forget to set the current time and date.
Link your device to your Google account. This is especially useful if you have synced your phone book with it.
It will be better if you format the memory card. There may be system files left on it from the previous firmware that do nothing useful, but only take up free space.

That's basically it. Now you can enjoy the new firmware, which will undoubtedly make your smartphone work in a new way.

Smart Phones Flash Tool (SP Flash Tool) is a utility designed for flashing devices built on the MediaTek (MTK) hardware platform and running the Android operating system.

Almost every Android device user is familiar with the word “firmware”. Some heard briefly about this procedure at a service center, others read on the Internet. There are quite a few users who have mastered the art of flashing smartphones and tablets and successfully apply it in practice. It is worth noting that if you have a high-quality and reliable tool - a firmware program - learning to carry out any manipulations with the software of Android devices is not so difficult. One such solution is the SP Flash Tool application.

The hardware-software combination of MediaTek and Android is one of the most common solutions on the market of smartphones, tablet PCs, TV set-top boxes and many other devices, so the SP Flash Tool application is used in most cases when it is necessary to flash MTK devices. In addition, SP Flash Tool is in many situations the only solution when working with MTK devices.

After launching the SP Flash Tool, the application immediately prompts you to proceed to its main function - loading software into the device’s flash memory. This is immediately indicated by the open tab "Download".

The procedure for flashing an Android device using the SP Flash Tool is carried out almost automatically. In general, the user is required to specify the path to the image files that will be written to each section of the device’s memory. The flash memory of an MTK device is divided into many block-sections, and in order to avoid having to manually specify which data should be entered into which memory section, each firmware for the SP Flash Tool contains a scatter file - essentially a description of all sections of the device’s memory in in a form understandable for the firmware program. It is enough to download the scatter file (1) from the folder containing the firmware, and the necessary files will be automatically distributed by the program “in their places” (2).

An important component of the main Flashtool window is the large image of the smartphone on the left side. After loading the scatter file, the message is displayed on the “screen” of this smartphone MTXXXX, where XXXX is the digital encoding of the model of the central processor of the device for which the firmware files loaded into the program are intended. In other words, already in the first steps the program gives the user the opportunity to check the applicability of the downloaded firmware for a specific device. In most cases, if the processor model displayed by the program does not match the actual platform used in the device being flashed, it is necessary to abandon the firmware. Most likely, incorrect image files were downloaded, and further manipulations will lead to errors in the program and, possibly, damage to the device.

In addition to selecting image files, the user is given the opportunity to select one of the firmware modes in a drop-down list.

"Download"– this mode assumes the possibility of full or partial flashing of partitions. Used in most cases.
"Firmware Upgrade". The mode only assumes full flashing of the partitions specified in the scatter file.
In mode "Format All + Download" Initially, the flash memory of the device is completely cleared of all data - formatting, and after cleaning - full or partial recording of partitions. This mode is used only in case of serious problems with the device or in case of lack of success when flashing the firmware in other modes.

After determining all the parameters, the program is ready to record device partitions. To put the USB flash drive into standby mode for connecting a device for firmware, use the button "Download".

Backing up flash memory partitions

The device firmware function is the main one in the Flashtool program, but it is far from the only one. Manipulating memory partitions leads to the loss of all information contained in them, so to save important user data, as well as “factory” settings or a complete memory backup, you will need a backup of the device. In SP Flash Tool, the ability to create a backup becomes available after switching to the tab ReadBack. After entering the necessary data - the storage location of the future backup file and specifying the starting and ending addresses of the memory blocks for backup - the procedure is started with the button "Read Back".

Formatting Flash Memory

Since the SP Flash Tool is intended to be a service utility, the developers could not help but add a flash memory formatting function to their solution. This procedure in some “severe” cases is a necessary step before performing other operations on the device. Formatting options are accessed by clicking on the tab "Format".
After selecting automatic - "Auto Format Flash" or manual - "Manual Format Flash" procedure mode, it starts by pressing the button "Start".

Full memory test

An important step in identifying hardware problems with MTK devices is testing flash memory blocks. The flashtool, as a full-fledged working tool for a service engineer, provides the opportunity to carry out such a procedure. The memory testing function with the selection of blocks required for testing is available on the tab "Memory Test".

reference system

The last section in the program not discussed above, available to the SP Flash Tool user when going to the tab "Welcome" is a kind of help system, where information about the main capabilities and operating modes of the utility is presented very superficially.

All information is presented in English, but even knowing it at the high school level, it is not difficult to understand, and there are also pictures showing actions and their consequences.

Program settings

In conclusion, it is worth noting the SP Flash Tool settings section. The settings window is called up from the menu "Options", containing a single point - "Option...". The list of settings available for change is very scanty and in reality their variations have little effect.

Single window sections "Option", of practical interest are "Connection" And "Download". Using the item "Connection" the hardware interfaces of the computer are configured, through which the device is connected for various operations.

Chapter "Download" allows you to tell the program to check the hash of image files used for transfer to the device in order to check their integrity. This manipulation allows you to avoid some errors during the firmware process.

In general, we can say that the settings section does not allow for serious changes in functionality and in most cases, users leave the “default” values of its items.

Advantages

The program is available free of charge to all users (many similar service utilities for other hardware platforms are “closed” to ordinary users by the manufacturer);
Does not require installation;
The interface is not overloaded with unnecessary functions;
Works with a huge range of Android devices;
Built-in protection against gross user errors.

Flaws

Lack of Russian language in the interface;
In the absence of proper preparation of devices for manipulation and incorrect user actions, the utility can damage the software and hardware of the device being flashed, sometimes irreversibly.

Distributed file type: Program
Supported OS: Android 2.2.3+
Installer type: exe
Developer: MediaTek
Official site: link
The release took place: May 20, 2015

Interface language: Russian
Publication type: Free
Root rights: Not required

Description:
SP Flash Tool - This is a utility for “Flashing” Android devices on the MTK platform. In this topic, I will try to clearly explain the capabilities of the program, as well as analyze and systematize errors that arise when working with this program. You will also find the latest driver versions here. It is planned to add information on problems and errors, as well as their solutions based on the personal experience of users. If you have encountered an error that is not described here and you know/don’t know how to solve it, then this topic is for you. I also warn you that this topic concerns only the SP Flash Tool program; errors and problems with the Flashtool program (this is a different program), as well as other programs, will not be discussed here.

Distribution list:

SP_Flash_Tool_exe_Windows_v5.1516.00
Minimum version of the firmware
Special version of the firmware with Secure boot support
The most stable version of the firmware at the moment

Current version of the program for manually selecting camera and display drivers: Folder SP_MDT_exe_v3.1304.00_A2013.02.26_customer.zip (4.25 MB)

Current drivers: Drivers folder. (8.65 MB)

Universal driver: UniversalAdbDriverSetup6.msi (8.78 MB)

Only adb driver (manual editing of drivers is carried out only in this package): Folder MTK_Android_USB_Driver. (8.26 MB)

A huge package of various drivers for MTK devices: Folder MTKUSBALLv0.6. (22.47 MB)

Another package of MTK drivers (with auto-installation of the driver for firmware via bat file): Folder MTK_drivers.(821.41 KB)

adb driver autoinstall package: AdbDriverInstaller.exe

A program for displaying and removing USB drivers installed on the computer
Folder: USBDeview.v2.30.x32.(78.23 KB)
Folder: USBDeview.v2.30.x64. (96.29 KB)

Additional Information:

Important information for everyone to read!

It’s no secret that in different batches of Chinese phones, sometimes hardware components are changed that cannot work correctly with the firmware for similar devices from the previous batch. Of course, you won’t get a non-working phone, but the software provided by the manufacturer to retailers is often not the “latest” "And after flashing new devices with software versions intended for old revisions of the device, the user runs the risk of getting a partially non-working phone. To avoid this, it is highly recommended to do a full rom-backup of the phone before flashing the device!
Applies to phones on the MT6575 and MT6577 processor: You only need to sew preloader and dsp_bl in case of lifting a brick! In all other standard updates and flashings, DO NOT check these boxes in the SP Flash Tool and DO NOT enable formatting! You may have problems that you either can’t cope with at home or it will be difficult to do. Thoughtless flashing of these partitions is absolutely useless and very risky, especially on the MT6575 and MT6577 platforms.
Applies to other MTK-based phones: when flashing devices via SP_Flash_Tool, do not flash the preloader file unless absolutely necessary.
SP_Flash_Tool program logs are stored at the following path: C:\ProgramData\SP_FT_Logs\" Folder with date "\SP_FLASH_TOOL.log

Installation description:

1. First, download the version of SP Flash Tool you need.
2. To install the application, open the folder and find the file in it: flash_tool
3. Next, launch the program and start sewing.

Video review:

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Let's start with a video on installing drivers for firmware, ADB, MTP in Windows 7\8\8.1

What is important to do before flashing the firmware (do Full Rom Bacup) and (NVRAM backup)

Android firmware from a computer SP Flas Tool (with battery, without battery, with non-removable battery and Chinese copy of phones)

Rollback to factory Full Rom firmware via the Write Memory tab (phone with a removable battery and a non-removable one)

Flashing mod recovery (CWM) using SP Flash Tool (or how to flash one or more blocks)

An example of restoring a worn Preloader block (we bypass the SP Flash Tool error (4032) in the usual way and through a test point and lifting a brick by shorting the 4th and 5th contacts on the micro USB input of the phone)

An example of flashing a phone using the SP Flash Tool on a remote computer using SKYPE and TeamViewer

An example of reviving a “brick” using the SP Flash Tool after an unsuccessful memory re-partitioning

S_CHKSUM_ERROR (1041) Error when flashing Lenovo firmware (the solution is not software, only resoldering the flash memory chip helped this person)

SP Flash Tool is a program for flashing Android devices based on Mediatek (MTK) chips. Unfortunately, sometimes the quality of Chinese firmware leaves much to be desired, or even the manufacturer stops updating the phone altogether. Some functions stop working, the smartphone begins to discharge quickly, and you begin to want to buy a new one. Self-flashing using the popular SP Flash Tool program and a computer will help extend its life.

Possibilities

Note! Unforeseen situations may occur during device firmware. The user performs all actions at his own discretion. Loading data using a third-party program may result in errors. You should first study the precautionary rules, detailed instructions on specialized forums and select a working version of the firmware of your smartphone. This is especially true for custom (created by ordinary users based on official) software. The manufacturer will refuse warranty service if “unofficial” interference with the operation of the device is detected.

The SP Flash Tool program has the following capabilities:

firmware/flashing with the original version of Android. Manufacturers often forget about their creations, even those released not so long ago. The Android version with new bells and whistles may not come to your phone. But if its characteristics allow it to be installed, then this can be done using a computer and the Flash Tool. There are also cases: the manufacturer himself adds his own innovations to the regular firmware. You can put a “clean” version if they are not to your taste. Moreover, they work faster. Reflashing saves from system brakes by removing excess and accumulated garbage.
firmware with custom (unofficial) software. Special software from third-party developers improves performance, appearance and adds previously unavailable features.
obtaining Root rights (superuser). Opens up opportunities previously inaccessible to the average user. The manufacturer deliberately underestimates the characteristics of the phone (for example, so that the volume level is included in the permitted indicators of special EU commissions) - this can be corrected.
installation of third-party Recovery. Allows you to make a backup copy or restore from it, install custom firmware, OS updates and fixes, format a memory card, etc.

Before flashing the firmware, you need to fully charge the phone, otherwise it will greatly drain the battery. And if it is not enough for the entire process, this will lead to errors or complete breakdown.

Advantages and disadvantages

Main advantages:

completely free and available to everyone (many similar programs for other platforms are not available to ordinary users);
works immediately without installation on a PC;
easy to use;
support for a wide range of Android devices;
protection against “serious” user errors.

Main disadvantages:

lack of Russian version;
Lack of preparation and incorrect actions can lead to errors or even complete failure of the device.

Download

SP Flash Tool can be downloaded for free from our website. This program will help “extend” the life of your favorite gadget. In case of the slightest uncertainty, it is better to consult the appropriate forum.