SP Flash Tool is one of those utilities that every MediaTek user should have bookmarked – if you are into modifying your devices. Whether you are trying to recover a soft-bricked phone, flash stock firmware, or push a custom recovery image onto an older MTK device, this tool handles the job at a level that fastboot and recovery mode simply cannot reach.
The catch is that SP Flash Tool has been around for a long time, and it has evolved across several version branches for Windows and Linux. Picking the wrong one for your firmware package is one of the most common reasons people struggle with the flashing process in the first place.
What Is SP Flash Tool?
SP Flash Tool (Smart Phone Flash Tool) is a free MediaTek flashing utility that works with MTK-based Android smartphones, tablets and other devices. It communicates with your device at a low level while the phone is powered off; allowing you to flash firmware, format partitions, load recovery images, and run memory diagnostics.
It differs from tools like Samsung’s Odin in that it was built specifically for the MediaTek ecosystem and supports a much wider range of budget and mid-range chipsets that do not expose standard fastboot flashing.
You will reach for SP Flash Tool when:
- Your MediaTek phone is stuck on the logo or bootlooping
- A firmware update failed halfway through
- You need to flash a stock ROM to fix a corrupted system
- You want to load a custom recovery image like TWRP
- Fastboot mode is not working or is blocked
- You need to wipe FRP or reformat a specific partition
SP Flash Tool v6 vs v5: Which Version Should You Use?
This is the part most guides completely ignore, and it causes real problems for first-timers.
The tool has two active version branches that work differently and support different firmware types (depending on your phone model). Using the wrong branch with the wrong firmware package is the most common reason flashing fails and you end up with a bricked device.
Use SP Flash Tool v6 when your firmware uses flash.xml
The v6 branch is the current-generation release track. If you are working with a newer firmware package that includes a flash.xml file in the main folder of your firmware, SP Flash Tool v6 is your starting point. The v6 builds are also significantly smaller in file size, at just around 11 to 12 MB for Windows, because they handle XML-based flashing layouts more efficiently.
Use SP Flash Tool v5 when your firmware uses Android_scatter.txt
The v5 branch is the legacy release track and it is still essential. A huge number of older MediaTek ROMs, regional firmware packages, and scatter-based update packages were built entirely around the v5 workflow. If your firmware folder contains Android_scatter.txt as its main loading file, reach for SP Flash Tool v5. These packages are larger, around 66 MB, because they include the full scatter-based partition layout system.
Quick decision guide
| Firmware file found | Branch to use |
|---|---|
flash.xml | SP Flash Tool v6 |
Android_scatter.txt | SP Flash Tool v5 |
If you are not sure, check the firmware folder before downloading the tool. Most firmware update packages that come from official sources will tell you in the readme or filename which branch they expect.
One important detail:
flash.xmlandAndroid_scatter.txtare usually part of the stock firmware package you download for your phone. They are not bundled inside the SP Flash Tool ZIP itself, so you do not need to upload them separately unless you are preparing a device-specific firmware flashing guide.
Download SP Flash Tool – Latest Versions
All packages below are uploaded to SuperFiles and verified clean. You can download them for Windows and Linux platforms.
Latest SP Flash Tool for Windows:
| Version | Branch | File size | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| v6.2404 | v6 – XML-based | ~12 MB | Download SP Flash Tool v6.2404 Windows |
| v5.2404 | v5 – Scatter-based | ~66 MB | Download SP Flash Tool v5.2404 Windows |
Latest SP Flash Tool for Linux:
| Version | Branch | File size | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| v6.2228 | v6 – XML-based | ~53 MB | Download SP Flash Tool v6.2228 Linux |
| v5.2228 | v5 – Scatter-based | ~75 MB | Download SP Flash Tool v5.2228 Linux |
Before you flash anything, make sure you have the correct MediaTek USB VCOM drivers installed on your PC. Without those drivers, SP Flash Tool will not detect your powered-off device at all. You can grab them from our MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers page.
Older SP Flash Tool Archive Versions
The table below covers a wide range of older SP Flash Tool releases for both Windows and Linux. These are useful when you are working with an older firmware package that specifically calls for a particular build.
SP Flash Tool v6 – Windows archive:
| Version | File size | Download |
|---|---|---|
| v6.2316 | ~12 MB | Download v6.2316 Windows |
| v6.2216 | ~12 MB | Download v6.2216 Windows |
| v6.2208 | ~12 MB | Download v6.2208 Windows |
| v6.2152 | ~12 MB | Download v6.2152 Windows |
| v6.2148 | ~12 MB | Download v6.2148 Windows |
| v6.2136 | ~11 MB | Download v6.2136 Windows |
| v6.2124 | ~38 MB | Download v6.2124 Windows |
| v6.2120 | ~27 MB | Download v6.2120 Windows |
SP Flash Tool v5 – Windows archive:
| Version | File size | Download |
|---|---|---|
| v5.2316 | ~66 MB | Download v5.2316 Windows |
| v5.2216 | ~67 MB | Download v5.2216 Windows |
| v5.2208 | ~66 MB | Download v5.2208 Windows |
| v5.2152 | ~66 MB | Download v5.2152 Windows |
| v5.2148 | ~66 MB | Download v5.2148 Windows |
| v5.2136 | ~65 MB | Download v5.2136 Windows |
| v5.2116 | ~35 MB | Download v5.2116 Windows |
| v5.2112 | ~64 MB | Download v5.2112 Windows |
Prerequisites Before You Start
Do not skip this section. Most flashing problems come from skipping the preparation / requirements step.
1. Install MediaTek USB VCOM drivers first
Your computer needs the correct USB VCOM or preloader drivers before SP Flash Tool can communicate with your device. If you have previously installed a different MediaTek driver version, remove it completely before installing the new one. Conflicting drivers are a major cause of detection failures and corrupt flashing of firmware.
Grab the latest driver package from our dedicated guide: Download MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers.
2. Download the correct firmware for your exact model
Do not flash firmware from a different model, a different chipset variant, or a different regional variant just because the file appears to fit.
Your firmware package should match:
- Exact model number and variant of your device
- Correct storage and RAM configuration
- The right firmware type for your branch (XML vs scatter files)
- The correct region if your carrier flashed a regional build
3. Back up what you can
If your phone still boots, back up your data before you continue. Flashing does not always wipe user data, but certain flash modes, like particularly Format All + Download absolutely will. Even when you know there won’t be a full data reset, it is always good to have a backup with you – for just in case.
4. Use a reliable USB cable and direct port
Use the USB cable that came with your phone or a known good replacement. Avoid front-panel USB ports on desktop PCs and avoid long extension cables – a regular 1m cable is recommended. Unstable USB connections cause flashing to fail mid-process, which can leave your device in a worse state (bricked) than when you started.
5. Understand auth restrictions on newer devices
Some newer MediaTek devices use additional security layers that require valid authentication files to flash. SP Flash Tool alone is not always enough for every modern handset, especially for devices with activated bootloader locks or carrier-specific security builds.
If you encounter an authentication-related error that does not go away with retrying, your device may need a vendor-specific service approach.
How to Use SP Flash Tool (Step by Step)
Follow these steps in order. Do not rush the preparation and requirements phase; it is where most failures actually originate.
Step 1: Extract the tool and firmware
Unzip SP Flash Tool into its own folder on your PC. Keep the folder path short and avoid spaces or special characters. Then unzip your firmware package into a separate folder.
Both folders should be easy to navigate – you will be browsing to both of them from within the tool.
Step 2: Identify your firmware type
Open the firmware folder and check what is in it:
- If you see
flash.xml→ use SP Flash Tool v6 - If you see
Android_scatter.txt→ use SP Flash Tool v5
These files come from the firmware package for your phone, not from SP Flash Tool. The tool is only the flashing utility; the firmware folder supplies the XML or scatter configuration it needs.
Step 3: Install drivers and confirm basic detection
Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers on your PC.
Once installed, power your phone all the way off and connect it to the PC with USB. Watch Device Manager briefly – you should see a new COM port or USB device appear under Ports or libusb entries. If Windows asks for drivers again, the existing driver installation is not complete.
Step 4: Open the correct SP Flash Tool build
Navigate to the extracted SP Flash Tool folder and double-click flash_tool.exe. Avoid running it from inside a ZIP or from a deeply nested folder path.
Step 5: Load the firmware configuration
For v6 builds:
- Click the
Download XMLfield in the tool - Browse to and select the
flash.xmlfile from your firmware folder - Confirm the partition list loads and looks correct
For v5 builds:
- Click
Scatter-loadingin the tool - Browse to and select
Android_scatter.txtfrom your firmware folder - Confirm all partition entries appear correctly
Step 6: Check the partition list before flashing
Look through the loaded partition entries and verify they match what you expect. Specifically watch out for:
preloaderpartitions – only flash these if you are certain they are needed for your repair scenario- Multiple
userdataormetadataentries – double-check these are expected - Any partition that looks mismatched or empty
Step 7: Choose your flash mode
Use the dropdown in the tool to select the appropriate mode:
- Download Only: The safest option for most situations. Writes only what is in the firmware package without erasing extra blocks.
- Firmware Upgrade: Writes everything including certain protection and calibration areas. Only use this if your firmware documentation specifically calls for it.
- Format All + Download: Wipes everything including IMEI and other calibration data. Use only when specifically instructed by a reliable firmware / service guide for your exact device.
For most recovery and flashing scenarios, start with Download Only.
Step 8: Click Download and connect the powered-off device
Click the Download button in the tool. The status bar should say “Please hold to enter recovery mode” or similar. Now fully power off your device, do not put it in fastboot or recovery mode, and connect it to the PC with the USB cable.
If your device requires a specific key combination to enter preloader mode (Volume Up + Power is common, but it varies by model), press and hold that combination as you connect the cable.
Step 9: Wait for the flash to complete
The tool will show a progress bar. Do not touch the cable, the tool, or the device while it is running. Disconnecting mid-flash can brick your device permanently.
A green checkmark (✅) or success dialog means the process completed. If the tool shows a red indicator or error code, note the code and check the troubleshooting section below.
Step 10: Disconnect and boot
Close the tool, disconnect the USB cable, and power your device on normally.
First boot after a flash usually takes longer than usual, give it a few minutes. If the phone stays on the logo screen for more than 5 minutes, check the troubleshooting section.
Common Problems and Fixes
Here are some common issues you might run into. Try the workarounds and fixes that we have listed below – if nothing works, let us know your issue in detail in the comments below.
SP Flash Tool is not detecting the device
The most common issue. Work through these in order:
- Verify the MediaTek USB VCOM drivers are installed correctly – check Device Manager for your connected device
- Confirm the phone is fully powered off before connecting
- Try a different USB cable, cheap or damaged cables cause detection failures
- Try a different USB port, always use a direct rear port on desktop PCs for best performance
- Hold the correct key combination (Volume Up, Volume Down, or both) while connecting
- Remove any previously installed MediaTek drivers that might be conflicting with your new device / setup
If none of that works, reinstall the driver package and restart your PC before trying again.
Wrong file format error
If the tool tells you the loaded file format does not match the tool version:
- You loaded a scatter file in v6, or a flash.xml in v5
- Exit the tool, switch to the correct branch, and reload the right file type
- v6 expects
flash.xml, v5 expectsAndroid_scatter.txt– this is important!
Flash fails after starting
This usually comes from one of these causes:
- Incorrect or mismatched firmware package for your device model
- Corrupted or incomplete firmware download; re-download and try again
- Unstable USB connection, change the cable and port
- Auth-protected device that requires a OEM/vendor-specific unlock
- Wrong partition selection in the tool – recheck the loaded entries before starting
Detection succeeds but writing never starts
Check if DA (Download Agent) is up to date in the tool settings. Some newer devices require a specific DA file to begin the writing process. This is more common on very recent MTK chipsets (and on supported Android devices)
Device is bricked after flashing
If the phone will not boot at all after flashing, try:
- Re-flashing with Download Only mode and the exact correct firmware
- If that fails, try Firmware Upgrade mode with the same firmware package
- If the device still does not respond, you may need a preloader repair through a vendor service center or an authorized Mediatek service tool
Can I Use SP Flash Tool on Linux?
Yes. Linux builds are available for both v6 and v5 branches. Here is what you need to know:
- Make the main binary executable after extracting the ZIP
- You may need to run the tool with elevated permissions or configure USB access rules for your distribution
- If detection behaves inconsistently, try running the tool with
sudoor adding a udev rule for the MediaTek USB device - When in doubt between v6 and v5 on Linux, follow the same firmware file check (flash.xml vs scatter) – the logic is identical across Windows and Linux platforms
SP Flash Tool vs Odin: What Is the Difference?
Odin is Samsung’s flashing tool. SP Flash Tool is MediaTek’s flashing tool. If you have a Samsung device (phone or tablet), use Odin. If you have a MediaTek device, use SP Flash Tool.
The workflows are similar but the file formats, driver requirements, and flash modes are not interchangeable (also the firmware files).
You can read more about Samsung’s equivalent tool in our Odin download guide.
FAQ
Is SP Flash Tool free?
Yes. It is developed by MediaTek and available at no cost. You only need the correct drivers and a compatible firmware package to use it properly.
Which SP Flash Tool version should I start with?
Start with SP Flash Tool v6 if your firmware package has flash.xml. Start with v5 if it has Android_scatter.txt. If you are not sure, check the firmware folder before downloading the tool.
Does SP Flash Tool work on Windows 11?
Yes. The tool itself is compatible with Windows 11. The more common issue on Windows 11 is driver installation; driver signature enforcement can block unsigned driver installs. You may need to temporarily disable driver signature enforcement in Windows recovery settings to get the VCOM drivers installed properly.
Is there a Mac version of SP Flash Tool?
No mainstream macOS build is available for SP Flash Tool. Windows and Linux are the supported platforms for this tool.
Can SP Flash Tool damage my phone?
Yes, if you use the wrong firmware, select the wrong partitions, or use Format All + Download mode on a device that does not need it. Always confirm your firmware package matches your exact device model before starting.
Where do I get the correct firmware for my device?
Your device manufacturer’s official support site is the best source.
Avoid firmware packages from third-party sources that cannot be verified (like custom ROMs). Corrupted or mismatched firmware is one of the leading causes of permanent device damage through this tool.
If this guide helped you, bookmark the page and drop a comment below if you ran into anything tricky or problematic during the process. For driver issues, our MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers guide has the latest driver packages and install tips.
