To save time and avoid touching other partitions, toggle the value of all other image blocks to false , leaving only the recovery block set to true . Protecting Vital NVRAM and NVDATA Sectors
For advanced users, developers, and tech enthusiasts who work with MediaTek (MTK) devices, the SP Flash Tool (SmartPhone Flash Tool) is an indispensable utility for flashing firmware, recovering bricked devices, and performing system-level operations. If you have ever wondered what the XML file inside an SP Flash Tool V6 package is, how it works, or how to use it effectively, this comprehensive article will answer all of those questions and more. We will explore its purpose, its relationship with scatter files, a step-by-step guide to using it, advanced features, common errors, and how to use the tool in console mode for automation.
| Version | Release Period | Key Characteristics | |---------|---------------|---------------------| | v6.2136 | 2021 | XML-only support, initial V6 release | | v6.2216 | 2022 | Improved stability | | v6.2316 | 2022 | Enhanced compatibility with newer MTK devices | | v6.2404 | Latest | Current stable version with broad chipset support |
[flashtool-config version="2.0"] ├── [general] ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ Chip Name, Storage Type, Download Agent ├── [rom-list] ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ Partitions (Preloader, Boot, System, Userdata) └── [commands] ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ Flashing Protocols & Parameters 1. General Hardware Configuration Block ( ) sp flash tool v6 xml file
In SP Flash Tool v6, this information is now packaged in an (often named flash_programming.xml or similar). What’s Inside the XML File?
Can be loaded in:
: While older Linux versions of SP Flash Tool often struggled with scatter loading, the XML implementation in v6 is more standardized, aiming to provide a more consistent experience across Windows and Linux. How it Differs from Scatter Files SP Flash Tool v5 (Scatter) SP Flash Tool v6 (XML) File Format Plain Text (.txt) Structured XML (.xml) Primary Use Legacy MTK chips (MT65xx, etc.) Modern MTK chips (Dimensity, Helio G/P) Loading Method "Scatter-loading File" button "Download XML File" button Complexity Simple partition mapping Comprehensive device & security config To save time and avoid touching other partitions,
One of the most significant changes in SP Flash Tool V6 is the mandatory requirement for authentication files. The tool typically requires two key files from the download_agent folder:
contains high-level configurations, including the chip name, storage type (e.g., NAND/EMMC), and the specific path to the underlying scatter file and individual partition images. Export Capability
Version 6 moves away from this format due to multi-storage requirements and enhanced secure-boot mechanisms. In v6, the tool relies on or specialized flashtool-config.xml architectures. Key Differences Between Formats We will explore its purpose, its relationship with
The evolution from legacy scatter files to XML configuration files in marks a positive step forward for MediaTek device management. While the underlying technology has become more complex to support dynamic partitions and secure booting, SP Flash Tool v6 makes the process highly structured and standardized.
SP Flash Tool v6 utilizes a flash.xml file to define firmware partitions, replacing the .txt scatter file format required by older v5 versions for newer MediaTek (MTK) chipsets. This XML structure is mandatory for handling complex partitioning and secure boot requirements (SLA/DAA) in modern devices, and it requires specific loading via the "Download-XML" field, rather than scatter-loading. Learn more about this process at Hovatek .