All The SP Flash Tools Error Codes And Their Various Meanings

Important Notice (PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU PROCEED)

We have neatly arranged each error into error code, message, meaning, and solution. In order to easily find the solution to the error you’re getting, use the ‘Find in page’ option in your browser to search for the error code e.g 4032. This will save you the stress of endless scrolling or accidentally scrolling past the SP Flash Tool error you’re looking for.

Phone shows a white screen, strange colors or divided screen after flashing:

Message: You can see the phone responding to buttons and making a sound but all is blurred by a white screen

Solution:

The ROM / Firmware you flashed is incompatible, get from another source (especially boot.img, logo.bin and uboot.bin / lk.bin )

The phone automatically disconnecting during flashing:

Message: The phone makes the disconnecting sound just as flashing begins, interrupting the process

Solution:

• Try a different USB cord, USB port & PC
• Try holding down the Volume decrease (you could try volume increase or both) while connecting the phone to PC for flashing
• Launch Device manager (Right-click My Computer > Select Manage)
• Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cord, Device manager should refresh
• Take note of what the phone is detected as (often as Unknown or Mediatek under Other devices)
• Right-click whatever the phone is detect as and select Update Driver Software…
• Select Browse my computer for driver software
• Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer
• Click Next
• Click Have Disk

Sp Flash tool remains at 0%:

Message: Phone only shows charging sign

Meaning: Necessary drivers have not been successfully installed on the PC

Solution:

• Follow the guide to Install MTK VCOM Driver On Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 [32 & 64 Bits]
• If you have installed VCOM drivers but the phone is still only charging then Launch Device manager (Right-click My Computer > Select Manage)
• Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cord, Device manager should refresh
• Take note of what the phone is detected as (often as Unknown or Mediatek under Other devices)
• Right-click whatever the phone is detect as and select Update Driver Software…
• Select Browse my computer for driver software
• Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer
• Click Next
• Click Have Disk
• Proceed with the Mediatek (VCOM) driver installation steps described here.

Error 5054

Message:  BROM ERROR S_DL_GET_DRAM_SETTINGS_FAIL (5054)

Meaning: The files you’re trying to flash do not belong to or are not compatible with the phone you’re trying to flash them to OR if you’re getting the error while trying to format then it’s likely you only loaded scatter file without the rest of the files in the firmware

Solution:

• If you’re trying to flash the firmware, then ensure you’re using the correct files. If you’re sure they are, then try formatting before flashing again
• If you’re trying to format, then ensure you the scatter file you loaded onto SP flash tool has complete firmware file locations

Initialize scatter failed

Message: Error: Initialize scatter file failed. Please check the scatter file name you load is legal

Meaning: SP Flash tool doesn’t accept the name format of your scatter file

Solution:

• Ensure the scatter file wasn’t renamed. If you’re certain it wasn’t, try a higher version of SP Flash tool.

Error 8038

Message: Error 8038! Android download  pmt is ready and layout has been changed

Meaning: SP Flash tool is having trouble writing to certain partitions due to some incompatibility

Solution:

• Format the phone in SP flash tool (Do not format Bootloader) then try flashing the files again using Download
• If Download doesn’t work then do a firmware upgrade
• If the MTK backup contains more than one scatter file, retry flashing with the other scatter file.
• If that isn’t feasible, try formatting first or use the firmware upgrade
• If that doesn’t work, open the scatter file using Notepad++ and change __NODL_FAT to FAT by removing “__NODL_”.

Error 4032

Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL (4032) [EMI] Enable DRAM fail

Meaning: The firmware you’re trying to flash is either not compatible with your device or you have selected the wrong flashing settings

Solution:

• Ensure that the file(s) you’re trying to flash is actually for your exact phone model
• Ensure you tick the boxes for only the files present in the ROM you’re about to flash
• Probably have the wrong driver installed. Uninstall vcom,  preloader and MTK drivers using USB Devier then manually re-install using this guide.
• Delete the sp flash tool folder then re-extract
• Ensure the phone is switched off (with the battery still inside) before connecting to PC for flashing.
• If that doesn’t work, keep holding down the volume decrease button just before connecting the phone to PC for flashing (you could try volume increase, power + volume decrease or power + volume increase).
• Consider using the latest version of Sp Flash tool
• Format the phone before trying to flash the file(s) again.

Error 5056

Message: BROM ERROR : S_DL_PMT_ERR_NO_SPACE (5069)

Meaning:  The size of a file is larger than the available/possible partition size

Solution:

• Ensure that the file(s) you’re trying to flash is actually for your exact phone model
• Try another stock ROM
• Change the phone’s emmc chip

Error 4001

Message: S_FT_DA_NO_RESPONSE or Da didn’t send response data to FlashTool!

Meaning: SP flash tool is having difficulty communicating with the device

Solution:

• Change the USB-port
• Run SP flash tool as Admin
• Ensure to install the correct drivers see here.
• Try another PC and USB cord
• Ensure the phone is switched off with a charged battery inside when connecting to the PC for flashing.

Sp flash tool was successful but the phone’s calibration doesn’t work

Message: Soft keys and touchscreen don’t work/respond

Solution:

• Edit the scatter file using Notepad++ and remove NODL__  (or set is_download: false to is_download: true ) in front of the items you have in the backup folder but aren’t listed when you load the scatter file in SP flash tool. This way, these items will become listed when next you load the scatter file (after saving of course) and therefore flashable.

Error 4008

Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_DOWNLOAD_FAIL (4008)

Meaning: SP Flash tool encountered an error while attempting to flash files

Solution:

• Ensure the battery is in the phone and the phone is switched off before connecting for flashing
• Try using a higher version of SP flash tool
• Change the USB cord and port or PC
• Use the format option then download in SP flash tool

Error 3149

Message: BROM ERROR : S_DA_SDMMC_WRITE_FAILED (3149)

Meaning: SP Flash tool was unable to flash files to the phone

Solution:

• Ensure to run the latest version of SP flash tool as Administrator
• Format first then Download
• Don’t tick a box with an unspecified/empty file path
• Ensure the phone is switched off (with a well-charged battery in it ) before connecting to PC for flashing
• Try a different PC
• Try a different ROM
• Try a different USB cord
• Try formatting the phone first before flashing files to it

Error 3168 

Message: BROM ERROR: S_CHIP_TYRE_NOT_MATCH(3168)

Meaning: Sp flash tool believes there’s a mismatch between the information provided in the scatter file and the phone’s info.

Solution:

• Ensure you’re using the ROM for the exact phone model
• Try a higher version of SP flash tool
• Ensure to install the correct drivers for the phone on the PC

Error 2004 

Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_DOWNLOAD_FAIL (2004)

Meaning: There was an interruption in the communication between SP flash tool and the device

Solution:

• A Secure Boot Download Agent (DA) might be required
• Take out and reinsert the battery
• Try using a different USB cord, port, and PC
• Right-click flash_tool.exe > Select Properties > Select Compatibility > Set to Windows XP Service Pack 3 > Click Apply > Click OK > Run SP flash tool as Administrator
• Try a different USB cord
• Try a different port on the PC or another PC
• Ensure the battery is well changed and inside the switched off the phone before connecting to PC for flashing.

Download Sp Flash Tools All Version

USB device not recognized

Message: USB device not recognized prompt at system tray after connecting  the phone to PC

Meaning: The PC is having problems communicating with the phone (often due to interruption, hardware or driver problems)

Solution:

•  Try a different USB cord, PC port or PC

Error 1013 

Message: BROM ERROR: S_COM_PORT_OPEN Fail(1013)

Meaning: SP flash tool encountered an error while attempting to communicate with the phone via the target port

Solution:

• Try using a different port on the PC
• Try a different version of SP flash tool
• Install VCOM drivers using this post.
• Ensure the phone is switched off with battery inside before connecting to the PC for flashing
• Try using a different PC
• Try changing the USB cord
• Ensure the phone’s USB port isn’t damaged.

Error 2020 

Message: BROM ERROR : S_BROM_CHKSUM16_MEM_RESULT_DIFF (2020)

Meaning: SP flash tool encountered a problem moving the files to be flashed into the phone’s internal SRAM

Solution:

• Use the latest version of SP flash tool
• In SP flash tool, navigate to Options > Option > Connection > Battery. Set it to “with battery”.
• Use the Format all + Download option
• Hold both volume buttons before connecting to the PC for flashing and release once flashing begins.

Error 5007 

Message: BROM ERROR : S_FTHND_FILE_IS_NOT_LOADED_YET (5007)

Meaning: You’re trying to flash an item with an unspecified path (no file selected for the ticked item/box)

Solution:

• Ensure the scatter file is in the same directory as the other file(s) to be flashed
• Untick any item whose file you do not have or whose path is not specified; yet, is ticked/selected for flashing

Error 4010

Message: BROM ERROR: S_FT_FORMAT_FAIL

Meaning: The blocks map in the scatter file doesn’t match the phone’s partition sizes

Solution:

•  Try using the latest version of Sp flash tool
• Try using another firmware for the exact phone model

Error 3182

Message: BROM ERROR: S_STORAGE_NOT_MATCH (3182)

Meaning: The ROM you’re trying to flash is not compatible with the target device

Solution:

• Download the ROM for the exact phone model you’re trying to flash
• Ensure to install VCOM drivers on the PC
• Don’t tick any box (after loading the scatter file) without a file path / whose corresponding file has not been automatically or manually loaded.

Error 6012

Message: BROM ERROR: S_SECURITY_SF_CODE_COMMAND_FORBIDDEN (6012), MSP ERROR CODE: 0X00

Meaning: The Download-Agent being used is incompatible with the phone

Solution:

• Set Download-Agent to MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin

Error 1042

Message: BROM ERROR: S_TIMEOUT (1042)

Meaning: The flashing process took too long so SP flash tool encountered a timeout

Solution:

• Try flashing one file at a time
• Use the latest version of SP flash tool
• Try using a different PC and USB cord

Error 2

Message: BROM ERROR: ?? (2)

Meaning: SP Flash tool was unable to communicate with the phone

Solution:

• Try using a different PC (preferably Windows 7 or lower)
• Install the correct VCOM drivers for your PC’s OS and architecture (32 or 64 bit)
• Try another USB cord

Error 2005

Message: BROM ERROR: S_BROM_CMD_STARTCMD_FAIL (2005)

Meaning: The device attempted to power on before SP flash tool could flash files to it

Solution:

• Ensure the battery is well charged
• Take out and reinsert the battery
• Try using a different USB cord, port, and PC
• Right-click flash_tool.exe > Select Properties > Select Compatibility > Set to Windows XP Service Pack 3 > Click Apply > Click OK > Run SP flash tool as Administrator
• Try a different USB cord
• Try a different port on the PC or another PC
• Ensure the battery is well changed and inside the switched off the phone before connecting to PC for flashing
• Do not hold any button when connecting to PC

Error 4058

Message: BROM ERROR: S_FT_GET_MEMORY_FAIL (4058)

Meaning: SP flash tool was unable to locate the partition you’re trying to flash to

Solution:

• Untick any item (box) with a blank or empty Location
• Ensure that the memory and other components are properly seated on the board

Error 3178

Message: BROM_ERROR_S_STORAGE_NOT_MATCH (3178)

Meaning: The firmware you are trying to flash isn’t compatible with your phone

Solution:

• Try flashing another firmware for your exact phone model/variant

Error 8406

Message: SP FLASH TOOL ERROR (8406)

Meaning: There is some compatibility problem interrupting the flashing process

Solution:

• Try flashing another firmware for your exact model
• Update VCOM drivers for the device under Device manager

Error 1012

Message: BROM ERROR: S_NOT_ENOUGH_MEMORY (1012)

Meaning: The version of SP flash tool you’re using doesn’t support the size(s) of the file(s) in the firmware/stock ROM.

Solution:

• Use the latest version of SP flash tool

Error 3140

Message: BROM ERROR: S_DA_UPDATE_BOOLOADER_EXIST_MAGIC_NOT_MATCHED

Meaning: SP flash tool encountered an error flashing a selected file to a non-specified partition

Solution:

• Try using the latest version of SP flash tool
• Use the format option then download in SP flash tool

Error 8417

Message:  BROM ERROR: Initialize scatter file failed. Please check the scatter file name you load is legal

Meaning: The format of the scatter file is invalid

Solution:

• Open the scatter file in Notepad++, the first line must begining with:############################################################################################################## General Setting #If there is anything else above this then delete it and save the scatter file

Error 6047

Message: BROM ERROR: S_SECURITY_SECURE_USB_DL_IMAGE_HASH_FAIL

Meaning: Hash (integrity) check of the images being flashed failed.

Solution:

• Use SP Flash Tool V5.1516.00
• Ensure to select the right Download-Agent
• Navigate to Options > Option > Download and untick DA DLL All…..

Error 6010

Message: BROM ERROR: SP FLASH TOOL ERROR 6010 CODE DOWNLOAD FORBIDDEN

Meaning: The phone has a protected bootloader

Solution:

• Untick Preloader and flash the rest

Error: 0xFDA

Message: BROM ERROR: S_FT_GET_MEMORY_FAIL (0xFDA)

Meaning: SP Flash tool encountered an error reading the phone’s storage

Solution:

• Try using a different USB Port, Cord, and PC

Error 0x13BE

Message: S_DL_GET_DRAM_SETTING_FAIL (0x13BE)

Meaning: The firmware you’re trying to flash is either not compatible with your device or you have selected the wrong flashing settings

Solution:

• Ensure that the file(s) you’re trying to flash is actually for your exact phone model.
• Ensure you tick the boxes for only the files present in the ROM you’re about to flash.

Error:?? (0x3)

Message: BROM ERROR:?? (0x3)

Meaning: SP Flash tool encountered an error maintaining a connection to the device during flashing

Solution:

• Reinstall the VCOM drivers
• Try a different PC and USB cord

PRO_INFO: Failed to get PMT info

Message: PRO_INFO: Failed to get PMT info

Meaning: SP flash tool is having problems reading the phone

Solution

• Try using a different PC and USB cord
• Ensure the phone is switched off (with a charged battery inside) when you connect

Error 0x7D4

Message: BROM ERROR: S_BROM_DOWNLOAD_DA_FAIL

Meaning: SP Flash tool encountered an error writing to the phone

Solution:

• Try changing the Download Agent (Secure Boot DA)
• Try using a different USB cord, PC port, and PC
• Use the latest version of SP flash tool
• Ensure the battery is well charged and the phone’s USB port isn’t faulty
• Ensure the file name matches what’s in the scatter file

Error 6124

Message: BROM ERROR: S_SECURITY_INVALID_PROJECT (6124), MSO ERROR CODE: 0X00

Meaning: Wrong flash settings or firmware

Solution:

•  Ensure you set the correct Download-Agent in SP flash tool and are using firmware for your exact model
• Go to  Options > Option > Connection > USB Speed > Full Speed
• Go to  Options > Option > Download > Untick DA DL All with Checksum

Error 0x8

Message: BROM ERROR: ?? (0x8)

Meaning:  The size of a file is larger than the available/possible partition size

Solution:

• Ensure that the file(s) you’re trying to flash is actually for your exact phone model
• Try another stock ROM
• Change the phone’s emmc chip
• Try using a different PC

Error OXFC0

Message: BROM ERROR S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL (OXFC0)

Meaning: The firmware you’re trying to flash is either not compatible with your device or you have selected the wrong flashing settings

Solution:

• Ensure that the file(s) you’re trying to flash is actually for your exact phone model
• Ensure you tick the boxes for only the files present in the ROM you’re about to flash
• Probably have the wrong driver installed. Uninstall vcom,  preloader and MTK drivers using usb driver then manually re-install using this post.
• Delete the sp flash tool folder then re-extract
• Ensure the phone is switched off (with battery still inside) before connecting to PC for flashing.
• If that doesn’t work, keep holding down the volume decrease button just before connecting the phone to PC for flashing (you could try volume increase, power + volume decrease or power + volume increase).
• Consider using the latest version of Sp Flash tool
• Format the phone before trying to flash the file(s) again

Error 0X411

Message: BROM ERROR: S_CHKSUM_ERROR (0X411)

Meaning: There was a checksum error when flashing the firmware

Solution:

• Delete any file with the checksum in its name from the firmware folder
• Go to Options > Option > Download > Untick Da DL all with checksum.

Error 0xFA1

Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_DA_NO_RESPONSE (0xFA1)

Meaning: SP Flash tool encountered an error communicating with the device

Solution:

• Try using a different port, PC and USB cord
• Ensure the phone is switched off with a charged battery inside
• Do not hold any button when connecting for flashing
• Ensure to install VCOM drivers.

TOOL DL image Fail!

Message: TOOL DL image Fail!

Meaning: The firmware was flashed with Da DL all with Checksum disabled

Solution:

• In SP flash tool, navigate to Options > Option > Download > Tick Da Dl all with checksum > Reflash the firmware

Please select one ROM at least before execution

Message: Please select one ROM at least before execution

Meaning: SP flash tool fails to recognize that there is an item ticked

Solution:

• Select the scatter file again and untick all items you do not wish to flash one after the other. Don’t use the checkbox beside “Name” in SP flash tool.

Error 0xFC0

Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL (0xFC0)

Meaning: The firmware you’re trying to flash is either not compatible with your device or you have selected the wrong flashing settings

Solution:

• Ensure that the file(s) you’re trying to flash is actually for your exact phone model
• Ensure you tick the boxes for only the files present in the ROM you’re about to flash
• Probably have the wrong driver installed. Uninstall vcom,  preloader and MTK drivers using usb driver then manually re-install.
• Delete the sp flash tool folder then re-extract
• Ensure the phone is switched off (with the battery still inside) before connecting to PC for flashing.
• If that doesn’t work, keep holding down the volume decrease button just before connecting the phone to PC for flashing (you could try volume increase, power + volume decrease or power + volume increase).
• Consider using the latest version of Sp Flash tool
• Format the phone before trying to flash the file(s) again.

Error: 0xC0050003

Message: BROM ERROR: STATUS_DOWNLOAD_EXCEPTION (0xC0050003)

Meaning: There was an interruption during writing to one or more partitions

Solution:

• Repeat flashing with the latest version of SP Flash Tool
• Try using a different Port, USB cord and PC