Do you want to flash firmware or fix a bricked Android device using Linux? You’re in the right place! SP Flash Tool is popular for Android repairs, but it’s tricky to set up on Linux. Don’t worry! This guide will show you how to install SP Flash Tool in Linux step by step. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Before installing SP Flash Tool, gather these:
- A Linux PC (Ubuntu, Fedora, or similar).
- Basic terminal knowledge.
- SP Flash Tool Linux version (download link below).
- Your Android device’s firmware files.
- A USB cable.
Make sure your device is powered off. Backup data to avoid loss. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Download SP Flash Tool
First, download the Linux version of SP Flash Tool. Avoid fake sites! Use trusted sources like [Official SP Flash Tool Site] or GitHub.
- Open your browser.
- Search for “SP Flash Tool for Linux download”.
- Pick the latest version (e.g., v6.0).
- Save the ZIP file to your “Downloads” folder.
Check the file’s checksum if available. This keeps your system safe.
Step 2: Install Required Dependencies
SP Flash Tool needs extra software to run. Open your terminal and type:
For Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt install libpng12-0 libjpeg8 python-usb
For Fedora:
sudo dnf install libpng12 libjpeg-turbo python3-pyusb
Press Enter. Type your password if asked. Wait for the install to finish.
Step 3: Extract SP Flash Tool
Go to your “Downloads” folder. Find the ZIP file. Right-click it and choose “Extract Here”.
- A new folder will appear (e.g., “SP_Flash_Tool_Linux”).
- Open this folder. You’ll see files like “flash_tool” or “flash_tool.sh”.
Keep this folder open. You’ll need it soon!
Step 4: Set Up udev Rules (For Device Access)
Linux blocks SP Flash Tool from accessing your device by default. Fix this with udev rules:
- Open the terminal.
- Type:
sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/50-sp-flash-tool.rules
- Paste this line into the file:
SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="0e8d", MODE="0666"
- Press Ctrl + O to save, then Ctrl + X to exit.
- Restart udev:
sudo udevadm control --reload
Now your device will connect properly!
Step 5: Run SP Flash Tool
Go back to the extracted SP Flash Tool folder. Right-click inside the folder and choose “Open in Terminal”. Type:
sudo ./flash_tool.sh
Press Enter. If asked for a password, type it. The tool will launch!
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If it says “Permission denied”, type:
chmod +x flash_tool.sh
- Still stuck? Try a Windows virtual machine.
Step 6: Load Firmware and Flash
- Click “Scatter-Loading” in SP Flash Tool.
- Find your firmware’s “MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt” file.
- Select “Firmware Upgrade” or “Download Only”.
- Click “Download” at the top.
- Connect your powered-off Android device.
Wait for the green checkmark! Your device is now fixed.
How to Use SP Flash Tool in Linux
You’ve installed SP Flash Tool. Now, let’s use it to flash firmware or fix your Android device! Follow these simple steps to avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Launch SP Flash Tool
Open the SP Flash Tool folder. Right-click and select “Open in Terminal”. Type:
sudo ./flash_tool.sh
Press Enter. Enter your password if asked. The tool’s window will open.
Step 2: Load the Scatter File
- Click the Scatter-Loading button.
- Find your firmware folder.
- Select the “MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt” file.
- Replace “xxxx” with your device’s chip number (e.g., MT6765).
All partitions (preloader, recovery, system) will load automatically.
Step 3: Choose Download Mode
Pick one:
- Download Only: Flash specific partitions (safe for beginners).
- Firmware Upgrade: Wipe and flash everything (use for dead devices).
Avoid “Format All + Download” unless you’re 100% sure. It can erase critical data!
Step 4: Connect Your Device
- Power off your Android device.
- Remove the battery (if possible).
- Click the Download button in SP Flash Tool.
- Plug the device into your Linux PC via USB.
The tool will detect it and start flashing. A red progress bar will appear.
Step 5: Wait for Completion
- Do NOT disconnect the device!
- A green circle means success.
- A red circle means failure. Check USB connections or firmware files.
Unplug your device after the green check. Power it on. Congrats!
Common Issues & Fixes
- “Device Not Found”: Check USB cable/port. Reinstall udev rules.
- “Permission Denied”: Use
sudo
or fix file permissions. - Driver Errors: Install MediaTek drivers from GitHub.
Final Tips
- Use original USB cables.
- Keep firmware files ready.
- Follow device-specific guides.
FAQs
1. Can SP Flash Tool brick my device?
Yes, if used wrong. Double-check firmware files first!
2. Does SP Flash Tool work on all Android devices?
No. Only MediaTek (MTK) chipset devices.
3. What if my Linux distro isn’t supported?
Try compatibility tools like Wine or a Windows VM.
Follow these steps, and you’ll master SP Flash Tool on Linux! Share this guide if it helped you. Happy flashing! 🚀