SP Flash Tool does not have a native "unlock bootloader" feature, but it can achieve the same result by flashing a modified bootloader partition (preloader/lk). This method works on older or less secure MTK devices. For modern chipsets with hardware-backed secure boot, alternative tools like mtkclient or official OEM unlock are required.
Final Recommendation: Use mtkclient for unlocking. Use SP Flash Tool only for flashing a known, pre-unlocked bootloader image.
Prepared by: Technical Analysis Team
Document ID: MTK-SPFL-UNLOCK-0426
SP Flash Tool (Smart Phone Flash Tool) is primarily used for flashing stock firmware, custom ROMs, or recoveries on devices with MediaTek (MTK) GeeksforGeeks It is important to clarify a common misconception: SP Flash Tool itself does not "unlock" the bootloader. sp flash tool unlock bootloader
In fact, most modern MediaTek devices require an unlocked bootloader
you can use SP Flash Tool to flash custom files (like TWRP). However, you can use SP Flash Tool to flash a stock ROM on a locked device to "unbrick" it.
Below is the guide for the standard process of unlocking a MediaTek bootloader and using SP Flash Tool. Phase 1: Unlock the Bootloader (The Prerequisite) SP Flash Tool does not have a native
You cannot bypass this step if you plan to flash custom partitions. Unlocking wipes all data , so back up your files first. Enable Developer Options: Settings > About Phone Build Number Toggle Settings: Settings > System > Developer Options and enable: OEM Unlocking USB Debugging Use Fastboot to Unlock: Connect your phone to a PC with Android Platform Tools installed.
Open a command prompt in the platform-tools folder and type: adb reboot bootloader Once in fastboot mode, type: fastboot flashing unlock fastboot oem unlock on older devices).
Confirm the action on your phone screen using the volume keys. Phase 2: Preparing SP Flash Tool generic DA fails. | A: Yes
Once the bootloader is unlocked (or if you are just flashing stock firmware), follow these steps: [ Advanced ] Unlock the Bootloader - Teracube Community
| Risk | Description | |------|-------------| | Permanent brick | Wrong preloader = no BROM mode access (need test point recovery). | | Secure boot devices | Unlock requires cryptographic signing; SP Flash alone cannot bypass. | | No standard command | SP Flash Tool has no explicit "unlock bootloader" button – only indirect methods. | | SLA/DAA protection | Some newer MTK devices require authenticated DA; generic DA fails. |
A: Yes, but you must flash back the original stock lk.bin and preloader, then run fastboot oem lock. Some devices require a full stock ROM flash to relock successfully.
Common MediaTek chips: MT6735, MT6750, MT6762, MT6765 (Helio P22), MT6785 (Helio G90), MT6833 (Dimensity 700), etc. Check your device’s specifications via “CPU-Z” or the box label.