: Pinpoint exactly which partition or handshake failed during the process.
When a flash fails, the tool generates an error code. By examining the logs in the logs folder, you can match the error message to the specific problem. Here are some common errors:
A small payload injected into the device's internal Static RAM (SRAM). The trace sequence logs whether the DA file successfully initialises the Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) sub-systems. Smartphone Flash Tool -runtime Trace Mode-l
| Advantages | Disadvantages | | :--- | :--- | | Sees errors invisible to the standard UI. | Complexity: Requires knowledge of Assembly/Kernel architecture to interpret. | | Hardware Diagnosis: Distinguishes between software corruption and hardware failure. | Performance Overhead: The flashing process becomes significantly slower due to logging. | | Security Auditing: Helps analyze secure boot chains. | Data Volume: Generates massive log files that can consume disk space. |
A customer’s phone loops at the logo. Standard SP Flash Tool fails at 2%. Using -runtime Trace Mode-l , you see: [TRACE] SYSTEM partition hash mismatch – refusing to mount . It turns out the customer flashed a modded ROM that changed partition sizes. The trace reveals the exact sector offset mismatch, allowing you to format the userdata partition via a custom DA before reflashing. : Pinpoint exactly which partition or handshake failed
The is an advanced diagnostic feature within the SP Flash Tool interface, primarily designed for debugging the communication between the PC and the MediaTek device during the flashing process.
: It provides granular visibility into the flashing process, allowing developers or technicians to see exactly where a failure occurs. Here are some common errors: A small payload
[ 0.124567] [TRACE] DA sent. Waiting for acknowledgment. [ 0.234890] [TRACE] Ack received. Device config = 0x0000001F. [ 0.245001] [WARN] High-speed not negotiated. Falling back to Full-Speed. [ 0.300456] [TRACE] Writing partition table... OK. [ 0.456789] [TRACE] Signature verification for 'recovery' starting. [ 0.567123] [ERROR] Hash mismatch for block 0x0040. Expected: 0xABCD, Got: 0x1234. [ 0.678901] [TRACE] Flashing aborted by user policy (hash fail).
At its core, Runtime Trace Mode is a specialized debugging state within the SP Flash Tool. When enabled, the software records in great detail its every interaction with the target device. It functions similarly to a forensic data recorder, capturing the entire communication protocol—including handshakes, data packets, and errors—and writes this information to log files on your computer.
The is the definitive utility for flashing firmware, installing custom ROMs, and unbricking devices powered by MediaTek (MTK) chipsets. While most users are familiar with its basic "Download Only" function, advanced technicians and developers rely on Runtime Trace Mode to monitor real-time communications and resolve deep-seated flashing errors.
This folder will contain a collection of .log files, including BROM_DLL_V5.log , ADPT_YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.log , and GLB_YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.log . These logs contain the detailed trace of the failed attempt. The tool then uses these logs to display an error number that provides a specific hint for the problem, as detailed in the next section.