The following trace categories were captured during runtime:
The log window will now show detailed actions, allowing you to see exactly where the connection fails or where a data packet is rejected. Key Considerations and Safety
Example Python snippet to find long-running functions:
The trace showed the Preloader signature was zeroed out. Standard flash tools wouldn't write because the signature validation failed. However, by using the -l trace, the engineer knew to use BootROM Exploit Mode (temporarily shorting CLK and CMD on the eMMC) to force BROM to bypass signature check. The trace confirmed the bypass worked, and the device was restored. Smartphone Flash Tool -runtime Trace Mode-l
Activating Runtime Trace Mode is easy and requires no complex settings. However, there is a common point of confusion about the correct hotkey combination. The key is to run the tool in a special diagnostic mode.
For standard users, the basic "Download OK" green ring is sufficient. However, for developers or those attempting to "unbrick" a non-responsive device, Runtime Trace Mode provides the forensic-level detail needed to identify exactly where the communication chain is breaking—whether it's at the stage or during the writing of the partition. Are you currently troubleshooting a specific error code or trying to recover a bricked device Smartphone Flash Tool (runtime Trace Mode) - Facebook
So, where does all this data go? The SP Flash Tool generates several .log files that are stored in a logs subfolder. From the "Help" menu, you can select "Open logs folder" to quickly access these files. The following trace categories were captured during runtime:
Ensure you are using the correct MediaTek USB VCOM drivers. Conclusion
SP Flash Tool is a utility application used to flash stock firmware, custom recoveries, and kernel images onto Android smartphones running on MediaTek hardware. It operates primarily by communicating with the device's Boot ROM or Preloader (secondary bootloader) via a USB connection.
For software developers, the term "trace" also refers to another tool: . While SP Flash Tool handles the hardware layer, the Catcher utility handles the software layer. For an MTK phone to produce trace logs, developers must embed specific kal_prompt_trace functions into the source code. This allows them to monitor software behavior in real-time via UART (serial port). While SP Flash Tool’s Runtime Trace Mode focuses on firmware writing, the Catcher tool focuses on the OS running environment. However, by using the -l trace, the engineer
If the trace mode reports an invalid address map or a checksum error right before data transmission, the firmware package is corrupt or designed for a different variant of the processor.
: See the raw data exchange between the tool and the MediaTek VCOM drivers.