QFIL (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) is a free Windows tool from Qualcomm used to flash firmware onto devices that use Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This QFIL flashing guide walks you through the entire process, from installing drivers to writing a full firmware image, and explains how to recover a phone that is stuck in a boot loop, soft-bricked, or refusing to start. QFIL works at a low level using Qualcomm’s Emergency Download (EDL) mode, which means it can revive phones that normal recovery and fastboot tools cannot reach.
You typically need QFIL when a phone is hard-bricked (black screen, no logo), stuck after a failed update, or you want to restore stock firmware to clear corrupt system partitions. It only works on Qualcomm-based devices and requires a firmware package made for your exact model, usually containing a programmer file (firehose, named like prog_emmc_firehose_*.mbn or prog_ufs_firehose_*.elf) and an rawprogram plus patch XML set.
Before you start
Flashing rewrites the storage on your phone, so preparation matters. Do the following first:
- Install the correct USB drivers. QFIL needs the Qualcomm USB driver (often listed as “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008”) plus your phone’s OEM driver. See our guide to download Android USB drivers so Windows detects the device in EDL mode.
- Back up everything you can. Flashing in QFIL almost always erases user data. If the phone still boots, copy your photos, contacts, and files first. Our walkthrough on how to back up and restore Android devices covers local and cloud options.
- Get firmware that matches your exact model number. Do not use firmware from a similar-looking variant. Check the model and region printed in Settings or on the box, and only use a package built for that precise model. Using the wrong firehose or rawprogram file can permanently brick the device.
- Charge the battery to at least 50% and use a reliable USB cable plugged into a rear motherboard USB port if you are on a desktop.
QFIL flashing guide: step by step
Once your drivers, backup, and matching firmware are ready, follow these steps:
- 1. Install and open QFIL. Use the latest version that ships with the QPST package. Launch QFIL on your Windows PC.
- 2. Put the phone into EDL (9008) mode. Methods vary: with the phone off, hold both volume buttons while connecting the cable, or use a manufacturer tool, or short the test points on the board. When successful, Device Manager shows “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” under Ports.
- 3. Set Flat Build. In QFIL, choose the “Flat Build” configuration option (not Meta Build) for most firmware folders.
- 4. Select the programmer. Click “Browse” next to Programmer Path and pick the firehose (.mbn or .elf) file from your firmware folder.
- 5. Load the XML files. Click “Load XML” and select the rawprogram XML, then the patch XML when prompted. QFIL uses these to map the image to the right partitions.
- 6. Click Download. QFIL sends the firehose, then writes each partition. Do not unplug the cable or touch the phone. A successful run ends with a “Download Succeed” or “Finish Download” message.
- 7. Reboot. Unplug and power the phone on. The first boot after a full flash can take several minutes.
After a fresh firmware flash the phone will usually factory reset itself. Be aware of Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP): if the device had a Google account signed in, you will be asked to enter those same credentials on first setup as an anti-theft check. Make sure you know the account and password before flashing, or you may be locked out of the phone.
Common problems and fixes
- “Sahara fail” or no port detected: The phone is not in 9008 mode or the driver is missing. Reinstall the Qualcomm QDLoader driver and re-enter EDL mode.
- “Download Fail: Switch to EDL mode”: The phone dropped out of EDL. Disconnect, re-enter EDL, and try again with a different USB port or cable.
- Stuck at “Sending programmer”: Usually the wrong firehose for your storage type (eMMC vs UFS) or wrong model. Verify the package matches your device.
- Authentication or “auth failed” errors: Some newer phones require a signed firehose or an authorized EDL token from the manufacturer; consumer QFIL cannot bypass this.
- Phone still won’t boot after flashing: Try clearing the cache or doing a factory reset from recovery. Our guides on how to use recovery mode to fix your Android phone and how to hard reset any Android mobile can help finish the recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Does QFIL work on all Android phones?
No. QFIL only works on devices that use Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. Phones built on MediaTek, Exynos, Unisoc, or other platforms need different tools such as SP Flash Tool or Odin. Always confirm your phone uses a Qualcomm processor before trying QFIL.
Will flashing with QFIL erase my data?
In most cases yes. A full firmware flash rewrites the system and usually the user data partitions, so back up first. After flashing, the phone factory resets and may trigger Google Factory Reset Protection, so be ready to sign in with the Google account that was previously on the device.
Can QFIL fix a completely dead, hard-bricked phone?
Often, yes, as long as the hardware is healthy and the phone can still enter EDL (9008) mode. QFIL operates below the normal boot process, so it can rewrite corrupt firmware that left the phone with a black screen. If the device cannot reach EDL mode at all, the problem may be hardware-related and QFIL will not help.
