In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of putting your phone into Emergency Download (EDL) mode, a powerful tool that can help you recover your phone, update its firmware or unlock its bootloader.
Understanding EDL Mode
EDL (Emergency Download) mode is a special state in which your Android device can be booted, allowing you to perform tasks that are otherwise inaccessible in regular Android mode. It’s a valuable tool for advanced users and technicians, as it allows you to perform low-level operations. Here are some common use cases for EDL mode:
1. Firmware Updates
Firmware Updates are usually done over the air (OTA) via software such as TWRP. EDL mode will probably be used for flashing stock firmware instead of full custom ROMs, but it can also be used for that purpose.
2. Bootloader Unlocking
Using EDL mode to unlock the bootloader, you can do anything from replacing the stock recovery with a custom recovery to flashing a stock ROM to installing root through SuperSU or Magisk.
3. Device Recovery
At any point, you may experience a boot loop or other software issues that prevent your device from operating properly. You can use EDL mode to restore your device to its factory settings to resolve this.
How to Put Your Android Device into EDL Mode
Now that you understand the importance of EDL mode, let’s dive into the steps to put your Android device into this mode. We’ll begin with a general overview of how to go about it and then get more specific based on your device model.
To get your device into fastboot mode, you need to first boot it up in bootloader mode. To do this, you could either use the ADB or Fastboot Commands. The former is easier but less reliable–it often fails to give you the desired results because enabling USB Debugging isn’t possible in a bricked device. Similarly, you can’t boot your device into fastboot mode if it’s been hard-bricked.
There are two possible escape routes for the situation. The first involves the use of Test Point mode. The second uses the Deep Flash Cable and is only available on some Xiaomi devices. Once your device is connected in an EDL mode to your PC, it will be recognized as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008. Some smartphone manufacturers like OnePlus and Xiaomi have a specific set of tools just for this very purpose regarding the flashing part; these include the QPST, QFIL, MSMDownload, etc., which have been released by the OEM themselves or have been leaked. So connect your device to EDL, launch the tool and flash an associated firmware file.
5 Methods To Boot EDL Mode on any Qualcomm Device
We’ve shared five ways to enter EDL Mode, using ADB commands, using fastboot mode, using hardware buttons, using Deep Flash Cable, and PCB Test Points. But before going into the steps below, let’s take a look at the requirements.
Pre-Requirements:
- This guide will only work on any devices with Qualcomm SoC.
- Enable USB Debugging on the device.
- A PC/Laptop and a USB Cable.
- Install Android USB Drivers on the PC.
- Install ADB and Fastboot Tool on the PC.
1. Boot EDL Mode via ADB Commands
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a command line tool that can be used to boot your device into EDL mode.But before you can send debugging commands through ADB, the Debugging option should be enabled on your device and it must be connected to the computer.
- We hope you already enabled USB debugging on your device.
- Use a USB cable to connect your phone and computer.
- Enable USB Debugging by tapping OK on the prompt that appears.
- Press and hold Shift on your keyboard, then right-click in an empty area of the folder.
- Type the following command in the open window, then press Enter.
adb reboot edl
- Now, your device should go to its lowest power state. (The phone screen will dim)
- Navigate to the Device Manager in Windows.
- Click on Devices and Printers, then right-click the printer icon in order to find out if it is connected properly.
- You can update the firmware on your device using the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Use Fastboot to Boot EDL mode on any smartphones
- Turn off your phone, then press and hold the Power button along with Volume Down for a few seconds until you see the Mi or Rabbit logo.
- Connect the device to your PC.
- Use ADB & Fastboot tool to execute commands, as we mentioned in step 1.
- To enter EDL mode, type the command specified above and hit Enter. If that doesn’t work, try another one
fastboot oem edl
OR
fastboot reboot-edl
OR
fastboot reboot edl
- That’s it.
3. Use Hardware Buttons
Shut off your device, then press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button together. Connect it to your computer right away; it will automatically boot into EDL mode, and the LED lights may blink.
4. Use Deep Flash Cable
You can either purchase this tool online, or you can build it manually. Even if your Qualcomm device’s bootloader is locked, this tool will force your device to use Qualcomm 9008 mode.
5. Use PCB Test Points
Test points are placed on electronic circuits where you can attach jumper wires or probes to monitor the condition of the circuit. They are primarily used during the manufacturing process to verify that newly assembled devices are working properly or not. Even aftermarket devices can be checked before repair.
If you have a Qualcomm processor-powered device, you might know that Qualcomm provides test points for certain phones to force them into EDL mode (9008).