| Feature | MTK Addr File | MTK Scatter File | |--------|--------------|------------------| | | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (eg., preloader , lk , boot ) | | Used by SP Flash Tool for "Download" | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Used by SP Flash Tool for "Read Back" | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (unless converted) | | Human-readable partition info | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes | | Typical file extension | .addr | .txt or .xml |
- partition_index: 0 partition_name: preloader file_name: preloader.bin is_download: true type: NORMAL linear_start_addr: 0x0 physical_start_addr: 0x0 partition_size: 0x40000 To create an addr entry, take physical_start_addr and partition_size : mtk addr files
But what exactly is an addr file? Why does your flashing tool scream for it? And more importantly, how do you find, create, or fix one? | Feature | MTK Addr File | MTK
Introduction In the world of mobile device flashing, unlocking, and data recovery, few file types are as crucial—and as misunderstood—as the MTK addr file . If you have ever worked with SP Flash Tool, MTK Client, or any low-level MediaTek utility, you have likely encountered an error message like “Please select a valid scatter file” or “Address file missing.” Introduction In the world of mobile device flashing,
import re def scatter_to_addr(scatter_path, addr_path): with open(scatter_path, 'r') as sf: content = sf.read()
You use a scatter file to write data to the device. You use an addr file to read data from the device—specifically when performing a readback operation. Why Do You Need an MTK Addr File? 1. Performing a Full Flash Dump (Read Back) When you want to back up the entire firmware of a working MediaTek phone, SP Flash Tool requires a readback operation. The readback function does not parse partition names; it only wants raw address ranges.
However, for low-level work—especially on and secure boot scenarios where GPT is inaccessible—the humble addr file remains irreplaceable.