Unlocking Qualcomm Devices with EDL Utility: A Complete Guide

Qualcomm devices come with a special Emergency Download (EDL) mode, a low-level recovery mode that allows direct access to the device’s flash memory. It is essential for unbricking devices, flashing firmware, and repairing partitions. The EDL Utility is a powerful Win32 tool that provides access to the Qualcomm EDL interface, enabling users to interact with a device at a deep level.

In this guide, we will explore how to use the EDL Utility to manage Qualcomm-based devices.

What is EDL Mode?

EDL Mode is a special boot mode in Qualcomm devices that allows communication over the Qualcomm Sahara and Firehose protocols. It is useful for:

Unbricking a dead device
Flashing firmware at the chip level
Extracting and modifying partitions
Repairing corrupted storage

Devices in EDL mode show up as USB VID/PID 05c6/9008 in Windows Device Manager.

Entering EDL Mode

To put a Qualcomm device into EDL Mode, use one of the following methods:

1. ADB Command (if device is functional)

adb reboot edl

2. Fastboot Command (if bootloader is accessible)

fastboot reboot-edl
fastboot oem edl

3. Hardware Methods (for bricked devices)

EDL USB Cable – Special cables force the device into EDL mode.
Test Points – Short specific points on the PCB while powering on.
Key Combinations – Some devices have special button sequences.

Installing EDL Drivers on Windows

Before using EDL Utility, install the correct drivers:

Use Zadig to install WinUSB drivers.
Avoid Qualcomm QDLoader Drivers (they present the device as a serial port, preventing proper access).
Verify connection by running:

edl.exe

If successful, you will see:

Found EDL 9008

Using EDL Utility

1. Checking Device Info

edl.exe /i

This will display device information such as HWID, Hash, and Model.

2. Loading a Firehose Loader

Before performing any operations, load a compatible Firehose loader:

edl.exe /l my_loader.bin

Once loaded, the processor switches from Sahara to Firehose protocol.

3. Listing Partitions

To view available partitions:

edl.exe /g

4. Reading and Writing Partitions

Read boot partition:

edl.exe /r /pboot_a boota.img /t

Write to the recovery partition:

edl.exe /w /precovery rec.img

5. Erasing Data

To erase the last 4096 bytes of the vendor partition:

edl.exe /f /pvendor /s-8

To erase and write to NAND memory:

edl.exe /n /e /w /s0 /c0 backup.img

6. Rebooting the Device

Reboot to system:

edl.exe /z

Reboot to fastboot:

edl.exe /zf

Understanding Memory Types in EDL Utility

EDL Utility supports different types of storage:

eMMC (Older devices) – /m
NAND (Legacy devices) – /n
UFS (Newer devices) – /u

When working with UFS memory, always specify the LUN:

edl.exe /r /u3 mbr.img /s0 /c1

Handling Common Issues

1. Device Not Recognized

Ensure correct WinUSB drivers are installed.
Try another USB port or cable.
Use test point method if software commands fail.

2. Firehose Loader Fails

Ensure the loader matches the device’s HWID and hash.
Use the /q flag to bypass certain Firehose issues:

edl.exe /qabc

3. Cannot Write to Partition

Some partitions are write-protected.
Try unlocking with an auth Firehose loader.
Ensure the correct partition name or address is used.

The EDL Utility is a powerful tool for Qualcomm-based devices, allowing deep-level interaction for repairing, flashing, and unbricking smartphones. Whether you are a professional technician or an enthusiast, mastering EDL mode will open new possibilities for mobile device recovery.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful while using the EDL Utility, as incorrect commands can permanently damage the device.

Downloads

Download edl.exe – The EDL Utility for accessing the Qualcomm Emergency Download interface.
Download ubi.exe – A simple utility for examining full dumps of NAND/UBI.
QcomView – A utility for analyzing Qualcomm xbl/abl/Firehose loaders.