Idt 20 | Huawei Flash Tools
Huawei IDT (Image Deployment Tool) v2.0 is a specialized, professional-grade utility designed for flashing firmware onto Huawei and Honor devices, specifically those powered by HiSilicon Kirin processors. Core Purpose
Unlike standard consumer tools, IDT is primarily used for low-level flashing. It is the go-to solution for:
Reviving "hard-bricked" devices that cannot enter fastboot mode.
Installing factory firmware (Board Software) to repair system partitions. Restoring devices with corrupted bootloaders. Key Features
XML Loading: Uses XML configuration files to map partition images.
COM Port Detection: Communicates via USB COM ports (often requiring "Test Point" mode).
High-Speed Flashing: Optimized for Kirin chipset architecture.
Multi-Port Support: Capable of flashing multiple devices simultaneously in a technician environment. Pros and Cons The Good
Powerful Recovery: Can fix phones that other tools (like SP Flash Tool) cannot touch.
Official Engine: Uses the same logic as factory-level repair software.
Lightweight: The tool itself is small and doesn't require heavy installation. The Bad
High Complexity: Not beginner-friendly; requires specific knowledge of "Test Points."
Firmware Sensitivity: Finding the correct XML board software for your specific model is difficult.
Risk Factor: Incorrect use can permanently damage the device's security certificates or IMEI. Verdict: 3.5/5
A powerful "last resort" tool for technicians.It is indispensable for hardware-level repairs but carries a steep learning curve. If your phone still turns on or enters Fastboot, try simpler methods (like dload or Huawei Multi-Tool) before using IDT.
To see the tool in action and understand the flashing workflow, watch this guide: huawei flash tools idt 20
The Huawei Flash Tool IDT 2.0 (Image Download Tool v2.0) is the ultimate utility used to unbrick, repair, and restore Huawei and Honor smartphones. Designed primarily for advanced users and repair technicians, it communicates directly with Kirin-based devices in a low-level state (COM/Test Point mode) to flash Board Software (factory firmware) when the device is completely unresponsive. 🛠️ What is Huawei IDT 2.0?
The Image Download Tool (IDT) v2.0 is an official low-level utility developed for Huawei devices. Unlike standard fastboot flashing or Huawei SD card updates which require the device to be at least partially operational, IDT works at the chipset level.
It is deployed when a phone suffers from a hard brick—such as a black screen, no recovery access, boot loops, or when the device only shows up on a PC as HUAWEI USB COM 1.0. Core Features of IDT 2.0
Low-Level Unbricking: Recovers hard-bricked devices by flashing the initial bootloader images.
Board Software Support: Flashes raw factory images (Factory ROMs) to restore damaged partitions.
COM Port Flashing: Detects and flashes firmware using the USB COM 1.0 interface via test point.
Kirin Chipset Compatibility: Optimized for legacy and modern HiSilicon Kirin processors (e.g., Kirin 659, 710, 960, 970). 📋 Requirements Before Flashing
Before attempting to use IDT 2.0, you must ensure you have the proper setup to prevent permanent damage to your device:
Test Point Hardware Knowledge: Hard-bricked devices must be forced into COM mode. This requires opening the phone's back cover and shorting the Test Point pin to the ground while connecting the USB cable.
Proper USB Drivers: You must install the Huawei USB COM 1.0 driver on your Windows PC so that the device is correctly recognized in Device Manager.
Correct Board Software: IDT requires the exact Board Software (factory firmware) package designed for your phone's model.
IDT Tool Package: Download the official Image Download Tool IDT v2.0.0.9 or similar version. 🔄 Step-by-Step Guide to Use IDT 2.0
Follow this procedural guide carefully to unbrick your Kirin-based Huawei or Honor phone:
[ Hard-Bricked Phone ] ➔ [ USB COM 1.0 (Test Point) ] ➔ [ IDT 2.0 Tool ] ➔ [ Flashed Board Software ] ➔ [ Restored Fastboot ] Step 1: Prep the PC and Phone Install the Huawei USB COM 1.0 Drivers.
Extract the downloaded IDT 2.0 tool and the Board Software files onto your PC. Huawei IDT (Image Deployment Tool) v2
Power off the phone. Open the back cover of the phone to locate the specific test point pins for your model. Step 2: Establish the Test Point Connection
Use metal tweezers to short the Test Point pin to the metallic shield (ground).
While holding the tweezers in place, connect the phone to your computer using a USB cable.
Open Windows Device Manager. Under Ports (COM & LPT), it should read: HUAWEI USB COM 1.0 (COMX). Step 3: Configure IDT 2.0 Launch the IDT.exe application as an Administrator. Click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top menu of the tool.
Under the software path, browse and select the XML configuration file (usually named IMAGE.xml or found inside the bootloaderimage folder of the Board Software).
Select the correct COM Port number that matches what you saw in Device Manager. Step 4: Flash the Device
Once configured, click the Start (or Download) button in the tool.
The tool will begin pushing the bootloader and recovery files to the device.
Once the progress bar reaches 100% and displays Success, disconnect the phone from the PC. ⚡ Next Steps After Using IDT
Flashing the basic board software via IDT 2.0 restores the phone's low-level boot loader, meaning Fastboot mode is now accessible again. However, the phone is not yet ready for daily use. To fully restore the device: Put the phone into Fastboot mode.
Use a flashing program like the Huawei Multi-Tool or your preferred service tool to flash the full consumer EMUI or HarmonyOS firmware.
Huawei IDT (Image Download Tool) 2.0 is a specialized software utility primarily used by developers and repair technicians to flash Huawei Board Software
(factory-level firmware) onto devices that are bricked or in a low-level "USB COM 1.0" state 🛠️ Purpose and Core Function
The tool is designed for deep-level recovery when standard update methods (like SD card dload or eRecovery) fail. Board Software Flashing : Specifically used to flash configuration files and partition files. Unbricking
: Rescues devices that cannot boot into the OS or standard recovery but can still be detected in HUAWEI USB COM 1.0 ✅ Confirmed Working:
: Used after hardware repairs (like EMMC or CPU replacement) to write the initial system image and partition table to the device. ⚙️ Key Technical Features : A simple, legacy-style Windows application interface. : Often requires a password to access settings (commonly Compatibility : Primarily supports HiSilicon Kirin-based devices. Connection Protocol : Requires the device to be in Force 1.0 Mode
, often achieved via "Test Point" (shorting two pins on the motherboard) or specific key combinations. 📂 Flashing Process Overview Flashing with IDT 2.0 typically follows these steps: Driver Installation
: Install the "HUAWEI USB COM 1.0" drivers so the PC recognizes the bricked phone. Configuration
: Load the specific Board Software package, which includes a Authentication
: Enter the tool password (if prompted) to unlock the "Start" button. Hardware Connection
: Connect the device via USB while it is in the COM 1.0 state.
: The tool flashes the bootloader, partition table, and core images to the device's internal storage. ⚠️ Critical Risks & Limitations
: Flashing board software erases all user data and resets the device to a factory-raw state. IMEI/Calibration Loss
: Using the wrong board software can wipe unique device identifiers like Serial Number , leading to "no service" issues. Permanence
: Board software is not a standard OS; once flashed, you must usually follow up by installing a consumer-ready EMUI firmware via SD card or other tools to make the phone usable for daily tasks. 🔍 Alternatives for Standard Users
If your device is not fully "dead," these tools are safer and easier to use:
: Official Huawei desktop tool for backups and system recovery. Huawei Multi-Tool
: A community-developed utility with a more user-friendly interface for common tasks. : Built-in recovery mode accessible by holding Volume Up + Power while connected to a charger. If you'd like to proceed with using this tool, tell me: What is your device model (e.g., P30 Lite, Mate 20)? is the phone showing (e.g., black screen, stuck on logo)? Do you already have the Board Software (.xml file) for your specific model? I can then provide more specific guidance on the test points you'll need.
✅ Confirmed Working:
- Huawei P10 / P10 Lite (WAS-LX1, WAS-LX2)
- Huawei P20 / P20 Lite (ANE-LX1)
- Huawei Mate 10 / Mate 10 Pro (BLA-L29)
- Huawei Mate 20 Lite (SNE-LX1)
- Huawei Y series (Y5 2018, Y6 2019, Y7 2019)
- Honor 7X, 8X, 9 Lite
- Honor 10 Lite
Date
April 19, 2026
Step 4: Configure the Flash Profile
- Enable "Factory format all" – Use only for complete recovery (erases IMEI if not backed up).
- Enable "Flash userdata" – Includes internal storage.
- Disable "Lock oeminfo" – Prevents re-locking the bootloader after flash.
Step 2: IDT Handshake
- In IDT v20, select COM port.
- Click "Connect" — you’ll see
Sending handshake challenge... - If it fails with
[ERR] ACK timeout, you missed the TP short timing. Retry within 0.5s of power-on.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using IDT 20
Warning: This process involves modifying system partitions. Flashing incorrect files can permanently damage your device. Proceed at your own risk.
What it is
Huawei IDT 20 is a vendor-specific flashing utility (Internal Diagnostic/Download Tool) used to install firmware, restore bricked devices, or run low-level diagnostics on certain Huawei smartphones and tablets. It can write full firmware packages (scatter/loader-based), partition images, and perform device initialization steps not available in standard consumer tools.