OnePlus MSM Download Tool
Bricked your OnePlus? MSM Tool is your lifeline. It can recover devices that won't even boot to fastboot.
What is MSM Download Tool?
MSM (Mobile Secure Mode) Tool is OnePlus's official recovery solution:
- Restores complete factory firmware
- Works even when device is completely unresponsive
- Re-locks bootloader by default
- Resets everything to factory state
When to Use MSM Tool
Use When
- Device won't boot to any mode
- Stuck in bootloop, no recovery access
- Fastboot mode doesn't work
- Selling device and want complete stock
- EDL mode accessible but nothing else
Don't Use When
- You want to keep unlocked bootloader
- You want to keep data (it wipes everything)
- Simple reflash would fix the issue
- You just need to flash a ROM
Prerequisites
Hardware
- Windows PC (required)
- OnePlus USB cable (original recommended)
- OnePlus device
Software
- Qualcomm drivers
- MSM Download Tool for your device
Step 1: Download MSM Tool
Official Sources
MSM Tool is model-specific. Get the right one:
OnePlus Official: Sometimes available on OnePlus community/support XDA Forums: Search "[Your device] MSM Download Tool"
Naming Format
OnePlus_X_OxygenOS_XX.X.XX_MSM_Download_Tool
Verify Download
Check SHA256/MD5 if provided. Wrong MSM can brick further.
Step 2: Install Qualcomm Drivers
MSM uses Qualcomm's EDL mode which needs specific drivers.
Automatic (Usually Works)
1. Extract MSM Tool folder
2. Run "Driver" or "QDLoader" installer
3. Follow prompts
4. Reboot PC
Manual Installation
1. Connect phone in EDL mode
2. Device Manager → Unknown Device
3. Right-click → Update Driver
4. Browse → Select driver from MSM folder
Step 3: Boot Device into EDL Mode
Method 1: Button Combo
Power off device completely
Hold Volume Up + Volume Down
Connect USB while holding buttons
Keep holding for 10 seconds
Release buttons
Screen stays black but device enters EDL.
Method 2: ADB/Fastboot (If Accessible)
adb reboot edl
# OR
fastboot oem edl
Method 3: Test Points (Advanced)
If nothing works:
- Open device
- Short specific test points
- Connect USB while points shorted
Find test points on XDA for your specific model.
How to Know EDL is Active
Device Manager → Ports
Look for: "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008"
If you see this, EDL is working.
Step 4: Run MSM Tool
Launch
1. Extract MSM Tool (if not done)
2. Run as Administrator
3. Accept any prompts
Interface
You'll see:
- Device status (should detect your device)
- Firmware version being flashed
- Progress indicators
- Start button
Before Starting
📛 IMPORTANT: MSM Tool will:
- Wipe ALL data completely
- Re-lock bootloader
- Erase custom recovery
- Erase custom ROM
- Return to complete factory state
Step 5: Flash Firmware
1. Confirm device detected (green light or message)
2. Click "Start" or "Download"
3. Wait... (can take 10-15 minutes)
4. Progress will show:
- Erasing
- Downloading
- Validating
5. When complete: "Download Complete" message
6. Device reboots to stock OxygenOS
Don't Interrupt!
- Don't unplug cable
- Don't close app
- Don't touch anything
- Wait even if it seems stuck
Step 6: Initial Setup
After successful flash:
- Device boots to OxygenOS setup
- Complete initial setup
- Verify all functions work
- Bootloader is now locked
After MSM: Re-Unlock Bootloader
If you want to flash custom ROMs again:
1. Complete initial setup
2. Enable Developer Options
3. Enable OEM Unlocking in Dev Options
4. Wait 7 days (OnePlus requirement)
5. Reboot to fastboot
6. fastboot flashing unlock
7. Confirm on device
Troubleshooting
Device Not Detected
Problem: MSM doesn't see device
Solutions:
1. Reinstall Qualcomm drivers
2. Try different USB port (USB 2.0 preferred)
3. Try different cable
4. Verify device is in EDL (check Device Manager)
5. Disable driver signature enforcement
Disable Driver Signature (Windows 10/11)
1. Shift + Click Restart
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings
3. Restart
4. Press 7 (Disable driver signature enforcement)
5. Try MSM again
Download Failed
Problem: Flash fails partway
Solutions:
1. Re-enter EDL mode
2. Try again
3. Try different MSM version
4. Check USB connection
Stuck at 0% or Low Percentage
Wait 5 minutes
If nothing:
- Reconnect USB
- Re-enter EDL
- Try again
"Sahara Fail" Error
Driver issue usually
1. Reinstall Qualcomm drivers
2. Use USB 2.0 port
3. Try original OnePlus cable
Device-Specific Notes
OnePlus 6/6T and Older
- Generally reliable MSM
- EDL access easier
- Multiple MSM versions available
OnePlus 7 Series
- MSM works well
- Some need authorized account
OnePlus 8 Series and Newer
- May need authorization from OnePlus
- Alternative: Use official recovery methods first
- Check XDA for latest MSM status
OnePlus Nord Series
- MSM availability varies
- Check device-specific XDA forum
MSM Tool Alternatives
If MSM doesn't work or isn't available:
Method 1: Local Upgrade
If device boots to OxygenOS:
Settings → System → System Updates → Local Upgrade
Select full OTA package
Method 2: Recovery Flash
If recovery works:
Boot to recovery
Apply update from storage
Select OTA zip
Method 3: Fastboot Flash
If fastboot works:
fastboot flash all_xxx.payload.bin
# Or flash individual partitions
Summary
MSM Tool Usage:
1. Download correct MSM for your device
2. Install Qualcomm drivers
3. Boot to EDL mode (Vol Up + Vol Down + USB)
4. Run MSM as administrator
5. Click Start
6. Wait for completion (10-15 min)
7. Device boots to stock OxygenOS
MSM Tool is the ultimate recovery option for OnePlus devices. It can save devices that seem completely dead. Keep it handy!
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