Advanced users can use the open-source mtkclient :
This dumps the exact GPT and creates a flawless scatter file.
The most frequent reason to need an MT8163 scatter file is to flash the official stock ROM. This process is crucial for unbricking a device stuck in a bootloop, performing a full system restore to factory settings, or fixing serious software corruption. The scatter file is the mandatory component that the SP Flash Tool requires to understand the firmware package. mt8163 scatter file
partition_index: SYS12 partition_name: EXPDB file_name: expdb.bin is_download: false type: NORMAL_ROM linear_start_addr: 0x4760000 physical_start_addr: 0x4760000 partition_size: 0xA00000 region: EMMC_USER storage: HW_STORAGE_EMMC boundary_check: true is_reserved: false operation_type: PROTECTED d_type: FALSE reserve: 0x00
partition_index: SYS11 partition_name: LOGO file_name: logo.bin is_download: true type: NORMAL_ROM linear_start_addr: 0x3F60000 physical_start_addr: 0x3F60000 partition_size: 0x800000 region: EMMC_USER storage: HW_STORAGE_EMMC boundary_check: true is_reserved: false operation_type: UPDATE d_type: FALSE reserve: 0x00 Advanced users can use the open-source mtkclient :
: Tells the flashing software whether this partition should be updated during a standard flash. How to Use the MT8163 Scatter File with SP Flash Tool
Warning: Never select "Format All + Download" as this will permanently delete your unique IMEI and calibration data. The scatter file is the mandatory component that
| Parameter | Description | | :--- | :--- | | partition_index | A numerical counter for each partition (SYS0, SYS1, SYS2...). | | partition_name | . This is the name of the section, such as preloader , boot , system , or userdata . | | file_name | The actual binary file that will be flashed to this partition, such as preloader_mt8163.bin . | | is_download | If set to true , the tool expects a file; if false , it ignores it (often used for partitions like pgpt ). | | linear_start_addr | The specific memory address where this partition begins. | | partition_size | The total size allocated to that partition (e.g., 0x40000 for Preloader). | | region | The physical area of the chip, usually EMMC_BOOT_1 or EMMC_USER . |
| Partition Name | Description | Typical Size | Volatility | |----------------|-------------|--------------|-------------| | | First-stage bootloader; initializes DRAM. | ~256-512 KB | Critical | | pgpt | Primary GPT (GUID Partition Table). | 17 sectors | Critical | | proinfo | Contains factory data (serial, MAC, calibration). | 2-4 MB | Unique per device | | lk | Little Kernel – second-stage bootloader (fastboot). | 1-2 MB | Important | | boot | Linux kernel + ramdisk (boot image). | 16-32 MB | Modifiable | | recovery | Recovery environment (ADB, factory reset). | 16-32 MB | Modifiable | | secro | Secure data (DRM keys, widevine). | 2-8 MB | Critical | | system | Android OS (read-only). | 1-3 GB | Modifiable | | vendor | Vendor-specific blobs (if AOSP/treble). | 200-800 MB | Modifiable | | cache | Temporary system cache. | 256-512 MB | Wipeable | | userdata | User apps, settings, internal storage. | Remaining space | Wipeable | | tee1 / tees | Trusted Execution Environment (OP-TEE). | 4-8 MB | Critical |
This file is typically used for devices running on the MediaTek MT8163 chipset (often found in tablets like the Lenovo Tab 3, Amazon Fire HD 8, or various generic Android tablets).
With read back in SP Flash Tool, the scatter file tells the tool where to dump userdata or boot for forensic analysis.