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What are QR codes anyway?

Cynics would say that QR is short for “Quite Rubbish”, but it’s really an acronym for Quick Response Code. It’s a smarter version of the ubiquitous barcode, and it was originally developed in Japan for the automotive industry. Machines can read QR codes more quickly than barcodes, and QR codes can store more data in less space too.
If QR codes had stayed inside factories we probably wouldn’t care, but of course they’re used for all kinds of things now: coffee shop loyalty programs, e-tickets for sports and concerts, “find out more” links on adverts or on product packaging, or for sharing contact information.
For most of us, the main reason to use QR codes is to obtain a web link to find out more information about something or to get a password for a wireless network: scan the code and the information should appear in your web browser or connect you to the network. But how do you scan it? All you need is the right app.

How to scan QR codes with an Android phone

There are a few different Android apps for scanning QR codes, and QR Code Reader is one of our favorites: it’s both simple and free, it works quickly, and it doesn’t blast you with advertising (unlike many rival apps: one typical review of a rival says “pelts you non-stop with ads… way more advertising presented in a way more obtrusive way than is justified”).
It’s also compatible with stacks of Android devices and versions: if you’ve got Android 2.3.3 or later you’re good to go - provided, of course, that your device has a camera. QR Code Reader is good, but it isn’t a miracle worker. If the code you’re scanning is designed to take you to a website, you’ll also need a data signal or wireless connection.
QR Code Reader To actually scan a QR Code, all you need to do is load the app, start scanning and point your camera at the QR code. Line it up inside the guide arrows and that’s it: QR Code Reader recognises it and provides the appropriate information, carries out the appropriate task or in the case of phone numbers and other contact information, asks you what action to take. It also records your scan history so you can see what codes you’ve been pointing your phone at.

No ads, no money. What’s in it for the developers?

They hope you’ll like the app so much you buy Scan, their $4.99 ($1.99 at the time of writing due to a limited-time sale). It has the same basic features as QR Code Reader but it also adds support for scanning all popular barcode types (UPC, EAN and ISBN) to show you pricing, reviews and anything else relevant to the product(s) you scan (although you’ll need a reasonably good camera for barcode scanning). Unlike QR Code Reader you can also set a default browser for opening web links; QR Code Reader opens them in its own browser.

Can I make my own QR codes?

Yes! There are stacks and stacks of code-creating Android apps, although going through the reviews it seems like they all have flaws. It’s probably easier to go to the Scan developers’ website where you can create QR codes for social media, Wi-Fi access, contact information and many more kinds of data for free in your web browser.

Are there any risks to scanning QR codes?

Actually, yes. A scam known as “attagging” involves pasting new QR codes over existing ones, for example by pasting a label over the QR code on a poster. The new code could link to malicious software that might then access your camera or your personal data. In Russia, a QR code scam made phones send premium-rate texts at $6 per text. Such malware is very, very unusual, but it does exist and has done for several years.
Do you use a QR code reader on your Android device? Is it a must-have app that delivers daily, or is it gathering virtual dust in your Apps screen? Have you ever been a victim of “attagging”? Let us know in the comments below.

SP Flash Tool is probably the commonest tool for flashing MTK Android devices today. These MTK Android devices include Tecno, Infinix, Gionee, Gowin, PELL, Wiko and the likes. Earlier, we have discussed how to flashing different MTK android devices using SP Flash Tool. Today, we will discuss various error code(s) you may encounter in SP Flash, their meanings and how to override them.
Below are some common SP Flash Tool Errors codes and their solutions:

Error 5054

SP Flash Error Message: GET_DRAM_SETTINGS_FAIL (5054)
Error Code Meaning: the flash files you are attempting to flash is a wrong file and not compatible with the device you are attempting to flash them on.

SOLUTION:
1. Check that you are flashing with the correct flash files.
2. If the flash files are confirmed to be correct, format the phone using SP Flash Tool and flash again.

Error 4032

SP Flash Error Message: S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL (4032) [EM] ENABLE DRAM FAIL
Error Code Meaning: SP Flash Tool is having difficulties communicating with the device due to DRAM Failure.

SOLUTION:
1. Check that you have ticked only the files present in the ROM you want to flash.
2. Check that you have the correct drivers installed.
3. Delete SP Flash Tool driver and then, extract it again.
4. Attemp using the latest SP Flash Tool.
5. Make sure you are using the correct flash files for the phone you are flashing.
6. Format the phone using SP FLASH Tool. NOTE: Use the default format option in SP Flash Tool.

Error 8038

SP Flash Error Message: ERROR 8038! Android Download PMT is ready and layout has been changed.
Error Message Meaning: SP Flash Tool could not write to certain partitions on the device due incompatibilities.

SOLUTION:
1. Format the phone in SP Flash Tool. NOTE: Use the default format option in SP Flash Tool.
2. Open scatter file using Notepad++ and change __NODL_FAT to FAT by removing the "__NODL_"

Error 5069

SP Flash Error Message: SDL_PMT_ERR_NO_SPACE (5069)
Error Code Meaning: the size of the flash file to be flashed is larger than the partition size.
SOLUTION:
1. Check that the file you are flashing is the same as the device.
2. Try another stock ROM.

Error 4001

SP Flash Error Message: S_FT_DA_NO_RESPONSE or (4001)
Error Code Meaning: SP Flash could not communicate with the device.

SOLUTION:
1. Switch the USB Port.
2. Run SP Flash Tool as admin.
3. Check that your drivers are properly installed.
4. Check that the battery in the device is charged and that it is switched off.

Error 4008

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_DOWNLOAD_FAIL (4008)
Error Code Meaning: SP Flash Tool encounter error during flashing initialization.

SOLUTION:
1. Switch USB Port.
2. Try with higher version of SP Flash Tool.
3. Ensure that there is battery in the device and that it is charged.
4. Format the phone using SP Flash tool. NOTE: Use the default format option in SP Flash Tool.

Error 3149

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR: S_DA_SDMMC_WRITE_FAILED (3149)
Error Code Meaning: SP Flash Tool could NOT flash the phone.

SOLUTION:
1. Run SP Flash Tool as admin.
2. Try with the latest SP Flash Tool.
3. Try another ROM.
4. Try another PC.
5. Try another USB Cord.
6. Format the phone using SP Flash before flashing. NOTE: Use the default format option in SP Flash Tool.

Error 3168

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR : S_CHIP_TYRE_NOT_MATCH (3168)
Error Code Meaning: There is conflict in the information stored in the scatter file and the phones.

SOLUTION:
1. Check that you are using the correct stock ROM.
2. Try a higher version of SP Flalsh Tool.

Error 2004

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_DOWNLOAD_FAIL (2004)
Error Code Message: The communication between SP Flash and the device was interrupted.

SOLUTION:
1. Try another USB Cord.
2. Lunch SP Flash as admin.
3. Try another PC.
4. Check that the battery in the device is charged.

Error 1013

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR : S_COM_PORT_OPEN_FAIL (1013)
Error Code Meaning: The target port and the SP Flash Tool communication error.

SOLUTION
1. Try another port on the PC.
2. Check that your drivers are installed correctly.
3. Reinstall the drivers. See here: How to Install USB VCOM Drivers Correctly.
4. Try with another USB Cord.
5. Check the phones USB Port.

Error 2020

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR : S_BROM_CHKSUM16_MEM_RESULT_DIFF (2020)
Error Code Meaning: SP Flash could move flash files to the devices SRAM.

SOLUTION:
1. Try with the latest version of SP Flash Tool.
2. Hold both Volume Buttons before connecting to the PC for flashing and release once flashing starts.
3. On SP Flash, go to Options >> Option >> Connection >> Battery and set it to "with battery".

SOLUTION:
1. Check that the scatter file is in the same directory as the other files to be flashed.
2. Check that you have marked ONLY files that are contained in the flash files.

Error 4010

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR : S_FT_FORMAT_FAIL (4010)
Error Code Meaning: the block map in the scatter file does not match the devices partition sizes.

SOLUTION:
1. Try with the latest SP Flash TOOL.
2. Try with another firmware.

Error 3182

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR : S_STORAGE_NOT_MATCH (3182)
Error Code Meaning: the ROM you are trying to flash is not for the target device.

SOLUTION:
1. Check that you are using the correct ROM.

Error 6012

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR: S_SECURITY_SF_CODE_COMMAND_FORBIDDEN (6012), MSP ERROR CODE: 0X00
Error Code Meaning: the download agent in use is not compatible with the phone.

SOLUTION:
1. Set download agent to MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin. See here: How to set Download Agent in SP Flash.

Error 1042

SP Flash Error Message: BROM ERROR: S_TIMEOUT (1042)
Error Code Meaning: the flashing process took too long than usual.

SOLUTION:
1. Try with the latest SP Flash Tool.
2. Try flashing one partition at a time.
3. Try using a different PC and or, USB cord and port.

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