# Flash the software images

Flash the boot chain and root file system after you build or download the images. Put the device into the emergency download mode (EDL), then flash with Qualcomm device loader (QDL) or product configuration assistant tool (PCAT). Registered users flash the SPI-NOR boot chain; unregistered users can skip the SPI-NOR step.

## Prerequisites

See [Host requirements](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/SP80-A0399-4/topic/host-requirements.html#host-requirements).

## Flashable image locations

Note

The build places the boot chain and root file system images in separate directories.

Flash the SPI-NOR boot chain only if you are a registered user, because it replaces the customized boot chain files.

The following table lists the image locations by storage type.

| Storage type | Contents | Location |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spinor | Boot chain | `<workspace>/qcom-deb-images/flash_glymur-crd_nvme/spinor/` |
| NVMe | Linux root file system | `<workspace>/qcom-deb-images/flash_glymur-crd_nvme/` |

## Enter EDL mode

Put the device into EDL mode before flashing, using one of the following methods.

1. From a running device over UART (device has an existing build).

sudo reboot edl
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2. From the development machine over ADB (device has an existing build).

adb shell reboot edl
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3. Manual (hardware - CRD only): Turn on DIP switch CH-1 (near the keyboard) to force EDL mode. Turn off DIP switch CH-1 after flashing is complete.
4. To verify that the device entered EDL mode, run `lsusb`. The output lists the device in QDL mode:

debian@debian:~$ lsusb
        Bus 001 Device 003: ID 05c6:9008 Qualcomm, Inc. Gobi Wireless Modem (QDL mode)
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Note

For flashing with Alpaca, see Snapdragon X2 Linux + 5G Mobile PC Quick Start Guide (80-A0399-103).

## Flash with QDL (recommended)

QDL runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Ensure you install version 2.1 or later, disable ModemManager, then flash the boot chain and root file system. For other architectures or the latest version, see the [upstream QDL project](https://github.com/linux-msm/qdl/releases/).

1. Install QDL:

apt install qdl
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2. Disable ModemManager:

sudo systemctl stop ModemManager
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3. Flash the boot chain (spinor):

cd <spinor directory — e.g. flash_glymur-crd_nvme/spinor>
        <qdl-path>/qdl --storage spinor xbl_s_devprg_ns.melf rawprogram0.xml patch0.xml
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4. Flash the root file system (NVMe):

cd <nvme directory — e.g. flash_glymur-crd_nvme>
        <qdl-path>/qdl --storage nvme xbl_s_devprg_ns.melf rawprogram0.xml patch0.xml
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## Flash with PCAT (registered users)

Use PCAT only on a Windows host.

Install Qualcomm Software Center (QSC), download and install PCAT, and add its path to the system PATH variable.

Note

For more information about QSC, see Qualcomm Software Center User Guide (80-72780-2).

1. Install QSC and download PCAT.
2. Sign in to the [QSC](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/catalog/item/Qualcomm_Software_Center) with your Qualcomm ID.
3. Select **Download Software Center** to download the QSC installer to your Windows host.
4. Install QSC and use it to download and install the PCAT tool.
5. Add the PCAT installation path to the system PATH environment variable.
6. Verify that the device is detected:

pcat -devices
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7. Flash SPINOR.

cd <spinor directory — e.g. flash_glymur-crd_nvme/spinor>
        PCAT -PLUGIN SD -DEVICE <serial-number> -BUILD . -MEMORYTYPE SPINOR -FLAVOR asic
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8. Flash NVME.

cd <nvme directory — e.g. flash_glymur-crd_nvme/>
        PCAT -PLUGIN SD -DEVICE <serial-number> -BUILD . -MEMORYTYPE NVME -FLAVOR asic
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9. The pcat -devices command output lists the serial number.

Last Published: Sep 29, 2026

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