Three critical scenarios demand a valid addr file:
MediaTek chips (e.g., MT6765, MT6893, MT8195) are highly heterogeneous. They combine:
Each of those subsystems occupies a distinct memory-mapped address range. An MTK address file tailored to a specific chip revision ensures that when a programmer writes 0x1020_0000, it actually hits the watchdog timer reset register—not the display engine.
Many new MediaTek devices ship with MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt. You can convert it using a simple script (Python example): mtk addr files
with open('scatter.txt', 'r') as scat, open('output.addr', 'w') as addr:
for line in scat:
if 'partition_name' in line and 'linear_start_addr' in line:
name = line.split(':')[1].strip()
start = next(scat).split('=')[1].strip()
size = next(scat).split('=')[1].strip()
end = hex(int(start,16) + int(size,16))
addr.write(f"start end name\n")
Warning: Always test the converted file on a spare device first. Address miscalculations can permanently damage the eMMC controller.
Many users confuse addr files with the more common scatter files (e.g., MT6765_Android_scatter.txt). Here is the critical distinction:
| Feature | MTK Addr File | MTK Scatter File |
|--------|--------------|------------------|
| Contains partition names | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (eg., preloader, lk, boot) |
| Used by SP Flash Tool for "Download" | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used by SP Flash Tool for "Read Back" | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (unless converted) |
| Human-readable partition info | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes |
| Typical file extension | .addr | .txt or .xml | Three critical scenarios demand a valid addr file:
Key takeaway: You use a scatter file to write data to the device. You use an addr file to read data from the device—specifically when performing a readback operation.
An MTK addr file (short for MediaTek Address File) is a plain-text configuration file that defines the physical memory addresses and partition boundaries on a MediaTek-powered device’s flash storage (eMMC or UFS).
Unlike a full scatter file (which contains metadata, partition names, and file system types), the addr file is minimalist. It typically contains only two things: Each of those subsystems occupies a distinct memory-mapped
Even experienced technicians face addr file issues. Here are the most frequent problems and their solutions.
Cause: The addr file contains names like ANDROID but the firmware file uses system.
Fix: Manually edit the addr file to rename the partition. Use a hex editor or Notepad++ to replace the string, but ensure the address ranges remain unchanged.