The original Black Shark (codename sky), launched in 2018, pioneered the gaming smartphone category. With its aggressive aesthetics, a powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset with liquid cooling, and a dedicated “Shark Space” gaming mode, it captured the attention of mobile gamers everywhere. This page provides a special type of firmware: a QPST Engineering ROM. This is not for regular updates; it is a vital tool for advanced users to unbrick a hard-bricked Black Shark that cannot boot into fastboot or recovery mode.
Important: This firmware is exclusively for the first-generation Black Shark (sky). Flashing this on a Black Shark Helo, Black Shark 2, or any other model will fail and could cause irreversible damage. The flashing process uses QPST/QFIL and requires the phone to be in EDL mode, which is an advanced procedure.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Black Shark (sky)
- Release year: 2018
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- Display: 5.99″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 4000 mAh, 27W fast charging
- Original OS: Android 8.0 (Oreo), JoyUI
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Qualcomm QPST & QFIL | Download Latest Version |
| Qualcomm QDLoader Drivers | Download Drivers |
QPST Unbrick ROM
| Type | Build | Android Base | Release Date | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unbrick / Service ROM | 060320_QPST | 9.0 (Pie) | 2020-03-06 | Download | sky |
How to Flash (EDL Mode)
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process that can damage your device if done incorrectly. Proceed at your own risk.
- Install the Qualcomm QDLoader drivers and the QPST tool on your PC.
- Extract the firmware .zip file into an easily accessible folder.
- Boot your Black Shark into EDL Mode (9008). This may require a special EDL cable or shorting test points on the device’s motherboard.
- Open QFIL (part of the QPST suite). Your device should be detected as “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008”.
- In QFIL, select “Flat Build,” then use “Browse” to select the prog_emmc_firehose_… file from the firmware folder.
- Click “Load XML” and select the rawprogram_unsparse.xml and then patch0.xml.
- Click the Download button to begin flashing. Do not disconnect the device until the process is complete.
FAQs
Q1. What is a QPST ROM, and how is it different from a fastboot ROM?
A QPST ROM is a low-level service firmware used with Qualcomm’s tools to restore a device from a hard brick (where fastboot is inaccessible). It flashes files directly to the phone’s memory partition, making it a powerful unbricking tool.
Q2. How can I enter EDL mode on the Black Shark?
Entering EDL mode on this device is difficult. It typically requires either using a “deep flash cable” or disassembling the phone to find and short two specific “test points” on the motherboard while connecting the USB cable. This process is for expert users only.
Q3. Can I use this file to update my working phone?
No. This is an older service firmware package meant for disaster recovery. Attempting to flash it on a healthy, working phone is not recommended as it will wipe all data and may downgrade your system.
Q4. Is this ROM for the Black Shark 2 or Helo?
No, this firmware is strictly for the original 2018 Black Shark (codename sky). Using it on the Black Shark Helo (achilles) or Black Shark 2 (skywalker) will fail and will brick the device.
Troubleshooting
- Drivers: If your PC shows “QHSUSB_BULK” in Device Manager, the drivers are not correctly installed. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows to install them properly. The correct port is “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008”.
- QFIL Errors:
- “Sahara Fail” or “Firehose Fail” → This often indicates a problem with the USB connection, incorrect drivers, or using the wrong firmware for your device model. Try a different USB port (USB 2.0 is often more reliable) and a high-quality cable.
- “No Port Available” → This means the device is not in EDL mode or the drivers are not installed. Verify your device is correctly connected and recognized in Device Manager.
