Efuse 0x146 ((exclusive)) — Brom Disabled By

The 0x146 error has been widely reported across multiple manufacturers and devices:

From a hardware security perspective, the eFuse check is performed . The BROM code is immutable (by definition, it is read‑only). The following steps happen in hardware, within microseconds of power‑on:

corresponds to a bitmask in the device’s security configuration register. When this specific fuse is blown, the SoC is instructed to ignore external "handshake" signals that would normally trigger BROM mode. brom disabled by efuse 0x146

The Boot ROM (BROM) is the first piece of code executed by the processor upon power-up. It is read-only and resides in the hardware itself. Its primary responsibility is to establish a "Root of Trust" by verifying the digital signature of the next boot stage. If the verification fails or if a user attempts to manually intercept the boot process for firmware flashing, the BROM can provide a specialized communication mode—often called "BROM Mode"—to allow authorized recovery. Decoding the 0x146 Error

Manufacturers like MediaTek and Qualcomm embed eFuse arrays in their SoCs to store permanent security settings. A hardware block within the chip reads these fuses at every startup to make immutable security decisions—. The 0x146 error has been widely reported across

This lock is primarily a defense against unauthorized modifications and exploits. Common reasons for this state include:

📌 Repeatedly attempting to force a bypass on a device with efuse 0x146 can occasionally lead to a "hard brick" if the Preloader partition becomes corrupted. Always backup your NVRAM and UserData if you manage to get a connection. To help you find a specific solution, could you tell me: What is the brand and model of the device? Which tool are you using (SP Flash Tool, UnlockTool, etc.)? Are you trying to unbrick it or remove a lock ? When this specific fuse is blown, the SoC

: By disabling BROM, the device forces all firmware operations to go through a Secure Download Agent . This requires a specific "Authentication File" (.auth) or "Certificate" from the manufacturer to perform any task in SP Flash Tool or similar programs.

Unlike physical fuses that melt, an eFuse is a digital flag that can be permanently altered by applying a controlled voltage burst from software. This is known as "blowing" or "burning" a fuse. Once an eFuse is burned, its electrical state is permanently altered. It is a One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory space that cannot be reprogrammed, erased, or rolled back.

Given the irreversible nature of the 0x146 eFuse, prevention is the only practical strategy:

Older versions of SP Flash Tool (before v5.20) do not understand the new eFuse handshake protocol. Additionally, a standard DA file (e.g., MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin ) will trigger this error because it lacks the cryptographic signature required by the blown eFuse.