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:
: Because an eFuse is a physical component, this change is irreversible. You cannot "re-enable" BROM once it has been disabled by this fuse.
Similar to eFuses in other consoles and chips, it can be used to ensure the device never runs older, less secure firmware. Status of Fixes/Bypasses brom disabled by efuse 0x146
Read eFuse values (if supported)
When encountering this error on a UART console or via USB debugging tools (e.g., mtkclient , rkdeveloptool ): From a hardware security perspective, the eFuse check
: Instead of BROM, modern tools attempt to use the "Preloader" port. This requires selecting the specific model and the correct preloader.bin file in tools like UnlockTool Test Point (Hardware Bypass)
If an unauthorized attempt was made to bypass security, the hardware security module within the MediaTek chip may have automatically blown the fuse to render the device secure-boot-locked permanently. 3. Implications: Can it be Fixed? You cannot "re-enable" BROM once it has been
An Electronic Fuse (eFuse) is a tiny bit of non-volatile memory in the CPU that can only be "burned" once (set from 0 to 1) and never reverted.
Look for, verify, and load the next boot stage (the ).
Initially, 0x146 errors were rare, appearing only in production-line devices after QA testing. However, since 2022-2023, MediaTek has mandated that OEMs blow this eFuse on for:
Since BROM mode is physically inaccessible, you must rely on alternative data transfer and flashing methods permitted by the remaining live chip pathways. 1. Use Preloader Mode Instead of BROM