iTel S42 Test Point – EDL 9008 Mode Guide
If your iTel S42 won’t enter EDL (Emergency Download Mode) using normal methods (ADB or EDL USB cable), you can use the Test Point method to force the device into Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 mode, which allows you to flash firmware, recover a dead phone, remove FRP/user lock, or repair software.
📍 What Is EDL 9008 Mode?
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) — also called Qualcomm 9008 mode — is a low-level interface available on Qualcomm-based devices like the iTel S42. When a device is in EDL mode, the computer can detect it as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and use tools such as QFIL/QPST, Miracle Box, UMT, etc. to flash stock firmware, remove locks, or fix partitions.
Sometimes, if normal commands (like adb reboot edl) don’t work, the test point must be used to physically trigger EDL entry at the hardware level.
📍 Where Is the iTel S42 Test Point?
The test point on the iTel S42 motherboard is typically a tiny pair of metallic pads or solder test points located near the main processor / main circuit area. These two points, when briefly connected (shorted) while the device is powered off and the USB cable is connected, will force the phone into EDL 9008 detection by your PC.
🔎 Important:
The test points are very small; you may need a magnifier or microscope to find them.
The exact physical location varies by board revision, so visual inspection while referring to a board diagram is often required.
🛠 What You Need Before Starting
✔ Precision screwdriver (to open back cover)
✔ Fine tweezers or a thin copper wire
✔ Magnifying glass or microscope
✔ Installed Qualcomm QDLoader 9008 drivers on your PC
✔ USB cable
✔ Phone battery at least partially charged
🔌 How to Use the Test Point to Enter EDL 9008 Mode
Follow these steps carefully:
Power off the iTel S42 completely — do not attempt with the phone on.
Remove the back cover / shields to access the motherboard.
Identify the two tiny test point pads close to each other on the board (near CPU/eMMC area).
With the phone powered off, hold the tweezers or copper wire to short both test point pads together.
While the test points are shorted, connect the USB cable to the phone first, then to the PC.
Check Device Manager on your computer — you should see the device appear as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (COMxx).
Once detected, you can open tools such as QFIL to load the stock firmware/programmer files and perform flashing or recovery.
📌 Tip: If the phone isn’t detected, try disconnecting the battery plug first, re-connect it, then perform the test point short while plugging USB again.
📌 Why Use the Test Point Method?
Technicians use the EDL test point on iTel S42 for the following reasons:
📍 Recover a dead or unbootable phone
📍 Flash stock ROM when the bootloader won’t unlock
📍 Repair or restore partitions
📍 Remove user lock/FRP without software access
📍 Force Qualcomm 9008 detection when software methods fail
This method bypasses the normal boot flow and directly engages the device’s emergency download interface.
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
❗ Only short the designated two test pads — do not short random areas
❗ Do not power the device on while probing test points — the phone must be off.
❗ Use ESD protection and fine tools to avoid board damage.
❗ Make sure the drivers are correctly installed on your PC before attempting EDL detection.
📌 Summary
The itel S42 Test Point allows you to force the device into Qualcomm EDL 9008 mode, which is essential when the phone is dead, unresponsive, or refuses to boot into recovery/fastboot. By identifying and shorting the tiny test point pads on the motherboard while the phone is powered off and connected via USB to your PC, the device will be detected as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, enabling flashing, recovery, and advanced repair.