In this guide, we will show you the steps to fix the Sahara Communication/Protocol Failed error in the Oppo Flash Tool. With the launch of the OnePlus 10 series, tech enthusiasts were in for a shock when they realized that the beloved MSM Download Tool would no longer work on their device, all thanks to OnePlus’ tie-up with Oppo which resulted in the patching up of the tool for newer devices. For the unaware, this tool can easily unbrick any OnePlus device from any state, the only prerequisite being it should have a Qualcomm chipset [so that you can access its Emergency Download Mode].
So what’s next? Well, it didn’t take long for the geeks to find another way out. Using Man in the Middle Attack, one of the devs managed to catch the data packets from the official servers while their device was being remotely fixed. And then there was no going back. Although Oppo once again patched it for subsequent versions of the tool, however, that specific build is still up and running to this date [fingers crossed]. However, using this tool is no easy task in itself as the setup is quite complicated.
And even if you end up successfully setting up the tool, issues like the tool being stuck in the 3% mark is quite a common complaint among the end users. And now, there’s another issue making its presence felt. Numerous users are now reportedly getting the Sahara Communication/Protocol Failed error in the Oppo Flash Tool, thereby resulting in their inability to unbrick their Oppo/OnePlus device. If you are also in the same boat, then this guide will help you out. Follow along for the fix.
Table of Contents
Fix Sahara Communication/Protocol Failed Error in Oppo Flash Tool
Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps. Moreover, unbricking your device will result in a reset [not that you are in a position to take a backup, but still, it was worth mentioning]. So if that’s all well and good, then let’s get started.
FIX 1: Via Firehose File
STEP 1: Download the Required Files
-
- Firehose File: DOWNLOAD LINK
- OFP file: DOWNLOAD LINK
- Tool: Flash Tool
- EDL Drivers: QHUSB_BULK Drivers
STEP 2: Get Access Code
- Visit this link and use one of the codes given. [Credits: XDA Senior Member KR5542].
- Each code can give access one time, so use only one.
- Now copy these codes one by one to the Flash Tool website.
- Visit the Flash Tool Website and try activating codes one by one.
- Once the code is activated, it will give access to you for 30 minutes.
- Copy the code and keep it handy, it will be required later on.
STEP 3: Set Up Tool
- Open the downloaded flashing tool file > FTGUIDev file.
- Disable the MITM or Proxifier running in the background (if any).
- The tool may take 2–4 minutes to open; let it load completely.
- Select the “O+ Support” platform and type any username and password in the fields, but in the last field, use the same verification code activated on the website.
STEP 4: Replace Old Firehose with New
- Locate your OFP files. You can use old OFP files from any region.
- Copy the downloaded Firehose file and paste it into the OFP Folder/IMAGES, replacing the old Firehose file.
STEP 5: Flash Firmware
- In the tool, click Open Dir (located at the top).
- Select the directory where the OFP folder is located.
- A window with the text in Chinese will appear. This is for partition verification:
- Do not change any settings. Just press the left button at the bottom-right corner (it says “OK” in Chinese).
- Click the START button (top-right corner of the tool).
- Connect your phone to EDL Mode to begin the flashing process.
NOTE: Entire credits for the above tweak go to XDA Members KR5542 and potterinslytherin.
FIX 2: Start from Scratch
Your next course of action should be to start the entire flashing process from scratch. For that, you may either check out our detailed guide on How to Unbrick OnePlus using Oppo Flash Tool [highly recommended] or refer to the below shorter instructions.
- First off, uninstall the Proxifier and MITMProxy and then reinstall both of them.
- Once done, launch Proxifier [but not MITM] and set up the Proxification rules and servers as before.
- Then launch the EDL Crack Tool batch file which in turn will launch the MITM.
- Now launch the same version of the Oppo Flash Tool that you added to Proxifier.
- Then upload the EDL firmware to the tool and start the flashing process,
- Finally, boot your device to ELD Mode and connect it to your PC.
- The flashing will now start without any issues whatsoever.
That’s it. These were the steps to fix the Sahara Communication/Protocol Failed error in the Oppo Flash Tool. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution as soon as possible.
