> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dragonwingdocs.qualcomm.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Flash the software using Fastboot

Fastboot allows you to flash software images, such as the boot loader, and helps in system recovery.

Linux and Windows host machines support Fastboot. To enter Fastboot mode, you can use a hotkey for Fastboot.

## **Fastboot using hotkey**

After powering on the device, select VOL-.

The figure shows the Fastboot logs from the device entering the Fastboot mode.

<div style={{ textAlign: 'center', width: '100%' }}>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/eYaEBFH0xlFq53OY/System/Boot/media/k2c-qli-boot/fastboot-dectection.PNG?fit=max&auto=format&n=eYaEBFH0xlFq53OY&q=85&s=a0476acf1ba308d3ecb2aee19c405837" alt="Fastboot detection" style={{ display: 'block', margin: '0 auto' }} width="646" height="417" data-path="System/Boot/media/k2c-qli-boot/fastboot-dectection.PNG" />
</div>

## **Fastboot commands**

When the system detects Fastboot mode, you can run the corresponding Fastboot commands.

<Frame caption="**Table: Fastboot commands**" />

| **Command**                                                   | **Usage**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | **Example or use case**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `fastboot reboot`                                             | Allows you to reboot the device.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | Example command:<br /><br />`fastboot reboot`<br /><br />A system reboot may be required after:<br /><ul><li>Flashing the software images</li><li>Completing a software update</li></ul>                                                               |
| `fastboot devices`                                            | If it recognizes and connects to the device, Fastboot displays the device information.                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Example command:<br /><br />`fastboot devices`                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| `fastboot getvar <variable>`                                  | Retrieves data from various partitions.<br /><br />The following are the supported `getvar` commands.<br /><ul><li>`fastboot getvar partition-size:system`</li><li>`fastboot getvar partition-size:xbl_a`</li><li>`fastboot getvar kernel`</li><li>`fastboot getvar max-download-size`</li></ul> | Fastboot supports multiple variables. The data from these variables can be retrieved through this command.<br /><br />Example command:<br /><br />`fastboot getvar version`                                                                            |
| `fastboot flash <partition name> <full path to the SW image>` | Flashes the software images.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | To flash the `xbl_config.elf` image, run:<br /><br />`fastboot flash xbl_config_a xbl_config.elf`<br /><br />Where:<br /><ul><li>`xbl_config_a` indicates the partition label</li><li>`xbl_config.elf` is the software image that is flashed</li></ul> |
| `fastboot erase`                                              | Erases a partition.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Example command:<br /><br />`fastboot erase xbl_config_a`<br /><br />Erases the `xbl_config_a` partition.                                                                                                                                              |
| `fastboot continue`                                           | Continues with the bootup.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Example command:<br /><br />`fastboot continue`<br /><br />Boots up the OS.                                                                                                                                                                            |

## **Recovery with Fastboot**

Fastboot serves as a recovery solution when the systemd-boot image and ESP are corrupted.

The systemd-boot image boots from the EFI system partition (ESP). In such cases, Fastboot automatically initiates as a recovery option, allowing you to reflash the ESP.