Partitions That We Must Backup in UFS or eMMC Storage

Partitions That We Must Backup in UFS or eMMC Storage 

When working with smartphones—especially during software repair, flashing, or data recovery—backing up specific partitions is not just a good practice; it's essential. Devices use either UFS (Universal Flash Storage) or eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) to store operating system files, firmware, and sensitive data such as IMEI, network configurations, and product information. Whether you are a technician or an advanced user, knowing which partitions to back up can save you from permanent data loss or bricked devices.

Let’s break it down brand by brand and include some real-life technician insights.

✅ Samsung Devices

🔹 Exynos-Based Samsung Devices

• efs
• sec_efs (contains IMEI and Serial Number)

🔧 Real-life tip: A technician flashed a corrupted firmware on a Galaxy S8 (Exynos), which wiped the efs. The result? No IMEI, no network. Fortunately, they had an efs backup and restored it in seconds.

🔹 MediaTek-Based (MTK) Samsung Devices

• efs, sec_efs
• nvdata, nvram
• protect1, protect2

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🔧 Note: These partitions hold everything from IMEI to WiFi and Bluetooth configurations. Without them, the phone may boot but lose signal and connectivity.

🔹 Qualcomm-Based Samsung Devices

• efs, sec_efs
• fsc, fsg
• modemst1, modemst2

🔧 Pro tip: Always back up modemst partitions—these files manage modem calibration, and restoring them can solve signal loss after flashing.

🔹 UNISOC/Spreadtrum-Based Samsung Devices

• sec_efs, vendor_efs
• MISCDATA
• L_FIXNV1, L_FIXNV2 (IMEI & Backup)
• L_RUNTIMENV1, L_RUNTIMENV2
• PRODNV, ODMKO

🛠️ Field example: A tech working with a budget Samsung phone (SPD chipset) restored IMEI successfully by flashing only the L_FIXNV1 and L_FIXNV2 files.

✅ General Qualcomm Devices

• fsc, fsg
• modemst1, modemst2
• persist.img

🔧 Remember: persist.img includes touchscreen calibration, camera tuning, and sensors. Without this, your screen might misbehave or camera may not work.

✅ General MTK Devices

• proinfo, nvram, nvdata
• protect_f (protect1), protect_s (protect2)
• seccfg, nvcfg

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🔧 Tip: Backing up nvram and nvdata is critical on MTK. These files handle IMEI and network registration.

✅ OPPO Devices

🔹 Qualcomm-Based

• fsg, sec, modem.img
• modemst1, modemst2
• persist.img, oppodycnvbk.img, oppostanvbk.img
• opporeserve2, persistent

🛠️ Example: After a bad flash, an OPPO F11 Pro lost IMEI and fingerprint. Luckily, the technician restored oppodycnvbk and persist.img—problem solved.

🔹 MTK-Based

• nvram, nvdata
• oppo_reserve1, reserve2, reserve3
• oppo_custom, product_1, product_2
• protect_f, protect_s

✅ Huawei Devices

🔹 HiSilicon-Based

• oeminfo, nvme
• modem_secure, persist, secure storage
• modemnvm_factory, modemnvm_backup, modemnvm_img

🔧 Warning: Losing oeminfo or modem_secure could cause boot loop or encryption errors. Always back these up before downgrading firmware.

🔹 MTK-Based

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• oeminfo, nvdata, nvram
• protect1, protect2

🔹 Qualcomm-Based

• oeminfo, fsc, fsg
• modemst1, modemst2

✅ HTC

• board_info

📌 FYI: This partition contains device-specific boot data. Losing it can result in a non-bootable phone.

✅ Intel-Based Devices

• factory, config

✅ ASUS

• asuskey3 (version), asuskey4 (serial number)
• factory, devinfo

🔧 Tech insight: asuskey4 helps in warranty verification and device boot validation.

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✅ Why Is This Backup Important?

When you replace the UFS or eMMC storage in a phone, you're essentially giving it a new hard drive. Without restoring these vital partitions, the phone may:

• Lose IMEI or network
• Fail to boot
• Show “null” serial number
• Have camera or fingerprint issues

So, before replacing or wiping storage, take a full backup using tools like QFIL, SP Flash Tool, or UMT.

🛡️ Final Words

Every technician, hobbyist, or developer must understand the value of these partitions. Think of them as the identity and soul of a smartphone. Losing them can be like giving a person a new brain but forgetting who they were.

Always backup before flashing. Always double-check before wiping. Your device will thank you. 💾🔐