Connection types and download modes

To flash with XBurn, first choose a connection type (how the device communicates with the PC). The connection type determines the available download modes, after which you enter the matching mode to flash. This page explains how to choose connection types and download modes, and how the two relate.

Connection types

The Connection type field in the XBurn interface selects how the device communicates with the PC. Two are actually involved in flashing:

Connection type	Description	Applies to
USB	The main channel over which XBurn communicates with the device and sends flashing commands	S100 / S600 (single Type-C, multiplexed)
Serial+USB	Serial + USB combo: the serial port guides via XModem, and USB sends via Fastboot	X5 / X5 Module (two cables)

The serial port is never used alone; it is only for logging and XModem guidance, and must be combined with USB. For which connection each model uses and how to wire it, see each product's flashing docs.

Download mode selection

Choose the recommended mode by the current state of the device:

Device state	Recommended download mode	Description
Non-empty board, normal system update	Fastboot	Common, fastest
Empty board (first flash) or system damaged, bricked	DFU+Fastboot	Requires a switch to put the device into DFU boot mode; the recovery path when U-Boot cannot be entered
Device without a DFU mode	XModem+Fastboot	Enter Fastboot after serial XModem guidance

Connection type → available download modes

The connection type determines the available download modes. Based on the selected connection type, XBurn automatically matches the available download modes:

Connection type	Available download modes	Prerequisites
Serial+USB	xmodem_fastboot / fastboot	Serial guides via XModem, USB sends via Fastboot; works for both empty and non-empty boards
USB	fastboot	Requires the device's U-Boot to be normal and a manual entry into Fastboot; see each product's flashing docs