When your PC fails to recognize the phone in or Preloader Mode , the communication breaks down, resulting in the "handshake" error. This is almost always caused by improper drivers, cable issues, or timing. 1. Install/Reinstall MTK USB VCOM Drivers
On Windows 8, 10, and 11, unsigned drivers (many older MTK VCOM drivers are unsigned) are blocked. When blocked, the device installs as Unknown Device or with a yellow exclamation mark.
Modern USB 3.0 (blue ports) and USB Type-C ports transfer data too fast for legacy MTK bootloaders, causing the handshake to drop.
The device is entering standard charging mode instead of META mode. it cannot find the meta usb com port for modem handshake
Which are you using for the handshake?
The device fails to enter the correct state. How to Fix: Step-by-Step Guide
What (e.g., Maui META, SP Flash Tool) you are using. The exact model or MediaTek chipset of your device. Which Windows version is running on your PC. When your PC fails to recognize the phone
To fix the error, it helps to understand what the software is trying to achieve:
| Problem Category | Common Cause | What to Try First | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Missing or incompatible MediaTek USB VCOM drivers. | Disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows and reinstall the drivers. | | Cables/Ports | Faulty USB cable or using a low-power front USB port. | Replace the USB cable and connect directly to a rear motherboard USB port. | | Boot Mode | Phone is not in META mode when the software expects it. | Power off the phone, then press and hold the Volume Down button before connecting the USB cable. | | Software Version | Using an old or incompatible version of the META tool. | Download and test a newer version of Maui META or an alternative tool like MTKClient. |
If you see an entry appear and disappear, or a yellow warning sign, the drivers are broken. Install/Reinstall MTK USB VCOM Drivers On Windows 8,
Modems enter meta mode only during a brief window (milliseconds to a few seconds) after power-on or reset. If the host tool initiates the handshake too early (port not yet enumerated) or too late (modem moved to normal boot), the handshake fails. This is exceptionally common when using USB hubs or slow host machines.
Some older devices require you to simply plug the cable into a completely powered-off device. Phase 3: Hardware and Port Stability