How to Run PhoenixSuit on macOS: VirtualBox & Parallels USB Guide
Can You Run PhoenixSuit on Mac?
Because PhoenixSuit was compiled natively for the Microsoft Windows platform, there is no standalone macOS .dmg or .app installer. However, Mac users—including those flashing handheld consoles like the Retroid Pocket or Allwinner development boards—can run PhoenixSuit flawlessly using a virtual machine equipped with USB Passthrough.
Requirements
- A Mac computer running macOS Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, or older.
- Virtualization software: VirtualBox (Free/Open-Source) or Parallels Desktop.
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 virtual machine image.
- The official PhoenixSuit zip archive.
Step-by-Step VirtualBox Configuration
Install VirtualBox Extension Pack
Download and install the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack from the official VirtualBox website. This is essential to enable USB 2.0/3.0 controller support on macOS.
Configure VM USB Controller
Open VirtualBox, right-click your Windows VM, and navigate to Settings > Ports > USB. Select USB 2.0 (OHCI + EHCI) Controller.
Add Allwinner USB Device Filter
Click the Add USB Filter icon (the USB plug with a green plus sign). Set Vendor ID (VID) to 1f3a and Product ID (PID) to efe8 (the Allwinner FEL recovery ID).
Connect Hardware & Flash
Boot the Windows VM, extract PhoenixSuit, hold your device's Upgrade button, and plug it in. macOS will pass the USB device directly to Windows, allowing PhoenixSuit to flash normally.