The ZTE Blade L8 is an ultra-compact and highly affordable smartphone designed for essential connectivity. It runs on the optimized Android 9 Pie (Go edition) to ensure a fluid experience on its entry-level hardware. Powered by a UNISOC (formerly Spreadtrum) SC7731E chipset, it is a 3G-only device focused on core tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing. This guide provides the official stock ROM (.pac file), which is essential for unbricking a device, fixing persistent software bugs, or removing a Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock.
Important: This firmware is for the ZTE Blade L8. The flashing process for UNISOC/Spreadtrum devices is very specific and requires the correct tools and drivers. Following these instructions carefully is crucial for a successful restoration.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: ZTE Blade L8
- Release year: 2019
- Chipset: UNISOC SC7731E (3G connectivity)
- Display: 5.0″ TFT Display
- Battery: 2000 mAh
- Original OS: Android 9 Pie (Go edition)
Required Downloads
To flash a Spreadtrum/UNISOC device, you will need the specific drivers and flashing tool listed below.
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| SPD Upgrade Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Spreadtrum/UNISOC USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
Stock ROM (Firmware)
| Region / Carrier | Build | Android | Type | Download | Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generic | V4.0 | 9.0 (Go) | SPD .pac Firmware | Download | UNISOC/SPD |
How to Flash (SPD Upgrade Tool)
This method is for restoring the official stock firmware and will erase all data on your device.
- Install Drivers: Download and extract the Spreadtrum/UNISOC USB Drivers. Run the installer. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows for the drivers to install correctly.
- Extract Tools & Firmware: Extract the SPD Upgrade Tool and the downloaded firmware .zip file into separate folders on your desktop. Inside the firmware folder, you will find a large .pac file.
- Launch the Tool: Open the SPD Upgrade Tool folder and run UpgradeDownload.exe as an administrator.
- Load Firmware: Click the first Gear icon (Load Packet). Navigate to the extracted firmware folder and select the .pac file. It may take a minute for the file to be loaded and verified by the tool.
- Start Flashing Process: Click the Play icon (Start Downloading). The status will change to “Waiting”.
- Connect Your Phone: Power off your ZTE Blade L8 completely. Now, press and hold the Volume Down button, and while holding it, connect the phone to your PC with a USB cable.
- Begin Flashing: The tool will detect the phone, and the progress bar will start moving. You can release the Volume Down button at this point.
- Finish: The process will take several minutes. Once it’s finished, you will see a green “Passed” message. You can now disconnect your phone and power it on. The first boot may take longer than usual.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for ZTE Blade L8
Flashing UNISOC/Spreadtrum devices can be tricky. Here are the most common solutions:
- Correct Driver Installation: The most common failure point is incorrect drivers. You must install the Spreadtrum/UNISOC drivers. On modern Windows, this often requires disabling ‘Driver Signature Enforcement’ first. Your PC should recognize the phone as a ‘SPRD U2S Diag’ port when connected correctly for flashing.
- Using the “Boot Key”: To get the tool to recognize your phone, you must use the boot key. Power the phone off completely. Press and hold the Volume Down button, and while holding it, connect the phone to your PC with the USB cable. Release the button only after the flash process begins.
- Fixing Google FRP Lock: If you are locked out of your phone after a factory reset due to Google’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP), flashing this stock ROM is a common method to remove the lock. The standard flashing process will completely reset the device and the locked account.
- 3G Only Device: Please remember that the ZTE Blade L8 is a 3G-only smartphone. If you are experiencing no network service after flashing, ensure you are using a SIM card and are in an area that still has 3G network coverage, as many carriers are phasing out 3G support.
FAQs
Q1. What is Android 9 (Go edition)? Android Go is a lightweight version of the Android operating system, specifically designed by Google to run smoothly on entry-level smartphones with 1.5GB of RAM or less. It includes optimized “Go” versions of popular Google apps to save space and ensure good performance.
Q2. What is a .pac file? A .pac file is a packed firmware file used for Spreadtrum/UNISOC chipsets. It contains all the necessary partitions—system, boot, recovery, modem, etc.—in a single, integrated file for flashing with tools like the SPD Upgrade Tool.
Q3. Will this process erase my data? Yes. Flashing the stock ROM with the SPD Upgrade Tool will perform a full factory reset and completely wipe all personal data, apps, and settings from your device.
