The Nubia Z17 (model NX563J) was a powerful flagship smartphone from 2017 that combined a stylish, nearly bezel-less design with top-of-the-line hardware. It was one of the first phones to launch with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and to support the then-new Quick Charge 4+ standard for incredibly fast charging. Featuring a versatile dual-camera system and a premium build, it was a compelling flagship package. This guide provides an official OTA (Over-The-Air) update package for users who need to manually update their device’s software, whether to get the latest features or to fix software bugs.
Important: This is an OTA update file, not a full unbrick package. It is designed for updating a functioning phone that can boot into recovery mode. This process will not wipe your data, but a backup is always highly recommended before any software installation.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Nubia Z17 (NX563J)
- Release year: 2017
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- Display: 5.5″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 3200 mAh, Quick Charge 4+
- Original OS: Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), Nubia UI 5
Required Downloads
For the advanced ADB Sideload method, you will need the official ADB tools from Google.
File / Tool | Download Link |
---|---|
ADB & Fastboot Platform-Tools | Official Google Download Page |
Nubia USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
Official OTA Update Package
Region | Version | Type | Download | Model |
---|---|---|---|---|
International | 6.28 | Official OTA Zip | Download | NX563J |
How to Manually Install OTA Updates
There are two methods to install this update. The Local Update method is the easiest and recommended for most users.
Method 1: Local Update (Easiest Method)
- Download the OTA
.zip
file. Do not extract it. - Connect your phone to your PC and transfer the downloaded
.zip
file to the root directory of your phone’s internal storage (i.e., not inside any folders). - On your phone, navigate to Settings → System → System update.
- Tap the gear icon or menu icon in the top-right corner and select Local update or a similar option.
- Your phone will scan the storage and find the update package. Tap on it to begin the installation.
- The phone will verify the package and reboot to complete the update.
Method 2: ADB Sideload (Advanced Method)
- Download and set up the ADB Platform-Tools on your PC.
- Download the OTA
.zip
file and place it in the same folder as your ADB tools. Rename it to something simple, likeupdate.zip
. - Reboot your Nubia Z17 into recovery mode (Power off, then hold Power + Volume Up).
- Using the volume keys, navigate to Apply update from ADB and select it with the power button.
- Connect your phone to the PC. In a command prompt window in the ADB folder, type
adb devices
to ensure it’s connected. - Type the command:
adb sideload update.zip
- The update process will begin. Do not unplug the device until it is finished and the phone has rebooted.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Nubia Z17 OTA Updates
- “Update Verification Failed” Error: This is the most common error and it means you are trying to install the wrong firmware. OTA packages are often region-locked (e.g., Global vs. China) and version-specific. Ensure this package is meant for your exact model and that you are not trying to downgrade your software.
- This is NOT an Unbrick File: An OTA
.zip
file is for updating a working phone only. If your phone is hard-bricked (won’t turn on or boot into recovery), you need a different type of firmware (an EDL programmer/firehose file) and a different flashing method (QFIL). This file will not fix a dead device. - ADB “Device not found”: If your PC doesn’t see the phone in adb sideload mode, it’s a driver issue. Ensure you have the latest Nubia/ADB drivers installed and that your phone is recognized correctly in the Windows Device Manager. Try a different USB port and cable.
- From China ROM to Global: The Nubia Z17 was primarily a Chinese device. If your phone is on a China ROM (which lacks Google services), you may not be able to directly flash a Global/International OTA. A full fastboot flash of the correct regional firmware is often required first, which is a more advanced procedure.
FAQs
Q1. What is an OTA file? Can I use it to unbrick my phone? An OTA (Over-The-Air) file is an update package designed to upgrade a working phone from one software version to another. It is not a full firmware package and cannot be used to unbrick a dead or unresponsive phone.
Q2. Do I need to unlock my bootloader to install this update? No. This is an official, signed OTA package. It can be installed on a device with a locked bootloader using either the Local Update or ADB Sideload method.
Q3. Will this erase my data? No, a standard OTA update does not wipe user data. However, it is always highly recommended to back up your important data before any major software installation.
Q4. What was Quick Charge 4+? Quick Charge 4+ was a fast-charging standard developed by Qualcomm, and the Nubia Z17 was one of the very first phones to support it. It offered significant improvements in charging speed and thermal efficiency over the previous generation.