The ZTE Blade T2 (model Z559DL) is a basic, entry-level 4G smartphone designed for US prepaid carriers. It is also famously the hardware platform for the Gabb Z1, a “kid-safe” phone with a specially restricted operating system. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, this device focuses on core communication essentials. This guide provides the official stock ROM, a low-level QFIL / EDL package designed to unbrick a hard-bricked phone, resolve persistent software errors, or restore the original Gabb OS.
Important: This is an advanced unbricking procedure. The provided firmware will likely install the restricted Gabb OS. This process requires your phone to be in EDL Mode (9008) and will erase all data.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: ZTE Blade T2 / Gabb Z1 (Z559DL)
- Release year: 2019
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 (MSM8917)
- Display: 5.0″ TFT Display
- Battery: 2000 mAh
- Original OS: Android 8.1 (Oreo) / Gabb OS
Required Downloads
To flash a Qualcomm device in EDL mode, you will need the specific QPST suite and drivers. You can find the downloads for these in our main guide linked below.
- QPST & QFIL Flash Tool
- Qualcomm QDLoader USB Drivers
Unbrick Firmware (QFIL)
| Region / Carrier | Build | Type | Download | Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (Gabb / TracFone) | V1.0.0B07 | QFIL EDL Unbrick ROM | Download | Qualcomm |
How to Flash the Stock Firmware
Restoring a bricked ZTE Blade T2 / Gabb Z1 requires a Windows PC and the QFIL tool. The process involves installing the correct Qualcomm drivers, forcing your phone into EDL Mode by holding Volume Up + Down and connecting the USB cable, loading the firehose programmer and XML files from the firmware, and then starting the download.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide with screenshots and tool download links, please follow our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Use QFIL to Flash Qualcomm Devices.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for ZTE Blade T2 / Gabb Z1
- This is Gabb OS Firmware: The “GABB” in the filename indicates this firmware will install the kid-safe Gabb OS. This version of Android is heavily restricted and does not have a web browser, Google Play Store, or social media apps. If you flash this on a standard Blade T2, it will be converted into a Gabb Z1.
- “No Port Available” / Driver Issues: If QFIL doesn’t see the “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” port, your drivers are not installed correctly. You must disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows before running the driver installer. Reboot your PC after installation and try again.
- Entering EDL Mode: Ensure the phone is completely powered off. Press and hold both Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. While holding them, plug the USB cable into the phone. The screen will stay black, but your PC should make a connection sound, and the port will appear in QFIL.
- QFIL “Sahara” or “Firehose” Error: This error points to a communication failure. Use a high-quality USB cable, connect directly to a USB 2.0 port on your computer’s motherboard (the back ports on a desktop), and ensure no other conflicting mobile drivers are installed.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Gabb Z1 / Gabb OS?
The Gabb Z1 is a phone marketed for kids that uses the ZTE Blade T2 hardware. Its software, Gabb OS, is a locked-down version of Android that removes the web browser, app store, and social media to create a safe communication device.
Q2. If I flash this on my standard Blade T2, can I get normal Android back?
Not with this file. This firmware will install the restricted Gabb OS. To return to standard Android, you would need to find and flash a different stock ROM specifically for the TracFone or other non-Gabb variant of the Z559DL.
Q3. Will this unlock my phone from its carrier (e.g., TracFone)?
No. Flashing the stock firmware restores the phone’s original software, but it does not remove the SIM/network lock put in place by the carrier.
Q4. Will this process erase my data?
Yes. A QFIL flash is a complete factory restore that erases all user data from the phone’s internal storage.
