The ZTE Blade A520 is a compact and affordable 4G smartphone from 2017. Designed for essential daily use, it features a 5.0-inch HD display and is powered by a MediaTek MT6737 processor. This guide provides the official stock ROM, which is essential for unbricking a device, fixing software bugs and bootloops, or removing a Google FRP lock by restoring the phone to its original factory software.
Important: This firmware is specifically for the ZTE Blade A520. As a MediaTek device, it requires the SP Flash Tool for flashing. Flashing this on a different model will cause a hard brick. This process will erase all data on your device.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: ZTE Blade A520
- Release year: 2017
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6737
- Display: 5.0″ IPS LCD, HD
- Battery: 2400 mAh
- Original OS: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Required Downloads
To flash a MediaTek device, you will need the specific drivers and flashing tool. You can find the downloads for these in our main guide linked below.
- SP Flash Tool
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
Stock ROM (Firmware)
| Build Date | Android | Type | Download | Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03-08-2017 | 7.0 | SP Flash Tool Firmware | Download | MediaTek |
How to Flash the Stock Firmware
Flashing the stock ROM onto your ZTE Blade A520 requires a Windows PC and the SP Flash Tool. The process involves installing the MediaTek VCOM drivers, loading the MT6737M_Android_scatter.txt file from the firmware into the tool, and then connecting your powered-off phone to start the flash. This will completely restore your device to its original factory software.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions with screenshots and tool download links, please follow our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Flash Firmware with SP Flash Tool.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for ZTE Blade A520
- Correct Driver Installation: The most common failure point is incorrect drivers. If the tool doesn’t see your phone, you must install the MediaTek VCOM drivers, which often requires you to disable ‘Driver Signature Enforcement’ in Windows first.
- Using the “Boot Key”: To initiate the flash, power the phone off completely. Press and hold the Volume Down button, and while holding it, connect the phone to your PC. The tool should then detect it and begin the process. If Volume Down doesn’t work, try holding Volume Up.
- Fixing Google FRP Lock: If you’re locked out of your phone by Google’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP), flashing this stock ROM will perform a complete wipe and remove the locked account.
- Safer Flashing (Uncheck Preloader): For a safer flashing process that is less likely to cause a hard brick, it is highly recommended to uncheck the `preloader` partition in SP Flash Tool before clicking Download. Flashing an incorrect preloader is the most common cause of a permanently dead phone. Only flash the preloader if the device is already completely bricked.
FAQs
Q1. My phone is stuck on the ZTE logo. Will this fix it?
Yes. Being stuck on the logo (a “bootloop”) is a classic software problem. Flashing the stock ROM is the most reliable way to fix this issue as it completely reinstalls the phone’s operating system.
Q2. What is the difference between the Blade A520 and the A521?
They are very similar entry-level devices, but they were often made for different regions with different cellular band support. Because the modem files are different, their firmwares are generally not interchangeable, and you should only flash the ROM that matches your specific model number.
Q3. What is a “scatter file”?
The scatter file (e.g., MT6737M_Android_scatter.txt) is a crucial map for MediaTek firmware. It tells SP Flash Tool the name, size, and location of every partition on the device’s storage, ensuring each part of the software is flashed to the correct place.
Q4. Will this process erase my data?
Yes. Flashing the stock ROM with SP Flash Tool will perform a full factory reset and completely wipe all personal data, apps, and settings from your device.
