The ZTE Blade L5 (model T520) is an ultra-budget 3G smartphone designed for basic communication, often offered by carriers like Digicel. It features a compact 5.0-inch display and runs on a MediaTek MT6572 processor with Android 5.1 Lollipop. This guide provides the official stock ROM for the Digicel carrier variant, which is essential for unbricking a device, fixing software glitches, removing a forgotten password, or performing a complete factory restore.
Important: This firmware is specifically for the ZTE Blade L5 (T520) Digicel variant. 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 L5 (T520)
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6572 (3G)
- Display: 5.0″ TFT Display
- Battery: 2150 mAh
- Original OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop
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)
| Region / Carrier | Build Date | Android | Type | Download | Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digicel | 2016-08-09 | 5.1 | SP Flash Tool Firmware | Download | MediaTek |
How to Flash the Stock Firmware
Restoring your ZTE Blade L5 to its original factory software requires a Windows PC and the SP Flash Tool. The core steps involve installing the correct MediaTek drivers, loading the single MT6572_Android_scatter.txt file from the firmware into the tool, and connecting your phone while it is powered off to begin the process.
For the complete, step-by-step guide with pictures and download links for the tools, please see our main pillar article: How to Flash Firmware with SP Flash Tool.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for ZTE Blade L5
- PC Not Detecting the Phone? Check Drivers: The most common problem is a driver issue. The SP Flash Tool will not see your phone if the drivers aren’t installed correctly. You must install the MediaTek VCOM drivers, which often requires disabling ‘Driver Signature Enforcement’ in Windows first.
- Using the Correct Boot Key Sequence: The phone must be fully powered off. Click the “Start” button in the flash tool first. Then, press and hold the Volume Down button on your phone and connect the USB cable. Do not release the button until you see the ‘Downloading’ progress bar appear.
- Stuck on Google Account (FRP Lock): If you are stuck on the Google account setup screen after a factory reset, flashing this stock ROM will completely wipe the device and remove the FRP lock, allowing you to set it up from scratch.
- 3G Network Decommissioning: Be aware that the Blade L5 is a 3G-only device. Many mobile carriers around the world are shutting down their 3G networks. After flashing, if you have no signal, it may be because 3G service is no longer available in your area.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use this Digicel ROM on a phone from another carrier?
It is not recommended. This firmware is specifically for the Digicel network. While it may work, it will install Digicel branding and apps, and could have different modem files that might cause network issues on other carriers.
Q2. Will this unlock my phone from the Digicel network?
No. Flashing the official carrier firmware restores the phone’s software, but it does not remove the SIM/network lock. The device will still be locked to the Digicel network.
Q3. My phone is stuck on the Digicel logo. Will this fix it?
Yes. Being stuck on the carrier logo (a “bootloop”) is a classic software issue. A clean flash of the official stock ROM is the most reliable way to fix it by completely resetting the operating system.
Q4. What is a “scatter file”?
The scatter file (e.g., MT6572_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.
