The Archos 55 Helium is a 5.5-inch, 4G LTE smartphone from 2016. It is powered by a MediaTek MT6737M processor and was originally released with an earlier version of Android, with this update bringing it to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This guide provides an official OTA (Over-The-Air) update package to allow users to manually update their phone’s software.
Important: This is an OTA update file, not a full unbrick package. It is designed for updating a functioning phone that can boot into its stock recovery mode. This process will not wipe your data, but a backup of important files is always highly recommended before any software installation.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Risk of Data Loss
While official OTA updates are designed to preserve your data, unforeseen errors during the installation process can lead to data loss. We strongly recommend backing up your important files before proceeding. This includes:
- Photos, videos, and documents
- Contacts and messages
- App data
Proceed at your own risk. We are not responsible for any data loss on your device.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Archos 55 Helium
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6737M
- Display: 5.5″ IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels (HD)
- RAM/Storage: 1GB/16GB
- Battery: 2700 mAh (Removable)
- Original OS: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Required Downloads
For the advanced ADB Sideload method, you will need the official ADB tools. You can find the downloads for this in our main guide linked below.
- ADB & Fastboot Platform-Tools (for ADB Sideload method)
- A microSD Card (for Local Update method)
Official OTA Update Package
| Build Version | Android Version | Type | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-03-08 | 6.0 Marshmallow | Official OTA Zip | Download |
How to Manually Install OTA Updates
Manually installing an OTA update on your Archos 55 Helium is a simple process for a working device. The easiest method is to place the downloaded OTA .zip file onto a microSD card, then boot into the phone’s stock recovery mode and select the “Apply update from SD card” option. This will install the official update without erasing your data.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions for both the SD Card and the more advanced ADB Sideload methods, please follow our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Manually Install Official OTA Updates on Android.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Archos 55 Helium
- “Update Verification Failed” or “Installation aborted”: This is the most common error. It means the OTA package is not compatible with your current software. This can happen if your system has been modified (e.g., rooted, custom recovery installed), or if you are trying to skip a required intermediate update. You must be on official, unmodified firmware to apply an OTA.
- This is NOT an Unbrick File: An OTA
.zipfile is designed to update a device that can boot into its recovery mode. If your phone is hard-bricked (won’t turn on), you need a different type of firmware (a full SP Flash Tool scatter package) and a different flashing method. This file will not fix a dead device. - Model Confusion: The Archos “Helium” line has many models (55 Helium Plus, 55 Helium Ultra, etc.). This OTA is specifically for the standard Archos 55 Helium. Do not attempt to install it on a different model.
- Insufficient Storage Error: The update will fail if there isn’t enough free room for the system to unpack the update file. Make sure you have at least 1-2 GB of free space before starting, or use the recommended SD card method.
FAQs
- Q1. My phone is stuck on the Archos logo. Can I use this file?
- Maybe. If you can still boot your phone into recovery mode (by holding Power + Volume Up), you can attempt to flash this OTA file. If you cannot get to recovery mode, then your device is likely bricked and you will need a full unbrick ROM and the SP Flash Tool.
- Q2. Will this update erase my data?
- No, a standard OTA update does not wipe your personal data. However, it is always a good practice to back up important files before any software update, just in case.
- Q3. Do I need to unlock the bootloader to install this update?
- No, official OTA files are signed by the manufacturer and can be installed on a device with a locked bootloader using the stock recovery.
- Q4. What is the difference between this and a full SP Flash Tool file?
- An OTA (Over-The-Air) file is an update package that patches your existing system to a newer version. A full SP Flash Tool firmware is a complete system image that can be used to restore a device from scratch, even if it’s bricked.
