This page provides the official download link for the BQ Aquaris E5 4G stock ROM, version 4.5.0, which installs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. This firmware is specifically for the 4G/LTE model of the Aquaris E5, which is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset. It is essential to distinguish this from the 3G version, which uses a MediaTek processor and different firmware.
If your Aquaris E5 4G is suffering from unstable cellular connections, is stuck in a bootloop, or has become slow and buggy over time, reinstalling the official stock firmware is the best solution. This process will unbrick a BQ Aquaris E5 4G, restore the original modem and radio files to fix connectivity issues, and return the device to a clean, factory-optimised state. The installation is done via the official fastboot script method.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris E5 4G
Crucial Compatibility Warning: This firmware is ONLY for the BQ Aquaris E5 4G (Qualcomm Snapdragon model). Flashing this on the 3G (MediaTek) model or the Ubuntu Edition will result in a hard brick. The flashing process requires an unlocked bootloader, which will completely erase all your personal data, including photos, contacts, and apps. A full backup is mandatory before you begin.
BQ Aquaris E5 4G: Quick Device Specifications
Please confirm your device specifications. This firmware is exclusively for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 variant.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris E5 4G
- Release Date:
- December 2014
- Chipset:
- Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm)
- Display:
- 5.0 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels (HD)
- Battery:
- 2850 mAh, Non-removable Li-Po
- RAM/Storage:
- 1GB/8GB, 1GB/16GB, 2GB/16GB
- Key Feature:
- 4G LTE Connectivity
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following software and drivers to flash your phone.
- Android SDK Platform-Tools (for up-to-date ADB and Fastboot)
- Qualcomm USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris E5 4G Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris E5 4G Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_E5_4G_4.5.0_201611…_6.0.1.zip | 6.0.1 Marshmallow | 1.1GB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris E5 4G Stock Firmware (Fastboot Method)
This firmware is installed using an automated batch script that flashes all partitions via fastboot. Follow these steps carefully.
- Preparation: Install the required Qualcomm and Platform-Tools drivers on your PC. Download the firmware and extract the `.zip` file into a folder with a simple path (e.g.,
C:\BQ_E5_4G). - Enable OEM Unlocking: On your phone, go to Settings > About phone and tap “Build number” 7 times. Return to Settings, go to Developer options, and enable “OEM unlocking” and “USB debugging”.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your Aquaris E5 4G. Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons together until the fastboot/bootloader screen appears.
- Unlock the Bootloader: Connect your phone to the PC. Open a command prompt and run the command
fastboot oem unlock-go. This is a mandatory step and will wipe your data. After it finishes, reboot the phone back into fastboot mode. - Execute the Flashing Script: With the phone in fastboot mode and connected to the PC, open the folder where you extracted the firmware. Locate and double-click the
flash-all.batfile. - Wait for Completion: A command window will open and automatically execute a series of flashing commands. Do not unplug the phone during this process. The phone will reboot by itself into the newly installed OS when finished.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are solutions for potential issues with the BQ Aquaris E5 4G.
1. Unstable or Dropping 4G/LTE Connection
Cause: If your 4G signal constantly drops or fails to connect, it can be due to corrupted modem firmware or incorrect network configuration files, often caused by a failed OTA update or a custom ROM.
Solution: This full stock firmware package includes the original, stable radio and modem files for the Snapdragon 410 chipset. A clean flash will overwrite any corrupted data and often restore a stable and strong 4G LTE connection.
2. Poor Performance After Updating to Marshmallow
Cause: The Snapdragon 410 chipset, especially when paired with 1GB of RAM, can feel slow on Android 6.0.1. An “dirty flash” (upgrading without wiping data) can leave behind old files that cause lag and instability.
Solution: This fastboot method performs a clean installation, wiping all old data. This ensures the best possible performance on this hardware by starting with a fresh, optimized system. After flashing, be selective about which apps you install to conserve resources.
3. “Invalid IMEI” or No Service After Flashing
Cause: While more common on MediaTek devices, the EFS partition that stores your IMEI can sometimes get corrupted on Qualcomm phones during flashing, especially if the process is interrupted.
Solution: Flashing this stock ROM restores the modem but will not repair a zeroed-out or “Invalid” IMEI. Restoring the IMEI on a Qualcomm device is a complex process that requires specialized tools and a backup of your EFS partition, which should be made before flashing if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will this firmware work on my BQ Aquaris E5 3G (MediaTek) model?
- No, absolutely not. This firmware is built specifically for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor in the 4G model. Flashing it on the 3G model with a MediaTek chipset will brick the device, making it unusable.
- Can I install this on the Ubuntu Edition of the Aquaris E5?
- No. Although the hardware is similar, the Ubuntu Edition of the Aquaris E5 has a different partition layout and bootloader designed for the Ubuntu Touch OS. This Android firmware is not compatible and should not be flashed on it.
- My 4G connection is unstable. Will this firmware fix it?
- It is very likely to help. Unstable network connections are often software-related. This firmware package contains the official, tested modem and radio files from BQ, and a clean installation will resolve most software-based connectivity issues.
- Why does the `flash-all.bat` script close immediately or show an error?
- The most common reason is that the bootloader is still locked. You must successfully run the `fastboot oem unlock-go` command first. Another common cause is a PC driver issue, where the computer can’t communicate with the phone in fastboot mode.
Conclusion
Restoring the official Android 6.0.1 firmware on your BQ Aquaris E5 4G is the most reliable way to fix major software issues, especially those related to network connectivity and performance. This guide provides the authentic firmware and a clear, step-by-step method to safely get your device working like new again. Always be certain of your phone’s model and back up your data before beginning.
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