The Archos 40 Helium is a compact 4-inch, 4G LTE smartphone from 2016, designed as a highly affordable entry point for fast mobile data. It is powered by a Spreadtrum SC9830 processor and runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop. This guide provides the official stock firmware package to perform a full software restoration on your device.
This is a complete firmware package in the .pac format, which is designed to be flashed using the SPD (Spreadtrum) Upgrade Tool. It is the most effective solution for fixing critical software issues such as a completely dead phone (mati total), a device stuck on the Archos boot logo, or removing stubborn malware that persists after a factory reset.
⚠️ Data Deletion Warning
The flashing process will completely erase all data from your phone’s internal storage, including:
- Contacts and call logs
- Messages and chat history
- Photos, videos, and files
- Installed apps and settings
Please back up your data before proceeding. This action is irreversible and your information cannot be recovered once erased.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Archos 40 Helium
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Spreadtrum SC9830
- Display: 4.0″ TN, 480 x 800 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 1GB/8GB
- Battery: 1500 mAh
- Original OS: Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
Required Downloads
To flash this .pac firmware file, you will need the SPD Upgrade Tool and the official Spreadtrum SCI USB drivers. You can find secure download links for both of these essential tools in our main guide, which is linked in the how-to section below.
- The firmware package from the table below
- SPD Upgrade Tool
- Spreadtrum SCI USB Drivers
Official Stock Firmware (ROM)
| Build Version | Android Version | Type | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-02-02 | 5.1 Lollipop | Stock ROM (.pac File) | Download |
How to Flash Stock Firmware
To restore your Archos 40 Helium, you will use the SPD Upgrade Tool on a Windows PC. First, ensure you have correctly installed the Spreadtrum SCI USB drivers. Launch the tool, click the single gear icon (“Load Packet”), and select the .pac firmware file. Click the play icon (“Start Downloading”). Power off your phone completely. Finally, press and hold the Volume Down button while connecting the phone to your computer with a USB cable to initiate the flashing process.
For a complete, step-by-step walkthrough, driver downloads, and troubleshooting, please refer to our detailed pillar guide: How to Flash Firmware with SPD Upgrade Tool.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Archos 40 Helium
- Tool is Stuck on “Checking Baudrate”: This is the most common error when flashing Spreadtrum devices and it indicates a driver issue. Uninstall and reinstall the Spreadtrum drivers, use a different USB port (a main one on the back of your PC is best), and try a different USB cable.
- Virus and Malware Removal: Due to its older security patch level, the Archos 40 Helium is susceptible to malware. If your phone is showing unwanted ads or installing apps on its own, a full firmware flash is the only guaranteed way to completely clean the system.
- Entering Flash Mode: To start the process, you must hold a boot key. For the Archos 40 Helium, this is typically Volume Down. If that doesn’t work, try holding Volume Up while connecting the powered-off phone.
- “Failed: NV data backup” Error: If the flash fails with an NV data error, it’s having trouble with the partition that stores your IMEI. As an advanced fix, you can go into the tool’s settings (double gear icon) and uncheck all “NV_” partitions before flashing. Warning: This will erase your IMEI number, which you will then need to restore using a separate tool. Only attempt this if a standard flash fails.
FAQs
- Q1. My Archos 40 Helium is completely dead. Will this firmware fix it?
- Yes. If the cause of the dead device is corrupted software (a “hard brick”), then flashing this official
.pacfirmware is the standard procedure to unbrick it and restore it to working condition. - Q2. What is a
.pacfile? - A
.pacfile is an all-in-one firmware package for devices with Spreadtrum (now UNISOC) chipsets. It bundles all system partitions (boot, recovery, system, etc.) into a single file for easy flashing. - Q3. The flash tool doesn’t detect my phone. What’s wrong?
- This is a driver issue 99% of the time. Ensure the Spreadtrum SCI drivers are installed correctly. Open the Windows Device Manager before connecting your phone; when you connect it while holding Volume Down, a “Spreadtrum” or “SCI” device should appear briefly.
- Q4. Will this process remove the Google Account (FRP) lock?
- No. Flashing the stock firmware will restore the original operating system, but it does not bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP). You will still need to enter the credentials of the last Google account that was synced to the device.
