This page provides the official stock firmware for the BQ Aquaris E5 (3G Model), software version 2.1.0, based on Android 5.0 Lollipop. The Aquaris E5 was a popular smartphone known for its balanced features and was released in several variants. It is crucial to understand that this firmware is exclusively for the model powered by the MediaTek MT6582 chipset. It is NOT compatible with the 4G/LTE version which uses a Qualcomm processor.
Reinstalling the stock ROM is the most effective solution if your Aquaris E5 is stuck in a bootloop (especially after a failed OTA update), experiencing performance issues, or suffering from critical software errors like a lost or invalid IMEI. This process will unbrick your BQ Aquaris E5 and restore it to a clean, factory software condition using the SP Flash Tool.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris E5 (3G Model)
Compatibility Warning: This firmware is ONLY for the BQ Aquaris E5 with the MediaTek MT6582 processor. Flashing this on the 4G (Qualcomm Snapdragon) model will permanently damage it. Please verify your chipset before proceeding. The flashing process will erase all personal data, including contacts, photos, and apps. A complete backup is essential.
BQ Aquaris E5 (3G / MediaTek): Quick Device Specifications
Please confirm your device specifications. Note that this model came in both HD and FHD screen variants, and this firmware supports both.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris E5 (3G, MediaTek Version)
- Release Date:
- June 2014
- Chipset:
- MediaTek MT6582 (Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7)
- Display:
- 5.0 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels (HD) or 1080 x 1920 pixels (FHD)
- Battery:
- 2500 mAh, Non-removable Li-Po
- RAM/Storage:
- 1GB/8GB, 1GB/16GB, 2GB/16GB
- Key Feature:
- Dual SIM
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following tools and drivers to flash the firmware onto your device.
- SP Flash Tool (Latest Version)
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris E5 Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris E5 (3G) Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_E5_2.1.0_20151104_…5.0_MT6582.zip | 5.0 Lollipop | 693MB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris E5 Firmware
This is a summary of the flashing process using SP Flash Tool. For a more comprehensive guide, please visit our detailed pillar article.
- Preparation: Download and extract the firmware, SP Flash Tool, and MTK VCOM drivers to a folder on your PC.
- Driver Installation: Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers. You may need to disable driver signature enforcement on Windows for the drivers to install correctly.
- Load Firmware: Launch
flash_tool.exe. Click on the “Scatter-loading File” button, navigate to the extracted firmware folder, and select theMT6582_Android_scatter.txtfile. - Begin Flashing: Set the dropdown box to “Download Only”. DO NOT use “Format All + Download“. Click the green “Download” button.
- Connect the Phone: Power off your BQ Aquaris E5 completely. Connect it to the computer with a good quality USB cable. The flashing process will begin automatically, indicated by a progress bar. A green tick will appear when it is complete.
For in-depth instructions and error solutions for the SP Flash Tool, please visit our complete guide: How to Flash Firmware on MediaTek (MTK) Smartphones.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some specific issues you might encounter with the MediaTek version of the BQ Aquaris E5.
1. “Invalid IMEI” or No SIM Card Detected After Flashing
Cause: This is a very common problem on older MediaTek devices like the MT6582. It happens when the NVRAM partition, which stores your phone’s unique IMEI numbers and network calibration data, gets corrupted or erased. This is often caused by using the “Format All + Download” option in SP Flash Tool.
Solution: Always use “Download Only” mode. If your IMEI is already lost, restoring it is complex. You will need to find your original IMEI (usually on the box or under the back cover) and use specialized tools like Maui META to write it back to the device. Flashing this stock ROM will not restore a lost IMEI, but it is often a necessary first step before attempting a repair.
2. GPS Fails to Get a Location Lock
Cause: The MT6582 chipset’s GPS was known to be slow. Software bugs in the Lollipop update or corrupted A-GPS data can make it nearly impossible to get a location fix.
Solution: A clean firmware flash resets the GPS configuration. After flashing, turn on Wi-Fi and Location services and stand outside with a clear view of the sky for several minutes to allow the GPS to perform a “cold start.” Using an app from the Play Store to clear and redownload A-GPS data can also significantly speed up the process.
3. Phone Overheats or Battery Drains Quickly on Lollipop
Cause: The initial Android 5.0 Lollipop release had some performance and battery management bugs. On older hardware like the Aquaris E5, these issues could be more pronounced, causing the phone to run warm and drain the battery.
Solution: Flashing this official BQ version of Lollipop provides a clean, optimized build that can mitigate these issues. It removes any user-installed apps or corrupted data that might be causing background processes to run constantly. After flashing, monitor your battery usage to identify any newly installed apps that cause excessive drain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will this firmware work on my BQ Aquaris E5 4G model?
- No, absolutely not. This firmware is strictly for the 3G model with the MediaTek MT6582 chipset. The 4G model uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and has a different partition layout. Attempting to flash this firmware on the 4G model will result in a hard brick.
- My phone is stuck in a bootloop after a failed update. Will this fix it?
- Yes. A failed Over-The-Air (OTA) update is one of the most common causes of a bootloop. Using SP Flash Tool to install this full firmware package will completely overwrite the corrupted system files and resolve the issue.
- What is the difference between the HD and FHD versions of the BQ Aquaris E5?
- The only difference is the screen resolution. The HD version has a 720×1280 pixel display, while the FHD version has a sharper 1080×1920 pixel display. This firmware package is compatible with both MediaTek variants.
- Why does SP Flash Tool show a BROM error when I connect my phone?
- A BROM error usually indicates a communication problem between the PC and the phone. The most common causes are improperly installed VCOM drivers, a faulty USB cable, or a bad USB port. Try reinstalling the drivers, using a different cable/port, and make sure the phone is completely powered off before connecting it.
Conclusion
Restoring the official Android 5.0 Lollipop firmware on your BQ Aquaris E5 (3G model) is the best way to fix critical software problems and give the device a new lease on life. This guide provides the authentic firmware and a reliable flashing method to resolve everything from bootloops to network errors. Be extra cautious about your device model and always back up your data before you begin.
If this guide helped you, please share your experience in the comments section. Bookmark our site for more firmware and tech tutorials!
