This page provides the official download for the BQ Aquaris M10 stock ROM (firmware), which carries the software version 2.2.0 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The Aquaris M10 is a versatile 10.1-inch tablet that was available in both HD and Full HD resolutions, making it a popular choice for media and productivity. If your tablet is stuck on the BQ logo, suffers from software glitches, or has issues like very slow charging, reinstalling the official firmware is the definitive solution. Flashing this package will unbrick a BQ Aquaris M10 tablet and restore its software to a clean, stable, factory condition, eliminating bugs and performance issues.
Powered by a MediaTek MT8163 chipset, the flashing process for the Aquaris M10 is performed using the SP Flash Tool. This powerful utility can restore the tablet’s software even if it fails to power on properly. Follow the guide below to safely bring your device back to life.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris M10 Tablet
Total Data Wipe Warning: The flashing process outlined here will completely erase all data on your BQ Aquaris M10’s internal storage. This includes all of your accounts, apps, photos, videos, and personal files. A full backup to a secure location like a personal computer or cloud storage is essential before you begin. Proceed only if you understand that your data will be lost.
BQ Aquaris M10: Quick Device Specifications
Please confirm these details match your tablet. This firmware is designed for both the HD and FHD versions of the BQ Aquaris M10.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris M10 (HD and Full HD variants)
- Device Type:
- Wi-Fi Only Tablet
- Release Date:
- February 2016
- Chipset:
- MediaTek MT8163
- Display:
- 10.1 inches, 800 x 1280 pixels (HD) or 1200 x 1920 pixels (FHD)
- Battery:
- 7280 mAh, Non-removable Li-Po
- RAM/Storage:
- 2GB RAM with 16GB/32GB Storage
- Special Feature:
- Micro HDMI Port, Front-facing speakers
Required Downloads for Flashing
To flash your tablet, you will need the following tools and drivers. Download all three items before you start.
- SP Flash Tool (Latest Version)
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris M10 Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris M10 Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_M10_2.2.0_20161114_…MT8163.zip | 6.0 Marshmallow | 906MB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris M10 Firmware
This is a summary of the flashing process using SP Flash Tool. For a more comprehensive guide with screenshots, please visit our detailed pillar article.
- Preparation: Download and extract the firmware, SP Flash Tool, and MTK VCOM drivers to a dedicated folder on your computer.
- Driver Installation: Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers. You may need to disable driver signature enforcement on modern Windows versions for the drivers to install correctly.
- Load Firmware: Run the
flash_tool.exeapplication. Click the “Scatter-loading File” button, browse to the extracted firmware folder, and select theMT8163_Android_scatter.txtfile. - Start Download: Leave the dropdown option as “Download Only”. Click the large green “Download” button to put the tool in a standby state.
- Connect Tablet: Make sure your BQ Aquaris M10 is completely powered off. Connect it to your PC using a reliable USB cable. SP Flash Tool will automatically detect it and begin the flashing process. A large green checkmark will signal completion.
For in-depth instructions and troubleshooting 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 BQ Aquaris M10 tablet.
1. Tablet is Charging Extremely Slowly
Cause: With a very large 7280 mAh battery, slow charging can be noticeable. This can be caused by software bugs affecting power management, but it’s more often due to using a low-amperage charger or a poor-quality USB cable.
Solution: First, ensure you are using the original BQ charger or a reputable third-party charger with at least a 2A output. Flashing the stock firmware can resolve any software-related issues by resetting the power management IC’s calibration and removing rogue processes that might be draining power while charging.
2. Screen Flickers or Shows Incorrect Colors
Cause: This can be a software issue, especially after a failed OTA update or when using a custom ROM, where the display drivers may not be correctly configured for the specific panel (HD or FHD).
Solution: This official firmware package contains the correct drivers for both screen variants of the Aquaris M10. A clean flash will install the appropriate display drivers, which can often resolve flickering, color inaccuracies, or image retention problems.
3. Tablet Stuck on BQ Logo (Bootloop)
Cause: A bootloop occurs when essential Android system files are corrupted, preventing the operating system from loading fully. This is a common symptom of a bad app installation or a failed update.
Solution: This is precisely the problem that flashing the stock ROM is designed to fix. The process completely overwrites the corrupted system partition with a fresh, working copy, allowing the tablet to boot normally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this firmware compatible with both the HD and Full HD versions of the BQ Aquaris M10?
- Yes, official firmware packages from BQ for the M10 are typically unified. The installer is designed to detect the hardware, including the screen type, and flash the appropriate drivers. However, always back up your data as a precaution.
- My tablet’s battery drains faster than it should. Will this firmware fix that?
- It can help significantly. A firmware flash resolves software-related battery drain by eliminating rogue apps and services running in the background. It also recalibrates the battery statistics, leading to more accurate percentage readings. If the drain persists, it may point to an aging battery.
- What can I use the Micro HDMI port for?
- The Micro HDMI port on the BQ Aquaris M10 is a great feature that allows you to connect your tablet directly to a TV, monitor, or projector. You can use it to mirror your tablet’s screen to enjoy movies, presentations, or games on a larger display.
- Can I downgrade my BQ Aquaris M10 from this firmware back to Android 5.1 Lollipop?
- Yes, it is possible if you can find the official Lollipop firmware package for the M10. You would use the exact same SP Flash Tool method. However, downgrading is generally not recommended as you will lose important security updates included in the Marshmallow firmware.
Conclusion
Restoring your BQ Aquaris M10 with its official Android 6.0 firmware is the most effective method for fixing critical software errors, from bootloops to performance and charging issues. By following this guide, you can use the SP Flash Tool to safely give your tablet a fresh start and restore its original functionality. Remember, backing up your data is the most important first step.
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