This page provides the official download link for the BQ Aquaris M8 stock ROM (firmware). The Aquaris M8 is an 8-inch Android tablet designed for media consumption and everyday tasks. If your tablet is running extremely slow, stuck in a bootloop, or has been affected by malware, reinstalling the official firmware is the most effective solution. This package contains the original Android 6.0 Marshmallow software for the MediaTek MT8163-powered BQ Aquaris M8. Flashing this ROM will unbrick a dead BQ Aquaris M8 tablet and restore it to its original factory condition, resolving deep-seated software errors.
The flashing process for this MediaTek device is done using the SP Flash Tool, a powerful utility that can communicate with the tablet even when it appears to be completely unresponsive. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful restoration of your device.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris M8 Tablet
Critical Information: Flashing the firmware will completely erase all personal data from your BQ Aquaris M8 tablet. This includes all downloaded apps, photos, videos, documents, and account settings. It is imperative that you back up any important data to a separate location (like a computer or cloud storage) before you begin this process.
BQ Aquaris M8: Quick Device Specifications
Please verify these specifications to ensure you are downloading the firmware for the correct device. This file is only for the BQ Aquaris M8.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris M8
- Device Type:
- Wi-Fi Only Tablet
- Release Date:
- 2016
- Chipset:
- MediaTek MT8163B (Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53)
- Display:
- 8.0 inches, 800 x 1280 pixels
- Battery:
- 4050 mAh, Non-removable Li-Po
- RAM/Storage:
- 2GB RAM / 16GB Internal Storage
- Original OS:
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following tools and drivers. Ensure you download all three components for a successful flash.
- SP Flash Tool (Latest Version)
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris M8 Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris M8 Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_M8_2.1.1_20161020_…MT8163.zip | 6.0 Marshmallow | 902MB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris M8 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 folder on your PC.
- Driver Installation: Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers. You may need to disable driver signature enforcement on Windows 8/10/11 for the drivers to install correctly.
- Load Firmware in Tool: Launch
flash_tool.exe. Click on the “Scatter-loading File” button, navigate to the extracted firmware folder, and select theMT8163_Android_scatter.txtfile. - Begin Flashing: Ensure the dropdown box is set to “Download Only”. Click the large green “Download” button.
- Connect the Tablet: Power off your BQ Aquaris M8 tablet completely. Connect it to the computer with a good quality USB cable. The flashing process will start automatically. A green tick will appear in the tool when it is finished.
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 BQ Aquaris M8 tablet.
1. Tablet is Very Slow or Freezes Frequently
Cause: With 2GB of RAM and a budget processor, the BQ Aquaris M8 can become sluggish over time due to accumulated junk files, too many background apps, or corrupted system cache.
Solution: Flashing the stock ROM is the most effective way to restore performance. It completely cleans the internal storage and reinstalls a fresh copy of the operating system, making the tablet feel like new. After flashing, be mindful of installing only essential applications to maintain performance.
2. BQ Aquaris M8 Won’t Turn On (Hard Brick)
Cause: A failed update, malware, or a critical system error can cause the tablet to become completely unresponsive, a state known as a hard brick.
Solution: This is where the SP Flash Tool excels. Even if the tablet seems dead, it can often still be detected by a PC in “Preloader” mode. By following the flashing guide above, the SP Flash Tool can force the firmware onto the device’s storage chip and bring it back to life. Ensure your VCOM drivers are installed correctly for this to work.
3. “Unfortunately, WhatsApp has stopped” Errors
Cause: These errors occur when an application or a core system process crashes. It can be due to corrupted app data, or a wider system instability.
Solution: A full firmware flash will resolve any underlying system corruption that causes these errors. If the errors reappear after reinstalling a specific app, that app may be incompatible or buggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I insert a SIM card into the BQ Aquaris M8?
- No. The BQ Aquaris M8 is a Wi-Fi-only tablet and does not have a SIM card slot or cellular capabilities for making calls or using mobile data.
- What should I do if SP Flash Tool shows a BROM or other error?
- Errors in SP Flash Tool are common and usually easy to fix. A “BROM ERROR” often points to a driver issue. Make sure you have installed the VCOM drivers correctly. Also, try using a different USB port, a better cable, and ensure you are using the firmware specifically for the BQ Aquaris M8. Never interrupt the flashing process.
- Will this firmware update my tablet to Android 7 or 8?
- No, this firmware package will install or restore the official Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS that the BQ Aquaris M8 came with. It does not upgrade the Android version.
- Is it possible to root the BQ Aquaris M8 after flashing this firmware?
- Yes. Once the stock firmware is successfully installed, your device is in a clean, factory state. You can then use rooting methods that are compatible with MediaTek MT8163 devices running Android 6.0, such as patching the boot image with Magisk or using older tools like KingoRoot (with caution).
Conclusion
Restoring the official stock firmware on your BQ Aquaris M8 tablet is the best way to resolve major software issues, from frustrating lag to a completely dead device. This guide provides the authentic firmware and a reliable flashing method to get your tablet running smoothly again. Always remember to back up your data before starting.
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