This page provides the official stock ROM for the BQ Aquaris U, software version 1.3.0. The Aquaris U was the reliable and affordable sibling to the U Plus, offering the same core performance with the Snapdragon 430 chipset in a durable polycarbonate body. If your Aquaris U has become slow, is stuck in a bootloop after an update, or is experiencing other software-related glitches, reinstalling the official firmware is the best solution. This package will restore the original Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software and can unbrick a BQ Aquaris U, returning it to a clean and stable factory state.
The firmware is installed using the official BQ fastboot script method (`flash-all.bat`), which ensures a complete and correct software installation by flashing all the necessary partitions automatically. This is the most reliable way to fix deep-seated software problems.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris U
Complete Data Deletion Warning: Following this guide requires unlocking your device’s bootloader, a process that will automatically trigger a full factory reset. All personal data on your BQ Aquaris U—including photos, contacts, messages, and apps—will be permanently erased. Please ensure you have backed up all important information before proceeding.
BQ Aquaris U: Quick Device Specifications
Please verify these specifications match your device. Note that this model does not have a fingerprint sensor.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris U
- Release Date:
- October 2016
- Chipset:
- Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm)
- Display:
- 5.0 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels (HD)
- Battery:
- 3080 mAh, Non-removable Li-Po
- RAM/Storage:
- 2GB RAM / 16GB Storage
- Key Feature:
- Polycarbonate Body, NFC
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following software and drivers to flash your phone.
- Android SDK Platform-Tools (Provides the latest ADB and Fastboot drivers)
- Qualcomm USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris U Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris U Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_U_1.3.0_20161017.zip | 6.0.1 Marshmallow | 1.1GB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris U Stock Firmware (Fastboot Method)
This firmware is installed using an automated batch script. The process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
- 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_U). - 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 U. Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons together until the fastboot/bootloader menu appears on the screen.
- 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 flash all system partitions. 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 U.
1. Poor Performance and General Lag
Cause: Over time, accumulated cache, junk files from uninstalled apps, and background processes can consume the 2GB of RAM and slow down the device considerably.
Solution: A full firmware flash is the ultimate “spring clean” for your phone. It removes all residual files and installs a fresh, optimized version of the operating system, which almost always restores the device’s original snappiness.
2. Fast Battery Drain
Cause: Software bugs or rogue apps running in the background are common culprits for unusual battery drain. A miscalibrated battery status can also give inaccurate readings.
Solution: Flashing the stock ROM eliminates any software-based causes of battery drain. It also resets the battery calibration. For best results, after flashing, allow the phone to charge to 100% and then discharge completely a couple of times.
3. “Waiting for device” in Fastboot Window
Cause: This message appears when the computer does not recognize the phone in fastboot mode, which is almost always a driver issue.
Solution: Ensure you have installed both the Qualcomm drivers and the Google USB drivers from the Platform-Tools. Open Device Manager on your PC to see if the phone is listed with an error. If so, manually update the driver by pointing it to the driver folder. Also, try a different USB port and cable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will this firmware give my Aquaris U a fingerprint sensor?
- No. The standard BQ Aquaris U does not have the physical fingerprint reader hardware installed. This feature is exclusive to the Aquaris U Plus model. This firmware is for the standard Aquaris U only.
- What is the main difference between the BQ Aquaris U and the U Plus?
- The two main differences are the build materials and a key feature. The Aquaris U has a polycarbonate (plastic) body and no fingerprint sensor. The Aquaris U Plus has a more premium metal body and includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Can I upgrade to Android Oreo using this firmware file?
- No. This firmware package (version 1.3.0) will install Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. While the Aquaris U was officially updated to Oreo, you would need to find that specific, newer firmware file to perform the upgrade.
- My phone won’t turn on at all. Will this process fix a “hard brick”?
- No. This fastboot method can only fix a “soft brick,” where the phone can still power on and enter the bootloader/fastboot mode (e.g., stuck on the BQ logo). A “hard brick,” where the phone is completely unresponsive, requires a more advanced Qualcomm method called EDL mode and a different type of firmware.
Conclusion
Restoring the official stock firmware on your BQ Aquaris U is the most reliable way to solve major software problems, from frustrating lag to a complete bootloop. This guide provides the authentic firmware and a clear, step-by-step method to safely get your device working like new again. Always remember that backing up your data is the most critical first step.
If this guide helped you, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps our community. Bookmark our website for more firmware and tech tutorials!
