This page contains the official download link for the BQ Aquaris U Plus stock ROM, version 1.3.0. Launched in late 2016, the Aquaris U Plus was a popular mid-range device featuring a premium metal body, a reliable Snapdragon 430 chipset, and a fingerprint sensor. If your device is experiencing issues like bootloops, unresponsive touch (ghost touch), or if the fingerprint sensor has stopped working, reinstalling the official firmware is the most reliable fix. This package will restore the original Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software and can unbrick a BQ Aquaris U Plus, returning it to a stable, factory-fresh state.
The installation is performed using the official BQ method for Qualcomm devices: a fastboot script (`flash-all.bat`) that automates the entire process. This ensures that all system partitions are correctly and completely overwritten with clean, original files.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris U Plus
Complete Data Wipe Notice: The flashing process requires unlocking the bootloader, which will trigger a mandatory factory reset and erase all data on your BQ Aquaris U Plus. All your photos, contacts, applications, and personal files will be permanently lost. It is crucial to perform a full backup before you begin this procedure.
BQ Aquaris U Plus: Quick Device Specifications
Please verify these specifications match your device to ensure you are using the correct firmware.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris U Plus
- 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/16GB, 3GB/32GB
- Key Features:
- Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor, Metal Body
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following software and drivers to flash your phone.
- Android SDK Platform-Tools (Provides up-to-date ADB and Fastboot)
- Qualcomm USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris U Plus Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris U Plus Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_U_Plus_1.3.0_20161017.zip | 6.0.1 Marshmallow | 1.1GB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris U Plus 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_Plus). - 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 Plus. 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 Plus.
1. “Ghost Touch” or Unresponsive Areas on the Screen
Cause: While this can be a hardware issue, it is often caused by corrupted touchscreen drivers or a miscalibrated digitizer firmware. This can happen after a failed software update.
Solution: A full firmware flash is an excellent troubleshooting step. It reinstalls the original, factory-tested touchscreen drivers and calibration settings from scratch. If the problem persists after a clean flash, it is likely a hardware fault.
2. Fingerprint Sensor is Laggy or Fails to Respond
Cause: Software bugs can cause the service that manages the fingerprint sensor to crash or become laggy, leading to poor recognition or a complete failure to respond.
Solution: Flashing the stock ROM provides a clean software environment and reinstalls the specific firmware and drivers for the fingerprint sensor. This often restores the sensor’s original speed and accuracy.
3. Fastboot Script Fails with an Error or Closes Immediately
Cause: The most common reasons for the script failing are that the bootloader is still locked, or the PC is having a driver issue and cannot properly communicate with the phone in fastboot mode.
Solution: Double-check that you have successfully run the fastboot oem unlock-go command. If you see “waiting for device” in the command window, it’s a driver problem. Reinstall the Qualcomm drivers and try a different USB port/cable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will this firmware update my Aquaris U Plus to Android 7 (Nougat) or 8 (Oreo)?
- No. This firmware package (version 1.3.0) is an official Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow build. The Aquaris U Plus did receive official updates to Oreo, but you would need to find a newer firmware file for that upgrade.
- What is the main difference between the BQ Aquaris U and the U Plus?
- The primary differences are build and features. The Aquaris U Plus has a more premium metal body and includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, whereas the standard Aquaris U has a polycarbonate body and no fingerprint sensor.
- Is unlocking the bootloader safe for my BQ Aquaris U Plus?
- Yes, it is a safe and necessary procedure for this flashing method. The main things to remember are that it will always wipe your personal data for security reasons, and it may technically void your warranty. However, since you are flashing official software, it is a standard procedure.
- After flashing, my phone is stuck at the “erasing” screen. What should I do?
- The first boot after a full flash can take a long time, sometimes up to 10-15 minutes. The “erasing” screen is part of the initial setup process as it prepares the data partition. Be patient and leave the phone connected to a power source. Do not force a reboot unless it has been stuck for over 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Restoring the official stock firmware on your BQ Aquaris U Plus is the best way to fix major software malfunctions and restore the device’s original performance. This guide provides the authentic firmware and a reliable fastboot script method to fix issues with the touchscreen, fingerprint sensor, and overall system stability. Always remember to back up your important data before beginning.
If this guide helped you, please share your experience in the comments below. Bookmark our site for more firmware and tech guides!
