This page provides the official download link for the BQ Aquaris E4 (W70) stock firmware. The Aquaris E4 is a classic smartphone from 2015, famous for being one of the world’s first devices to ship with the Ubuntu Touch operating system as an alternative to Android. This particular firmware package is for the Android version of the device, specifically for the hardware revision running the MediaTek MT6580 chipset, and will install Android 5.1 Lollipop.
Given its age, the BQ Aquaris E4 is highly susceptible to software issues like extreme slowness, app incompatibility, or getting stuck in a bootloop. Reinstalling the official stock ROM is the best way to revive the device. This flash file will restore the phone to a clean, factory state, resolving all software errors. If you need to unbrick your BQ Aquaris E4 or fix a persistent software bug, this guide provides the necessary files.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris E4
IMPORTANT WARNING: The process of flashing firmware will completely and permanently erase all data from your phone’s internal storage. All of your photos, contacts, applications, and personal files will be lost. It is crucial that you back up any important data before you begin this procedure. Proceed at your own discretion and risk.
BQ Aquaris E4: Quick Device Specifications
- Device Name:
- BQ Aquaris E4
- Release Date:
- February 2015
- Chipset:
- MediaTek MT6582 (Note: This firmware is for the MT6580 hardware revision)
- Display:
- 4.5 inches, IPS LCD, 540 x 960 pixels (qHD)
- Battery:
- Li-Po 2150 mAh, non-removable
- RAM/Storage:
- 1GB RAM, 8GB Internal Storage
- Original OS:
- Android 4.4.2 KitKat (This firmware updates to Android 5.1 Lollipop)
- Special Features:
- Famously launched an Ubuntu Touch OS Edition, Dragontrail glass
Required Downloads
Before proceeding, download the firmware package and the necessary tools and drivers from the links below. Extract them all into a single, easy-to-find folder on your computer.
- Firmware Package: The official ROM for the BQ Aquaris E4 is available in the table below.
- SP Flash Tool: The official utility for flashing MediaTek chipsets.
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers: Essential for your computer to recognize the device.
Download BQ Aquaris E4 Stock Firmware
| Region / Build | Android Version | File Size | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| V1.0.6 (06212017) | Android 5.1 Lollipop | 456MB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash the Firmware: 5 Key Points
This is a high-level overview of the flashing process using SP Flash Tool. For a full, safe, and detailed guide, you must click through to our main pillar article linked below.
- Prepare Your PC: Download and install the required MediaTek VCOM USB drivers to ensure your computer can communicate with your phone.
- Load the Firmware: Launch SP Flash Tool and load the firmware by selecting the `…scatter.txt` file from the extracted firmware folder (e.g.,
BQ_Aquaris_W70_MT6580...zip). - Configure the Tool: Ensure the flashing mode is set to “Download Only.” This is the safest option and helps prevent the loss of your phone’s IMEI number.
- Initiate the Flash: Power off your phone completely. Click the large “Download” button within the SP Flash Tool to set it to standby.
- Connect Your Device: Immediately connect your powered-off phone to the PC with a USB cable to begin the flashing process, which finishes when a green “OK” checkmark appears.
Warning: This summary omits critical steps. For the complete, illustrated guide, please visit our main article: How to Flash Stock Firmware on MediaTek Smartphones.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. “Google Play Services has stopped” Error
Cause: This is a very common error on older Android versions like 5.1 Lollipop. The pre-installed Google Play Services in the firmware is ancient and immediately conflicts with modern network requirements upon connection.
Solution: After the first boot, immediately connect to Wi-Fi, open the Google Play Store, and let it update itself and all core Google apps (especially Google Play Services) before doing anything else. This may take some time. If the error persists, a factory reset after the updates are complete can help.
2. SP Flash Tool BROM ERROR 4032
Cause: This classic error on older MediaTek devices often indicates a failure to communicate with the phone’s RAM. It’s usually a driver, tool version, or connection timing issue.
Solution: Ensure you have the correct VCOM drivers installed. Try using an older version of SP Flash Tool (e.g., v5.18xx), as it can be more compatible. A common trick is to click “Download,” then connect the phone while holding the Volume Down key. If that fails, try connecting without holding any keys.
3. Extremely Slow Performance
Cause: The BQ Aquaris E4 has very limited hardware (1GB RAM, older quad-core CPU). Android 5.1 Lollipop is not as optimized as later “Go” editions, and it will struggle with even basic modern apps.
Solution: After flashing, set realistic expectations. Go into Developer Options and set all animation scales to 0x or Off. Use lightweight browsers and avoid social media apps, which are very resource-heavy. A clean flash is the best you can do to optimize its performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was the Ubuntu Touch version of this phone?
- The BQ Aquaris E4 was famous for being one of the first commercially available phones running Ubuntu Touch, a mobile operating system developed by Canonical. It offered a different, gesture-based user experience but ultimately had limited app support compared to Android.
- Can I upgrade this phone to a modern Android version like 10 or 11?
- No, that is not possible. The firmware provided, Android 5.1 Lollipop, is the final official software version for the BQ Aquaris E4. Its hardware cannot support modern Android operating systems.
- The firmware filename says MT6580, but the phone launched with MT6582. Why?
- It’s common for manufacturers to release minor hardware revisions of a device during its production run. BQ likely produced a later batch of the Aquaris E4 using the very similar MT6580 chipset. This firmware is specifically for that hardware version.
- Will this ROM fix issues with the phone not connecting to Wi-Fi?
- If the connection issue is caused by a software glitch or corrupted file, then yes, flashing the stock ROM is very likely to fix it. It will restore the original drivers and network configuration. However, it cannot fix a hardware failure of the Wi-Fi chip.
Conclusion
Restoring your classic BQ Aquaris E4 with its official stock firmware is the best way to bring it back from a bootloop or overcome persistent software errors. While its performance will be limited by its age, a clean installation of Android 5.1 Lollipop will make it as stable and functional as possible. Always remember to back up your data and follow the full instructions in our main guide for a safe flash.
If this guide helped you revive your old device, let us know in the comments!
