This is a fantastic and unique device! The BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen Edition was special because it shipped with Cyanogen OS directly from the factory, offering a more customizable and community-driven Android experience out of the box.
This page provides the official download link for the BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen Edition firmware, version 13.1.4. This is not a typical Android device; it was released as a special collaboration with Cyanogen Inc., running the once-popular Cyanogen OS based on Android Marshmallow. If you are looking to restore your device to its original factory software, fix bootloop issues, or clean up after a faulty custom ROM, flashing this official package is the perfect solution. The BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen OS flash file will revert all changes and bring back the unique software experience this phone was known for.
Cyanogen OS was celebrated for its performance enhancements, deep customization options (like its theme engine), and privacy features that went beyond standard Android. Restoring this firmware is ideal for purists who want the original software or for those who need a stable base before exploring other custom ROMs. The installation process involves flashing a .zip package, typically through a recovery environment using ADB sideload.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris X5
Important Notice: Flashing this firmware will erase all data on your BQ Aquaris X5’s internal storage, including your apps, photos, contacts, and settings. A complete backup to an external device or cloud service is essential before you start. This procedure, which may require an unlocked bootloader, is for users comfortable with manual software installation.
BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen Edition: Quick Device Specifications
Confirm that these specifications match your device to ensure you’re using the correct file.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris X5 (Cyanogen Edition)
- Release Date:
- November 2015
- Chipset:
- Qualcomm MSM8916T Snapdragon 412 (28 nm)
- Display:
- 5.0 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels (HD)
- Battery:
- 2900 mAh, Non-removable Li-Po
- RAM/Storage:
- 2GB/16GB or 3GB/32GB
- Original OS:
- Cyanogen OS 12.1 (upgradable to 13.1.4, based on Android 6.0.1)
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following tools and drivers to install the firmware package.
- Android SDK Platform-Tools (for ADB and Fastboot)
- Qualcomm USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen OS Firmware (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris X5 Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Cyanogen OS Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_X5_Cyanogen_Edition_13…FE.zip | 13.1.4 (Android 6.0.1) | 815MB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen OS Firmware
This is a manual update process performed via recovery. For a full guide on this method, refer to the linked pillar article.
- Enable OEM Unlocking: On your phone, go to Settings > About phone and tap “Build number” 7 times. Then go to Developer options and enable “OEM unlocking” and “USB debugging”.
- Boot into Fastboot: Power off your phone. Press and hold Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously to enter fastboot mode.
- Unlock Bootloader: Connect your phone to your PC. Open a command prompt in your Platform-Tools folder and type:
fastboot oem unlock-go. This will wipe your device. - Boot into Recovery: After unlocking, boot into recovery mode. The key combination from a powered-off state is typically Volume Down + Power on Cyanogen devices.
- Flash via ADB Sideload: In recovery, select “Apply update,” then “Apply from ADB.” On your PC, type the command:
adb sideload BQ_Aquaris_X5_Cyanogen_Edition_13.1.4_ZNH2KAS5FE.zip(use the actual filename). Once done, reboot your device.
For a detailed walkthrough of this process, please see our complete guide: How to Manually Install Official OTA Updates via ADB Sideload.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some specific issues you might encounter with the BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen Edition.
1. Camera Quality Seems Low
Cause: While the Aquaris X5 has a capable 13MP Sony sensor, Cyanogen OS camera processing was often criticized for being inferior to manufacturer’s stock Android software. Photos might appear less sharp or have less vibrant colors.
Solution: After flashing the firmware, try a third-party camera app from the Google Play Store, such as Open Camera. These apps often have more advanced processing algorithms and manual controls that can help you get more out of the phone’s hardware than the default Cyanogen camera app.
2. Google Apps (GApps) Are Missing
Cause: Some Cyanogen OS firmware packages did not come with Google services pre-installed to offer a “cleaner” Android experience. This firmware may be one of them.
Solution: If you find the Play Store and other Google apps are missing after flashing, you will need to flash a GApps package separately. You must do this immediately after flashing the ROM, before the first boot. Download a “Pico” or “Nano” GApps package for Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) ARM and flash it from recovery right after you sideload the main firmware zip.
3. “Trust” Icon in Status Bar Shows an Exclamation Mark
Cause: Trust was a central security feature in Cyanogen OS 13. It warns users about security vulnerabilities, such as running an outdated Android Security Patch, having an unlocked bootloader, or having apps with root access.
Solution: An unlocked bootloader will always trigger this warning. This is normal and doesn’t affect functionality. If it’s warning about security patches, be aware that Cyanogen OS is discontinued and will not receive further updates, so this warning is expected. You can tap the icon to see the specific reason for the warning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Cyanogen OS?
- Cyanogen OS was a commercial operating system developed by Cyanogen Inc., based on the open-source CyanogenMod project. It was known for offering a stock-like Android experience with extensive customization, enhanced privacy controls, and performance tweaks. The project is now discontinued.
- Is it safe to use a BQ Aquaris X5 with Cyanogen OS in 2024?
- For modern, secure daily use, it is not recommended. Cyanogen OS has not received security updates since ~2016, leaving it vulnerable to modern exploits. This firmware is best for device restoration, nostalgic purposes, or as a base for flashing a more current custom ROM like LineageOS.
- Will this firmware work on the standard BQ Aquaris X5 that came with Android?
- While the hardware is identical, flashing firmware intended for one edition onto another can be risky. This package is specifically for the Cyanogen Edition and is the safest option for restoring that particular model.
- Can I update to a newer Android version after flashing this?
- You cannot officially update. This is the final version of Cyanogen OS released for the BQ Aquaris X5. To get a newer Android version, you would need to unlock the bootloader and install a third-party custom ROM from sources like the XDA-Developers forums.
Conclusion
The BQ Aquaris X5 Cyanogen Edition remains a fascinating piece of Android history. By using this official firmware package, you can fully restore your device to its unique, out-of-the-box state. This is the perfect solution for fixing software errors, removing custom ROMs, or simply reliving the experience of one of the most promising alternative operating systems of its time.
If you encounter any issues or find a link is broken, please let us know in the comments below. We hope this guide helps you bring your Aquaris X5 back to life!
