This page contains the official download link for the BQ Aquaris X5 Plus stock ROM, version 1.5.1. The Aquaris X5 Plus stood out in the mid-range market of 2016 with its powerful Snapdragon 652 processor, a high-quality Sony camera sensor, and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. If your device is experiencing software problems like an unresponsive fingerprint sensor, camera app crashes, bootloops, or general sluggishness, reinstalling the official firmware is the most reliable solution. This package will unbrick a BQ Aquaris X5 Plus and restore its original Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software, fixing deep-level bugs and returning it to its factory state.
The installation is performed using a fastboot script (`flash-all.bat`), which automates the process of flashing all system partitions. This method is the official procedure for BQ devices and ensures a clean, complete software installation.
User Data Advisory for the BQ Aquaris X5 Plus
Total Data Deletion Notice: The flashing procedure requires an unlocked bootloader, which will force a factory reset and completely erase all data from your BQ Aquaris X5 Plus. All your photos, contacts, apps, and personal settings will be permanently deleted. A comprehensive backup to a separate device or cloud service is mandatory before you proceed.
BQ Aquaris X5 Plus: Quick Device Specifications
Please verify these specifications match your device to ensure you are using the correct firmware.
- Device Model:
- BQ Aquaris X5 Plus
- Release Date:
- July 2016
- Chipset:
- Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 (28 nm)
- Display:
- 5.0 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels (FHD)
- Camera:
- 16 MP, Sony IMX298 Sensor, 4K Video Recording
- Battery:
- 3200 mAh, Non-removable Li-Po
- RAM/Storage:
- 2GB/16GB, 3GB/32GB
- Key Features:
- Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor, NFC
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following software and drivers to flash your phone.
- Android SDK Platform-Tools (Contains the necessary ADB and Fastboot files)
- Qualcomm USB Drivers
- The BQ Aquaris X5 Plus Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ Aquaris X5 Plus Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_Aquaris_X5_Plus_1.5.1_20161117.zip | 6.0.1 Marshmallow | 1.1GB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ Aquaris X5 Plus Stock Firmware (Fastboot Method)
This firmware is installed using an automated batch script that flashes all partitions via fastboot. Follow these steps carefully.
- Preparation: Install the 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:\X5_Plus). - Enable OEM Unlocking: On your phone, go to Settings > About phone and tap the “Build number” 7 times. Return to the main Settings menu, enter Developer options, and enable “OEM unlocking” and “USB debugging”.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your Aquaris X5 Plus completely. Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons together until the fastboot/bootloader screen appears.
- Unlock the Bootloader: Connect your phone to your PC. Open a command prompt and run the command
fastboot oem unlock-go. This is a critical step and will wipe your data. After it finishes, reboot the phone back into fastboot mode. - Run the Flashing Script: With the phone in fastboot mode and connected to the PC, navigate to the folder where you extracted the firmware. Find and double-click the
flash-all.batfile. - Wait for Completion: A command window will open and automatically flash all the necessary partitions. Do not unplug the phone. It will reboot automatically into the freshly installed OS once the process is complete.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are solutions for potential issues with the BQ Aquaris X5 Plus.
1. Fingerprint Sensor is Not Working or Responding
Cause: A software glitch, corrupted driver, or a bad system update can cause the fingerprint sensor to stop working, even if the hardware is fine. You might see an error message, or the option may disappear from settings.
Solution: A full firmware flash using this package is the most reliable fix. It reinstalls the specific firmware for the fingerprint sensor hardware along with all the necessary system drivers and libraries, restoring its functionality.
2. Camera Fails to Start, Crashes, or Shows a Black Screen
Cause: The powerful Sony IMX298 sensor in the X5 Plus relies on a stable software stack. Corruption in the camera application, its media server dependencies, or the camera drivers can cause it to fail.
Solution: Flashing the stock ROM completely rebuilds the entire camera software environment. This resolves conflicts and corruption, often fixing issues where the camera fails to initialize or crashes upon opening.
3. Device Overheats, Especially During Gaming
Cause: The Snapdragon 652 is a powerful processor that can generate significant heat under heavy load like 3D gaming or 4K video recording. While some warmth is normal, excessive heat can be worsened by rogue background apps or software inefficiencies.
Solution: Reinstalling the stock firmware ensures there are no unnecessary background processes consuming CPU cycles and contributing to heat. It restores the original thermal management configuration. After flashing, ensure you are not running too many heavy apps at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Will this firmware update my Aquaris X5 Plus to Android 7 (Nougat)?
- No. This specific firmware package (version 1.5.1) is an official Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow build. To upgrade to Nougat, you would need to find a later official firmware version or use a custom ROM.
- What is the main difference between the BQ Aquaris X5 and the X5 Plus?
- The X5 Plus is a major upgrade over the standard X5. It features a much more powerful Snapdragon 652 processor (vs. Snapdragon 412), a significantly better camera (16MP Sony IMX298 vs. 13MP), a fingerprint sensor, and 4K video recording capabilities, none of which were on the original X5.
- My phone is asking for a Google account after flashing and I can’t remember it. What do I do?
- This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection (FRP). After a reset, you must enter the password for the last Google account synced to the device. If you cannot remember it, you will need to search for specific FRP bypass methods for the BQ Aquaris X5 Plus on Android 6.0.1.
- Can I use this firmware to fix a phone that won’t turn on at all (hard brick)?
- No. This fastboot method requires the phone to be able to boot into the bootloader/fastboot mode. A hard-bricked Qualcomm device that is not detected by the computer needs a more advanced method called EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and a different type of firmware.
Conclusion
Restoring the official stock firmware on your BQ Aquaris X5 Plus is the most effective way to solve complex software problems and bring back the powerful performance the device is known for. This guide provides the authentic firmware and a reliable fastboot method to fix issues with the camera, fingerprint sensor, and overall system stability. Always remember to back up your important data before beginning.
If this guide helped you revive your phone, please let us know in the comments below. Bookmark our site for more firmware and tech guides!
