This page provides the official download link for the BQ Mobile BQ-5201 Space stock firmware. Released in mid-2017, the BQ-5201 Space was a mid-range smartphone that stood out due to its impressive 4000 mAh battery, a feature that promised extended usage times. It is built around the reliable octa-core MediaTek MT6753 chipset, features a 5.2-inch HD display, and runs on Android 7.0 Nougat.
Over the years, software can degrade, leading to issues like rapid battery drain, system lag, or even a complete failure to start up (bootloop). If your BQ-5201 Space is experiencing these problems, reinstalling the official stock ROM is the most effective solution. This flash file will restore your device’s software to its original factory condition, fixing bugs and removing any malware. This guide provides the necessary files to help you unbrick your phone.
User Data Advisory for the BQ-5201 Space
IMPORTANT WARNING: The firmware flashing process will completely erase all data on your phone’s internal storage, including photos, contacts, apps, and personal settings. It is crucial that you perform a full backup of all important files before you begin. Proceed with this guide at your own risk and discretion.
BQ-5201 Space: Quick Device Specifications
- Device Name:
- BQ Mobile BQ-5201 Space
- Release Date:
- July 2017
- Chipset:
- MediaTek MT6753 (28nm)
- Display:
- 5.2 inches, IPS LCD, 1280 x 720 pixels (HD)
- Battery:
- Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
- RAM/Storage:
- 3GB RAM, 32GB Internal Storage
- Original OS:
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- Special Features:
- Rear-mounted Fingerprint Scanner, 4G LTE, Metal Body
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-5201 Space 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-5201 Space Stock Firmware
| Region / Build | Android Version | File Size | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| RU_0.08.522 (20170719) | Android 7.0 Nougat | 3.24GB | Download (Google Drive) |
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_BQ-5201_MT6753...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. Abnormal Battery Drain After Flashing
Cause: The BQ-5201 Space is known for its large 4000 mAh battery. After a full firmware flash, the Android OS may have incorrect battery statistics, leading to what appears to be rapid drain or incorrect percentage readings.
Solution: Calibrate the battery. After flashing, use the phone until it powers off on its own (below 1%). Then, charge it to 100% in one go without interruption. Repeat this process for 2-3 cycles. This helps the Android system re-learn the battery’s capacity and provide a more accurate reading.
2. SP Flash Tool BROM ERROR
Cause: This is a common communication error with MediaTek devices. It can be caused by incorrect drivers, a bad USB cable, or an incompatible version of the SP Flash Tool for the MT6753 chipset.
Solution: Ensure you have correctly installed the MediaTek VCOM drivers and have rebooted your PC. Use a high-quality USB cable and a main USB 2.0 port on your computer. If the error persists, try using a slightly older version of the SP Flash Tool, as they are sometimes more compatible with older chipsets.
3. Invalid IMEI or No SIM Card Detected
Cause: This critical issue happens if the NVRAM partition, which contains your phone’s unique IMEI numbers, gets erased. This is almost always due to using the “Format All + Download” option in SP Flash Tool.
Solution: To prevent this, never use any mode other than “Download Only”. If your IMEI is already lost, you will need an advanced tool like Maui META to rewrite the original IMEI numbers (found on the phone’s box or back panel) back to the device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I upgrade the BQ-5201 Space to Android 8 Oreo?
- No. The firmware provided, Android 7.0 Nougat, is the final major software version officially released for the BQ-5201 Space. There were no official updates to Android 8.0 or newer for this model.
- Will flashing this ROM fix my fingerprint scanner if it has stopped working?
- It is possible. If the fingerprint scanner is failing due to a software glitch or a corrupted driver, flashing the stock firmware will restore the original software and should resolve the issue. However, this will not fix a hardware failure.
- Why does the phone charge slowly?
- The BQ-5201 Space has a large 4000 mAh battery but does not support modern fast charging standards. Using a standard 5V/2A charger, it can take over 3 hours to charge fully. This is normal for a device of its era.
- Will this firmware remove the Google FRP lock?
- In most cases, yes. A full firmware flash with SP Flash Tool typically overwrites the partition that stores the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock. For stubborn cases, the “Format” tab in the tool can be used to manually erase the FRP address.
Conclusion
Restoring your BQ-5201 Space with its official stock firmware is the best way to resolve software issues and fix problems like battery drain and system lag. By using the SP Flash Tool and the files provided, and by carefully following the full instructions in our main guide, you can successfully bring your device back to its original, stable condition. Always remember to back up your data before starting.
If this guide was helpful, or if a link is broken, please let us know in the comments below.
