The BQ-5044 Strike LTE is an entry-level smartphone from 2017 featuring a 5.0-inch IPS display and a metallic-finish body. It’s powered by the MediaTek MT6737M chipset, offering 4G LTE connectivity and running Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. This guide provides the official stock ROM (firmware) for the BQ-5044. Flashing this firmware is the most effective solution for resolving software-level problems, such as a device that is stuck in a boot loop, suffering from persistent crashes, or is completely bricked and unresponsive.
Important: This procedure involves a complete reinstallation of the operating system and will erase all your personal data, including photos, contacts, and apps. It is essential to back up your data before proceeding if your device is still accessible.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: BQ-5044 Strike LTE
- Release Year: 2017
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6737M
- Display: 5.0″ IPS, 1280 x 720 pixels
- Memory: 1GB RAM
- Storage: 8GB
- Battery: 2500 mAh
- Original OS: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Required Downloads
To flash the firmware on a MediaTek device, you need the SP Flash Tool and the appropriate VCOM drivers to allow your computer to communicate with the phone. You can find downloads for both of these in our main guide, linked below.
- SP Flash Tool
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
Official Stock Firmware Package
| Build Version | Android OS | File Type | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ-5044_Strike_LTE_MT6737M_211117 | 7.0 | Scatter File (SP Flash Tool) | Download |
How to Flash Firmware on BQ-5044 Strike LTE
The flashing process for the BQ-5044 Strike LTE involves using the SP Flash Tool on a Windows computer. You will need to load the “scatter file” (found within the extracted firmware folder) into the tool. After loading the file, you connect your powered-off phone to the computer via USB, and the tool will automatically begin the flashing process. This procedure overwrites the entire software system, installing a fresh, official version.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions on installing drivers and using the SP Flash Tool, please follow our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Flash Stock Firmware to MediaTek (MTK) Smartphones.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting
- SP Flash Tool Errors (e.g., BROM ERROR): If you encounter an error in the SP Flash Tool, it’s often due to incorrect drivers, a bad USB cable, or an incompatible tool version. Ensure you have installed the MediaTek VCOM drivers correctly. Try using the “Firmware Upgrade” option in the tool’s dropdown menu instead of “Download Only.”
- Device Not Detected: If your PC doesn’t recognize the phone, the VCOM drivers are likely the issue. You may need to temporarily disable Windows Driver Signature Enforcement to install them. To initiate the connection, make sure the phone is completely powered off, then press and hold the Volume Down key while plugging in the USB cable.
- No Power After Flashing: In a rare scenario where the phone won’t turn on after a successful flash, it might be due to a drained battery. Leave it connected to a charger for at least 30 minutes. If that fails, try re-flashing the firmware, but this time, make sure to use the “Firmware Upgrade” option in SP Flash Tool, as this also refreshes the bootloader.
- Preloader Issues: It is generally recommended not to flash the “preloader” partition unless absolutely necessary (e.g., the device is hard-bricked). Flashing the wrong preloader can permanently damage the device. The default setting in the SP Flash Tool usually has it unchecked; leave it that way for safety.
FAQs
Q1. Will this update my Android version to 8 or 9?
No. This is the official stock firmware, which will install Android 7.0 Nougat. It is a reinstallation package, not an OS upgrade.
Q2. I downloaded the file, but I don’t see a single file to load. What do I do?
You must first extract the contents of the downloaded .zip file. Inside the resulting folder, you will find multiple files, including one named something like `MT6737M_Android_scatter.txt`. This is the scatter file that you need to load into the SP Flash Tool.
Q3. Is rooting required to flash this firmware?
No. This is an official firmware package and can be flashed on a completely stock, non-rooted device with a locked bootloader using the SP Flash Tool.
Q4. My phone’s touch screen isn’t working after flashing. Why?
This can sometimes happen if the manufacturer used different hardware parts (like a touch panel) during production. The installed firmware’s driver might be for a different revision. The best solution is to find an alternative stock ROM version for your device, as it may contain the correct driver.
