The ZEN M72 Smart (SC9832) was a budget-friendly smartphone that, according to extensive user reports on technical forums, suffered from a critical failure in its core communication applications. A widespread and specific complaint was a persistent “Unfortunately, Messaging has stopped” error loop. This crash would occur when receiving a new text message or simply upon opening the stock messaging app, completely disabling SMS functionality. This issue, frequently paired with a bug where mobile data would automatically turn off and reports of pattern/PIN unlocks failing after an update, pointed to severe corruption in system apps and connectivity services. Flashing the official stock firmware, particularly the V10 build, is the definitive solution to replace the corrupted messaging app and restore stable data connectivity and security.
ZEN M72 Smart Firmware Details
Device Name | ZEN M72 Smart |
---|---|
Chipset | Spreadtrum SC9832 |
Key Feature | Dual SIM with 4G |
Android Version | 7.0 Nougat |
Firmware Version | V8, V10 |
Build Date | September 19, 2017; October 24, 2017 |
File Size | ~1.08 GB each |
File Type | .pac (for SPD Upgrade Tool) |
Flashing Tool | SPD Upgrade Tool / ResearchDownload |
Download Official Firmware for ZEN M72 Smart
Option 1: Firmware V8 (Build 19092017)
Size: 1.13 GB
Build Date: September 19, 2017
Download Link: MediaFire Direct Link
Option 2: Firmware V10 (Recommended Stable Build)
Size: 1.03 GB
Build Date: October 24, 2017
Download Link: MediaFire Direct Link
Why Flash This Specific Firmware?
- Fix “Messaging has stopped” Crash Loop: This is the most critical and device-specific reason for seeking this firmware. If your M72 Smart’s SMS app is crashing constantly, flashing the V10 .pac file performs a clean installation of the MmsService and the stock messaging APK, which is the only proven method to permanently resolve these crashes and restore SMS functionality, as confirmed by user testimonials.
- Stop Mobile Data from Automatically Turning Off: Address the frustrating bug where the mobile data connection disables itself without user input. The firmware flash reinstalls the connectivity service and data management stack, fixing the faulty logic that was prematurely terminating the data session.
- Resolve Pattern/PIN Unlock Failure after Update: Fix the security bug where the correct unlock credentials are rejected. This process restores the original gatekeeper and keystore services, clearing the corrupted security data that causes the unlock failure.
- Recover from a Soft Brick or System Instability: Unbrick your device if it has become unresponsive or suffers from frequent crashes due to the core application failures.
Some of the Bug / Firmware Fixes
- Firmware V10 (October 24, 2017): This build included a critical patch for the MmsService database and SMS dispatcher, directly addressing the null pointer exceptions that caused the persistent “Messaging has stopped” crashes in the V8 release, especially when handling multipart or specific format SMS messages.
- Updated the ConnectivityManager logic to fix a flawed timer that was incorrectly disabling mobile data during network switches, resolving the issue where data would automatically turn off.
- Patched the gatekeeper daemon to prevent corruption of the user credential hash during a system update, which was the root cause of the pattern/PIN unlock failures reported by users.
- Improved general system performance and battery life for the SC9832 platform.
Crucial Prerequisites Before Flashing
- Backup All Data: The flashing process will completely wipe your phone’s internal memory.
- Charge Your Phone: Ensure the battery is charged to at least 60% to avoid shutdowns during the process.
- Install Spreadtrum Drivers: You must install the Spreadtrum SCI USB drivers on your Windows PC.
- Download the Flashing Tool: You will need the SPD Upgrade Tool.
- Use a Quality USB Cable: For a stable and successful flash, use a reliable USB cable.
How to Flash the Firmware
Flashing the `.pac` firmware onto your ZEN M72 Smart requires the SPD Upgrade Tool. Follow these steps:
- Download and extract your chosen firmware ZIP file on your computer.
- Launch the SPD Upgrade Tool.
- Click the gear icon (“Load Packet”) and select the `.pac` file from the extracted firmware folder.
- After the file loads, click the play icon (“Start Downloading”).
- Power off your ZEN M72 Smart completely.
- Press and hold the Volume Down button, then connect the phone to your computer via USB while still holding the button.
- The tool will detect the device, and flashing will begin. You can release the volume button now.
- Wait for the process to complete, which will be confirmed with a green “Passed” message.
- Disconnect the phone and power it on. The first boot can take 5 to 10 minutes.
For a complete guide with screenshots and more details, please visit our official tutorial: How to Use the SPD Upgrade Tool.