Huawei Mediapad X1 70 Update Lollipop Install
This guide is for advanced users. It requires a Windows/Linux PC, USB debugging, and willingness to risk bricking the device. Not all hardware features (e.g., Huawei’s proprietary noise cancellation, stock camera app enhancements) may work perfectly in custom ROMs.
Appendix A: Useful ADB/Fastboot Commands Cheat Sheet
| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| adb devices | List connected devices |
| adb reboot bootloader | Reboot to fastboot mode |
| fastboot flash recovery recovery.img | Flash custom recovery |
| fastboot erase cache | Clear cache partition |
| adb shell | Open Android shell |
| adb logcat | View system logs |
Appendix B: Known Stable ROMs for MediaPad X1 (Android 5.1.1)
Always verify SHA-256 checksums before flashing.
End of paper
The Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 (model number 7D-503L or 7D-501u) was, at its launch, a revolutionary device—a 7-inch phablet that doubled as a tablet with full calling capabilities. Powered by a Kirin 910 processor and running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean out of the box, it was sleek, powerful for its time, and had an impressive screen-to-body ratio.
However, as Android evolved, the MediaPad X1 was left behind. Officially, Huawei halted updates at Android 4.4.2 KitKat with Emotion UI 2.0. For years, owners have been searching for a way to experience Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop—with its Material Design, improved notifications, better battery management (Project Volta), and enhanced performance.
So, the pressing question remains: Can you install Lollipop on the Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0? And if so, how?
The short answer is: Yes, unofficially. There is no official OTA (Over-The-Air) Lollipop update from Huawei. But thanks to the developer community on forums like XDA-Developers and 4PDA, you can flash a stable custom ROM based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
This long article will walk you through everything you need to know—from prerequisites to step-by-step installation, risks, post-installation tips, and troubleshooting. huawei mediapad x1 70 update lollipop install
With the bootloader unlocked:
Now boot directly into TWRP: Turn off tablet, then press Power + Volume Up until recovery appears.
Unless you have experience with custom ROMs and accept major bugs, stay on KitKat (B015 or B017 stock firmware) – it is stable and fully functional.
If you still want to try Lollipop, search XDA Developers forum for:
“Huawei MediaPad X1 Android 5.0 custom ROM” – look for threads by surdu_petru or mparus.
Would you like a link to the last known working TWRP and Lollipop ROM for this device?
To update a Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 (models 7D-501u, 7D-501L, or 7D-503L) to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, you must generally use a manual local update method, as official over-the-air (OTA) support for this legacy device has largely concluded. Prerequisites Before Installation
Identify Your Model: Ensure you have the correct firmware for your specific variant (e.g., 7D-501u or 7D-503L).
Backup Your Data: The update process often requires a factory reset or can fail, leading to data loss.
Battery Level: Maintain at least 30-50% battery to prevent the device from powering off during the flash.
SD Card: A high-quality microSD card with at least 2GB of free space is recommended. How to Install Android Lollipop on Huawei MediaPad X1 Step 1: Download the Firmware This guide is for advanced users
You will need the official firmware package, typically named UPDATE.APP. For the MediaPad X1, the Lollipop update often comes as part of EMUI 3.1. Reliable archives for these legacy files include HardReset.info or community forums like 4PDA. Step 2: Prepare the SD Card Format your microSD card to FAT32 on a computer.
Create a folder named dload in the root directory of the SD card. Copy the UPDATE.APP file into this dload folder. Step 3: Initiate the Update There are two primary ways to trigger the installation: Option A: Software Menu (If the device is on) Insert the SD card into your MediaPad X1. Navigate to Settings > System Updates. Select Menu or Local Update.
The device should detect the UPDATE.APP file and prompt you to install. Option B: Forced Upgrade (Three-Button Method) Turn off the tablet completely. Insert the SD card.
Press and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously.
Release the Power button when the Huawei logo appears, but keep holding the Volume buttons until the update screen starts.
Wait for the progress bar to complete. The device will restart automatically. Common Troubleshooting Tips Huawei MediaPad X1 4.4.2 KitKat update (HOWTO)
The Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 originally launched with Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and later received an official update to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) via Huawei's EMUI 3.0 or 3.1 interface. Because this is an older device, you typically have two ways to install the update: an automatic over-the-air (OTA) update or a manual "dload" installation. Method 1: Automatic Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
This is the easiest method if your device is still connected to official servers.
Backup Data: Ensure all your photos and files are backed up.
Charge Battery: Your tablet should have at least 50% battery or be plugged into a charger. Check for Update: Go to Settings > System updates. Tap Check for updates. Appendix A: Useful ADB/Fastboot Commands Cheat Sheet |
If a Lollipop update appears, follow the prompts to download and install it. Method 2: Manual Installation (The "dload" Method)
If the OTA update is not appearing, you can manually flash the firmware. You will need a microSD card with at least 4GB of space.
Download Firmware: Locate the official Android 5.0/EMUI 3.x firmware for your specific model (e.g., 7D-501u or 7D-503L). These are usually hosted on Huawei Support or community archives. Prepare the SD Card:
Create a folder on the root of your microSD card named dload.
Extract the downloaded firmware and copy the UPDATE.APP file into that dload folder. Execute the Update: Insert the SD card into your MediaPad X1. Go to Settings > Updates > Menu > Local update. Select the UPDATE.APP file and confirm.
The tablet will reboot and begin the installation process. Do not turn off the device during this time. Troubleshooting Tips
Factory Reset: If the system feels sluggish after the update, perform a factory reset via the recovery menu to clear old system cache.
Version Compatibility: Ensure you are downloading the firmware that matches your regional model (China vs. International) to avoid "software mismatch" errors.
If your downloaded firmware is a zip file, unzip it. You are looking for a file named MT6592_Android_Scatter.txt. The MediaPad X1 runs on the MediaTek MT6592 chipset, so this scatter file tells the flashing software where to write the data on the tablet's memory.
First boot may take 10–15 minutes. Be patient.
Stock recovery cannot flash custom ROMs. You need Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP).
Once inside TWRP, swipe to allow modifications. You are now ready to flash Lollipop.