ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, which worked on Android 8.1 Oreoout of the box. Despite the manufacturer's promises, the official update to Android 10 has never been released for all regions. However, this does not mean that device owners are deprived of the opportunity to obtain the latest version of the OS.

In this article we will examine all available update methods: from checking official OTA packages to installing custom firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience. You'll learn how to prepare your phone, what tools you'll need, and what to do if something goes wrong. And also - unique nuances for the model ZB601KL/ZB602KLthat are not mentioned in standard guides.

1. Checking the current version of Android and available updates

Before you start updating, make sure that your ZenFone Max Pro M1 really needs manual intervention. In some regions (for example, India) Android 10 was still released via OTA, albeit with a delay.

To check the OS version:

  1. Open Settings → System → About the phone.
  2. Look at the line Android version. If it says 9.0 Pie or below, an update is possible.
  3. Go back to Settings → System → Software update and click Check for updates.
📊 What version of Android do you have now?
Android 8.1 Oreo
Android 9.0 Pie
Android 10 (official)
Android 10 (custom)
Other

If the system writes that there are no updates, but you are sure that there should be them in your region, try:

  • 🔄 Reset update cache: go to Settings → Applications → Three dots → Show system → Software update, clear the cache and data.
  • 📶 Change region: use a VPN with servers in India (for example, ProtonVPN) and check again.
  • 🔌 Connect to another Wi-Fi network: sometimes corporate or public networks block OTA requests.
⚠️ Attention: If your phone was purchased from unofficial sellers or flashed with custom firmware, OTA updates may not work. In this case, proceed to the sections on manual firmware.

2. Preparing the phone for an update: backing up and unlocking the bootloader

Any update - especially through custom firmware - carries the risk of data loss or “bricking” the device. Therefore be sure to back up:

  • 📱 Contacts and SMS: export via Settings → Google → Backup or applications like Super Backup.
  • 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC or to the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
  • 🎮 Applications and settings: use Titanium Backup (requires root) or adb backup.
  • 🔐 IMEI and modem data: save via *#06# or application IMEI Backup.

If you plan to install custom firmware, unlock bootloader:

  1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → For developers (if there is no item, tap 7 times on Build number in About the phone).
  2. Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and enter: 
    adb reboot bootloader

    fastboot flashing unlock

  3. Confirm unlocking on the phone screen (all data will be erased!).

Make a backup copy of your data

Charge the phone at least 70%

Download the necessary drivers (ASUS USB, ADB)

Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)

Disable antivirus on PC-->

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings and may void the warranty (if it is still valid). On some versions ZenFone Max Pro M1 after unlocking it stops working Widevine L1 (no HD in Netflix/Disney+).

3. Official update to Android 10: where to download and how to install

If you live in a region where Android 10 for ZenFone Max Pro M1 it was released (for example, India), you can try installing it manually via OTA package or full firmware.

Official firmware files can be found:

  • 🌐 On ASUS support site (select model ZenFone Max Pro M1 (ZB601KL/ZB602KL)).
  • 📥 On the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA (look for topics with marked [Stock ROM]).
  • 🔍 Through the utility ASUS Flash Tool (downloaded from the official website).

Instructions for installing the official firmware:

  1. Download the firmware file (usually in the format .zip or .raw).
  2. Place it in the root directory of the phone's internal memory.
  3. Reboot into recovery mode (Shutdown → Hold Power + Volume Up).
  4. Select Apply update from ADB (if firmware via ADB) or Apply update from internal storage (if local file).
  5. Confirm installation and wait for completion (do not interrupt the process!).
Firmware type File size Installation method Data reset
OTA update 1.2–1.8 GB Via recovery No
Full firmware (WW) 2.1–2.5 GB Via ASUS Flash Tool Yes
Regional firmware (IN) 1.9–2.3 GB Via ADB or recovery No (sometimes)
💡

If an error occurs when installing the official firmware E3004, try rolling back the phone to Android 8.1, and then repeat the update. This error is due to incompatibility of bootloader versions.

4. Installing custom firmware based on Android 10

If there is no official update for your region, the option remains with custom firmware. for ZenFone Max Pro M1:

  • 📱 LineageOS 17.1 (pure Android 10 without bloatware).
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience (interface like on Google Pixel).
  • 🔧 Havoc-OS (maximum customization).
  • 🛡️ ArrowOS (balance of stability and functions).

What you will need:

  • Unlocked bootloader (see section 2).
  • Installed custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
  • Firmware in format .zip and GApps (if you need Google services).
  • app ADB & Fastboot Tools on PC.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download TWRP for your model (ZB601KL or ZB602KL) with XDA Developers.
  2. Install recovery via fastboot: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

    fastboot reboot recovery

  3. In TWRP do full backup (section Backup, mark Boot, System, Data).
  4. Flash the firmware: 
    Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, System, Data, Cache

    Install → Select ZIP with firmware
    

    Install → Select ZIP with GApps (if necessary)
    

    Reboot System

What to do if there is no network after installing the firmware?

If after installing custom firmware the mobile data is lost or the SIM card is not detected, most likely they do not match modemsSolution:

1. Download modems (files NVRAM or modem.img) for your phone version.

2. Sew them through TWRP to section Modem.

3. Reboot the phone.

If the problem persists, try firmware with a different kernel (for example, KernelSU instead of the standard one).

⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware for ZenFone Max Pro M1 does not work VoLTE/VoWiFi (calls via 4G). Before installation, check the reviews on the forum XDA or 4PDA.

5. Solving common errors when updating

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, problems may arise. Here are the most common and ways to solve them:

Error Cause Solution
Error 7 in TWRP Incompatibility of firmware with the device Check the model (ZB601KL or ZB602KL) and firmware version
Stuck on ASUS logo Damaged boot.img Reflash boot via fastboot: fastboot flash boot boot.img
No network after flashing Lack of modems or incorrect IMEI Flash NVRAM or restore IMEI via Maui META
DM-Verity corruption Wrong flags in vbmeta Disable the check: fastboot --disable-verity flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

If the phone stops turning on ("brick"), try:

  • 🔌 Hard reset: hold Power + Volume Down 15–20 seconds.
  • 💻 Firmware via EDL: if nothing helps, the memory may be damaged. PC like: you will need a box Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and app Mi Flash (yes, it works with ASUS).
  • 📞 Contacting service: if all else fails, it may be damaged emmc (memory).
💡

If after unsuccessful firmware the phone does not respond to buttons, but is detected by the PC as QHSUSB_BULK, don't panic - this is EDL mode. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored.

6. Optimizing Android 10 after updating

After a successful update (official or custom), it is recommended to perform several steps to improve performance and stability:

  • 🔄 Reset cache: go to recovery and select Wipe → Cache.
  • 📉 Disable unnecessary services: Settings → Applications disable pre-installed apps (for example, ASUS ZenUIif you are using custom firmware).
  • 🔋 Battery calibration: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.
  • 🛡️ Setting access rights: if the firmware supports Magisk, install modules to improve battery life (for example, Universal SafetyNet Fix).

For custom firmware also useful:

  • 🎨 Interface settings: in Pixel Experience enable Navigation gestures i Dark theme.
  • 🔊 Improving sound: install ViPER4Android or JamesDSP via Magisk.
  • 📡 Network optimization: in Settings → Mobile network select LTE only for stable Internet.

If after the update the phone became heating or quickly dischargingcheck:

  • 🔍 Background processes in Settings → Battery → Usage.
  • 📊 CPU statistics via application CPU Monitor.
  • 🔄 Kernel version: some custom kernels (for example Kirisakura) may conflict with firmware.

7. Rollback to the previous version of Android

If Android 10 it’s unstable or you don’t like the changes, you can return Android 9 Pie or even 8.1 Oreo. To do this:

  1. Download official firmware the desired version from the ASUS website or XDA.
  2. If you have custom recovery, do full wipe (System, Data, Cache, Dalvik).
  3. Flash firmware via TWRP or ASUS Flash Tool.
  4. If the phone does not turn on, use EDL-mod (see section 5).
⚠️ Attention: When rolling back to Android 8.1 after Android 10 may break DRM (no HD in streaming services). To return Widevine L1, you will need to flash the original vbmeta i boot.

If you used Magisk or other modifications, before rolling back:

  • Delete Magisk via Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.
  • Restore the original boot.img.
  • Disable everything Xposed modules (if any).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1

Can ZenFone Max Pro M1 be updated to Android 11 or 12?

Officially - no, ASUS has not released updates higher Android 10 for this model. However, there are unofficial ports LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) and even 19.1 (Android 12), but they may work unstable. We recommend staying on Android 10 for better performance.

Why does the camera not work after the update?

This problem is typical for custom firmware, where proprietary drivers are not included. ASUS. Solutions:

  1. Install ANX Camera or GCam with settings for ZenFone Max Pro M1.
  2. Flash vendor.img from stock firmware.
  3. Try another build firmware (for example, ArrowOS instead of LineageOS).
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Turn off the phone, then hold Power + Volume Upto enter fastboot. At the bottom of the screen there should be inscription Device State: Unlocked. If there Locked, the bootloader is locked.

Is it possible to update without losing data?

If official update via OTA, the data will be saved during installation. custom firmware or full stock firmware via ASUS Flash Tool —no, you will need wipe data. Exception: some firmware (for example, OrangeFox) support Dirty Flash (update without resetting), but this is risky and may lead to bugs.

Where to download original firmware for ZenFone Max Pro M1?

Official firmware can be found:

  • On the website ASUS support (choose a model ZenFone Max Pro M1 (ZB601KL/ZB602KL)).
  • On the forum XDA Developers in the topic device.
  • In the firmware archive 4PDA (search by model).

Beware of third-party sites with suspicious links - they can spread viruses!