Meizu M5 is a budget smartphone released in 2016, but still remains in the hands of many users. Despite its age, the device can be upgraded by installing the latest version Android or custom firmware. However, the update process has nuances: official support has long been discontinued, and unofficial methods require caution.

In this article you will find all current update methods - from checking the current software version to installing custom firmware via TWRP. We'll look at how to prepare your phone, where to download firmware, and what to do if something goes wrong. Particular attention is paid to compatibility with modern applications and data security.

If your Meizu M5 slows down, does not support new apps or simply needs a “refresh” - these instructions will help give him back his second life. But remember: you perform any manipulations with the firmware at your own peril and risk.

1. Checking the current version of Android and phone model

Before you start updating, you need to know exactly which version Android is installed on your Meizu M5, as well as its modification. The available update methods and firmware compatibility depend on this.

To find out the software version:

  1. Open Settings → About phone.
  2. Find lines Android version and Build number.
  3. Write down or take a photo of this data - you will need it later.

It is also important to determine the exact model of the device. There were several modifications: Meizu M5 There were several modifications:

  • 📱 M5 (m6 note) —standard version with 2/16 GB of memory.
  • 📱 M5s —improved version with 3/32 GB and a metal case.
  • 📱 M5c —simplified version with a plastic case.

The modification can be found on the sticker under the phone cover or in the settings (About phone → Model).

If the settings indicate Android 6.0 Marshmallow or Flyme 5.2, then your device has factory firmware, and it can be updated to more recent ones versions (up to Android 10 on custom firmware).

📊 What version of Android do you have now?
6.0 Marshmallow
7.0 Nougat
8.0 Oreo
9.0 Pie
Other/I don’t know

2. Official update methods (if still available)

The company Meizu stopped official support M5 in 2018, but in some regions the update servers may still work. Check this first - the official update is the safest.

How to check for updates via OTA:

  1. Connect to stable Wi-Fi (updating "over the air" requires a lot of traffic).
  2. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If an update is found, follow the instructions on the screen.

If the system writes "No updates found" or gives an error, it means that official updates for your model are no longer available. In this case, you will have to use alternative ones. methods.

Important: even if an update is found, it will most likely be before Android 7.0 Nougat (the latest official version for M5To install newer versions, custom firmware will be required.

💡

If your phone does not find the update, try changing the region in the settings to China or India - sometimes this helps to access old servers Meizu.

3. update

Regardless of the chosen update method, the phone must be properly prepared. This minimizes the risks of data loss or the device becoming bricked.

Preparation checklist:

☑️ Preparing Meizu M5 for update

Completed: 0 / 5

Pay special attention backupOn Meizu M5 you can save data in several ways:

  • ☁️ Via Google Account (contacts, photos, some settings).
  • 💾 Locally on PC via MTP (drag files manually).
  • 📱 Using applications like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Also check battery condition. If the battery is very worn (swollen, discharges quickly), the update may be interrupted due to a sudden shutdown. In this case, it is better to connect the phone to a charger original cable for the duration of the firmware.

What will happen if you do not make a backup?

When installing custom firmware, all data on the phone will be erased (including photos, messages and applications). It will be impossible to restore them after the firmware without a preliminary copy.

If you plan to install custom firmware, you will additionally need:

  • 🔓 Unlock Bootloader (instructions below).
  • 🛠️ Install TWRP Recovery (custom recovery).
  • 📥 Download suitable firmware (for example, LineageOS or HavocOS).

4. Installing custom firmware via TWRP

If there are no official updates, and you want to install Android 8.0+, the only option is custom firmware. For Meizu M5 unofficial assemblies based on LineageOS, AOSP and others are available. projects.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Unlock Bootloader:
    • Enable Mode 7 times Developer (click on Build number in Settings → About phone).
    • Activate OEM unlocking i USB debugging in Developer settings.
    • Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
      fastboot oem unlock
  2. Install TWRP Recovery:
    • Download the latest version TWRP for Meizu M5 (for example, from the forum XDA Developers).
    • Restart the phone in Fastboot (hold Volume up + Power).
    • Run the command: 
      fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
  • Flash custom firmware:
    • Place the downloaded firmware file (.zip) on SD card or internal memory.
    • Boot into TWRP (hold Volume up + Power when turning on).
    • Do Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
    • Select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.

    The installation process will take 5-15 minutes. Once completed, perform Wipe Cache/Dalvik and reboot the phone. The first startup can last up to 10 minutes is normal.

    💡

    Custom firmware requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP. Without these steps, installation is impossible.

    Where to download firmware for Meizu M5:

    Source Firmware type Supported Android version Link (search)
    XDA Developers LineageOS, AOSP 8.1–10 XDA Forum → Meizu M5
    4PDA Ported firmware 7.1–9.0 Meizu M5 section on w3bsit3-dns.com
    Needrom Stock and custom 6.0–8.1 Search by model "m5"

    ⚠️ Attention: Some firmware may contain bugs (non-working Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or camera Read reviews on the forums before installing!

    5. Update via Fastboot (for experienced users)

    If TWRP for some reason it is not suitable, you can flash the phone via Fastboot. This method requires more technical knowledge, but sometimes it is the only working option.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers Meizu i ADB/Fastboot.
    • 📁 Firmware in format .img or .bin (for example, official stock).
    • 🔌 Original USB cable (poor quality cables can interrupt the firmware).

    Instructions:

    1. Unpack the firmware into a folder c fastboot.exe.
    2. Switch the phone to Fastboot (Volume down + Power mode).
    3. Connect the phone to the PC and check the connection with the command: 
      fastboot devices

      (the serial number of the device should be displayed).

    4. Flash each partition in turn (example for stock firmware): 
      fastboot flash boot boot.img

      fastboot flash system system.img
      

      fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

    5. After flashing, do: 
      fastboot reboot

    ⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Fastboot erases all data without the possibility of recovery. There is also a risk of “skipping” if the firmware files are damaged or incompatible with the model.

    If after flashing the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, try:

    • Repeat the firmware with a different software version.
    • Run Wipe Data via Fastboot: 
      fastboot erase userdata
    • Install TWRP and flash the firmware through it.

    6. Solving common errors when updating

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

    Error Possible cause Solution
    Error 7 in TWRP Incompatible firmware or damaged file Download another firmware version or check MD5file hash
    The phone does not turn on after the firmware Incorrect Wipe or damaged Boot-section Flash stock firmware via Fastboot or SP Flash Tool
    Fastboot does not see the device Missing drivers or cable problem Install drivers Meizu, try another cable/USB port
    Stuck on the logo Meizu Module conflict or incomplete firmware Run Factory Reset via Recovery

    If the phone stops turning on after an unsuccessful firmware update, do not panic. In most cases, it can be “reanimated” using SP Flash Tool (for processors MediaTek) or returning to stock firmware.

    To restore via SP Flash Tool:

    1. Download stock firmware for Meizu M5 in format .scatter.
    2. Run SP Flash Tool and download scatter file.
    3. Connect turned off phone to PC.
    4. Press Download and wait for the process to complete.

    ⚠️ Attention: Use SP Flash Tool with incorrect scatter file may permanently damage the phone. Make sure that the file matches your model (M5and not M5s or M5c)!

    7. Optimizing your phone after updating

    After a successful update, the phone may work slower than expected. This is due to the fact that new versions require more resources and have modest specifications (2-3 GB of RAM). performance: Android require more resources and Meizu M5 has modest characteristics (MediaTek MT6750, 2–3 GB RAM).

    To improve performance:

    • ⚡ Disable interface animation:
      • Enable Developer mode.
      • Set Window animation = 0.5x, Animation of transitions = 0.5x.
    • 🗑️ Clear the cache regularly (via Settings → Memory).
    • 🔄 Use lightweight alternatives to standard applications (for example, Nova Launcher instead of the stock launcher).
    • 🔋 Disable the background activity of unnecessary applications (Settings → Applications → Battery).

    Also recommended:

    • 📵 Set Greenify to hibernate background processes.
    • 🖼️ Use wallpaper in resolution 720p (not 1080p) to reduce the load on the GPU.
    • 🔄 Reboot your phone regularly (every 1-2 days) to clear the RAM.

    If some functions stop working after the update (for example, NFC or IR blaster), check whether your firmware supports them. Patches are often posted on the forums to restore functionality.

    8. Alternative ways to "update" without flashing

    If you don't want to risk flashing your phone, there are ways to improve its performance without changing the version Android:

    • 🔄 Reset to factory settings:

      Sometimes the phone is slow due to accumulated garbage. Resetting will return it to a “clean” state. To do this, go to Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset.

    • 📱 Using launchers:

      Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair —they offer a modern interface even on older versions of Android.

    • 🛡️ Updating individual applications:

      Many apps (for example, Google Chrome or YouTube) are updated via Play Market regardless of the Android version. This will allow you to use new functions without firmware.

    • 🔧 Magisk cores and modules:

      If you have root, you can install modules to optimize performance (for example, Magisk + Kernel Adiutor).

    These methods will not replace a full update, but will help extend the life of the phone without risks.

    💡

    If you only need new application functions (and not the system itself), it is often enough to update apps through the Play Market and install a modern launcher.

    ⚠️ Attention: Installing root or modified kernels may lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid) and security problems (for example, some banking applications refuse to work on rooted devices).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Meizu M5

    Is it possible to update Meizu M5 to Android 11 or later?

    No, the maximum available version for Meizu M5 — Android 10 (on some custom firmware). Newer versions are not supported due to hardware limitations (processor MediaTek MT6750 and 2-3 GB of RAM).

    Will I lose data when updating via OTA?

    During an official update via OTA the data is usually saved. However, when installing custom firmware via TWRP a full one is required, which erases all files! Wipe, which erases all files. Always make a backup!

    The phone does not turn on after that. firmware. What to do?

    First try to boot into Recovery (Volume up + Power) and do Wipe Data. If this does not help, flash the stock firmware via SP Flash Tool or Fastboot.

    Where to download the official firmware for Meizu M5?

    Official firmware can be found on the forums 4PDA or NeedromLook for files marked "Stock ROM" for. model "m5". Also check the hash of the downloaded file! MD5-hash of the downloaded file!

    Is it possible to roll back to the old version of Android after updating?

    Yes, but this requires updating the stock version via Fastboot or SP Flash Tool. Please note that when you roll back, there may be problems with the operation of some applications (for example, those that required a new version of Android).