Owners of Explay tablet computers are often faced with the need to upgrade software, since standard updates OTA (Over-the-Air) may arrive with a delay or be completely absent for outdated models. The current version of the operating system not only adds new features, but also closes critical security vulnerabilities, ensuring stable operation of applications. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for installing new software, from automatic updates via Wi-Fi to manual flashing using a computer.
The update process Android requires preliminary preparation of the device to avoid data loss or turning the gadget into a “brick”. You'll need to make sure you have enough battery power and free space on your internal storage. Despite the fact that Explay has stopped actively supporting many of its older models, the community of independent developers continues to release custom builds that can extend the life of devices.
Before you take active steps, you need to understand which method is suitable for your situation. If the tablet turns on and works correctly, you should start by checking the official servers. In cases where the device freezes at the logo or does not see the network, a more complex approach will be required using Recovery Mode and a computer.
Diagnostics of the current version and checking for updates
The first step is to identify the exact model of your device and the installed firmware version. This information is critical to finding a compatible update file. Go to the menu Settings and scroll the list to the very bottom to the item About tablet. Here you will see the build number, version Android and processor model.
After receiving the data, you need to check for official updates through the system interface. Connect the tablet to a stable network Wi-Fias the firmware files can weigh several gigabytes. Go to the section Settings → System update and click the button Check for updates.
If the system reports that the latest version is installed, this does not always mean that a newer one Android is not available. Manufacturers often limit support for devices older than 2-3 years. In this case, the automatic search will not produce results, and you will have to search for files manually on third-party resources or forums.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking for updates, make sure that the battery charge is at least 60%. A sudden power outage while loading data can damage system files.
Write down the current build version on paper or take a screenshot. This will allow you to return to the original state if the new software turns out to be unstable or causes errors in the operation of the touch screen.
Preparing the device for the update procedure
Quality preparation is the key to successful installation of the new one operating system. Ignoring this step often results in the process being interrupted in the middle, leaving the device inoperable. The first step is to free up space in the internal memory. The firmware file and temporary installation files require free space, the amount of which should be at least twice the size of the update file itself.
Make a complete backup copy of all important data. When updating via Recovery user data may be deleted. Copy photos, documents and contacts to a memory card microSD or to cloud storage. Pay special attention to the settings of applications that do not synchronize with the cloud automatically.
Enable USB debugging mode if you plan to use the computer for flashing. To do this, go to Settings → For Developers and activate the switch USB Debugging. If there is no “For Developers” item, click 7 times on the build number in the “About Tablet” menu.
- 🔋 Charge the tablet to 100% and do not disconnect it from the network during the process.
- 💾 Free up at least 4-5 GB of free space in the internal storage.
- 📂 Save all important files to an external drive or to the cloud.
- ⚙️ Enable USB debugging in the developer menu.
It is also recommended to remove all unnecessary applications and widgets that may conflict with the new version of the system. The “cleaner” the device is before updating, the lower the likelihood of software failures occurring after a reboot.
☑️ Ready for firmware
Automatic update through settings (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get the new version Android —use the built-in OTA mechanism. This method does not require special knowledge or a computer. The system itself will download the archive, check its integrity and install it in the background.
After clicking the check for updates button, the tablet will contact the manufacturer's server. If a new version is found, the download will begin. The speed of the process depends on your Internet channel. Once the download is complete, the system will prompt you to restart the device for installation.
During installation, the tablet will not be available for use. A logo Explay or robot animation Androidcan be displayed on the screen. Do not try to speed up the process by pressing buttons, this may result in a signature verification error.
⚠️ Attention: If the update is stuck at the “Install” stage for more than 30 minutes, the file may be damaged. In this case, you will need to force a reboot and attempt a manual installation.
Sometimes Explay servers may be unavailable due to maintenance or end of support. In such a situation, a network error message is normal, and you should proceed to manual update methods.
If the OTA update gives an "Insufficient Space" error, try clearing the application cache and deleting downloads without deleting the system files themselves.
Manually installing the firmware via Recovery Mode
When automatic updating is not possible, help recovery mode comes Recovery. This method allows you to install a firmware file downloaded manually from the official website or a trusted forum. The file usually has the extension .zip and must be placed in the root of the memory card or internal memory.
To enter recovery mode, you must turn off the tablet completely. Then hold down the key combination: usually this is Volume up + Power button. Hold them down until the logo appears, then release the power button while continuing to hold the volume down. In the menu that appears, navigation is carried out using the volume buttons, and selection is made using the power button.
Select item apply update from external storage or apply update from sdcard. Find the downloaded firmware file and confirm installation. The system will begin unpacking the archive and writing new data to the memory sections.
| Tablet model | Latest official version | Update type | Support status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explay Surfer 7.32 | Android 4.4.2 | OTA / Manual | Discontinued |
| Explay Surfer 8.34 | Android 5.1 | Manual Only | Discontinued |
| Explay Surfer 10.31 | Android 6.0 | OTA / Manual | Limited |
| Explay X-Tremer 8.0 | Android 7.0 | Manual Only | Relevant |
After installation is complete, select item reboot system now. The first launch may take up to 10-15 minutes as the system optimizes applications. Do not panic if the tablet hangs on the logo for a long time - this is a normal process for the first boot after changing the software version.
What to do if Recovery does not see the firmware file?
Make sure that the firmware file is in the root of the memory card (not in folders) and the card is formatted in the FAT32 file system. NTFS and exFAT are often not recognized by stock recovery.
Using SP Flash Tool for difficult cases
If the tablet does not turn on or Recovery mode is not available, the only option is to use the utility SP Flash Tool. This app works at the bootloader level and allows you to reflash the device even when it is turned off via a USB cable. To work you will need drivers MediaTek USB VCOM.
Download the Scatter file from the archive with the firmware for your specific model. Launch SP Flash Tool on your computer, specify the path to the Scatter fill and select mode Download Only or Firmware Upgrade. Connect the switched off tablet to the PC while holding the volume button.
The app will begin the firmware process, displaying the progress with a colored bar. Wait for the green circle to appear, indicating successful completion. Disconnect the cable and turn on the tablet.
Connection mode: BROM or PreloaderDriver: MediaTek USB VCOM
Tool: SP Flash Tool v5.x
This method is the most risky, since an error in choosing a file can change the memory layout forever. Use it only in extreme cases when other methods have not worked.
⚠️ Attention: Using the SP Flash Tool with the wrong Scatter file can lead to complete loss of IMEI and inoperability of communication modules. Check the hash sums of the files before you begin.
SP Flash Tool is the “heavy artillery” for restoring Explay tablets, requiring precise selection of drivers and firmware version for a specific processor.
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
During the update process, users may encounter various problems, from simple boot errors to cyclic reboots. One of the common mistakes is Signature Verification Failed. It occurs if you try to install custom firmware through stock Recovery, which checks the digital signature of the manufacturer.
To solve this problem, you need to install custom recovery, for example, TWRP, which allows you to disable signature verification. Or look for firmware specially signed with Explay keys, which is extremely rare for older models.
If after the update the tablet is stuck on the logo (bootloop), try performing a data reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) through the Recovery menu. This will remove conflicting user settings and allow the system to boot cleanly.
- ❌ Error 404 with OTA: server unavailable, use manual installation.
- 🔄 Bootloop: reset via Recovery.
- 🚫 Signature Error: use custom recovery or official firmware.
- 💾 Memory error: free up space or use an SD card.
In some cases, the problem lies in physical damage to the buttons or charging connector, which prevents correct entry into maintenance modes. Check the hardware of the device before repeating software experiments.
If the tablet reboots immediately after the logo appears, try removing the memory card and SIM card before turning it on - sometimes a conflict of files on the card prevents the system from loading.
Is it possible to update Explay to the latest version of Android 13 or 14?
Unfortunately, for most Explay tablets this is not officially possible. The hardware platform (processor and RAM) simply does not support modern versions of Android. The maximum you can count on is Android 7-9 through custom firmware, if enthusiasts have ported them for your model.
What to do if the sound or Wi-Fi disappears after the update?
This is a sign of driver incompatibility in the new firmware. Try clearing the partition Cache in Recovery. If this does not help, you will have to roll back to the previous version of the system, since the new drivers do not fit your hardware.
Is it safe to download firmware from the 4PDA forums?
The 4PDA forum is one of the most reliable sources on the RuNet. However, always read the topic to the end: check the comments of other users, make sure that the firmware is intended specifically for your revision of the board, and make a backup before installation.
Will the update erase my photos and applications?
Updating via OTA (over the air) usually saves all data. Manual installation via Recovery with selecting item Wipe Data or firmware via SP Flash Tool in mode Format All + Download completely deletes all information from the device.
Why did the tablet start to work slower after the update?
After a major update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, which can take up to several hours. If the brakes do not go away after a day, perhaps the new version is too heavy for your tablet’s processor.