Owners of budget smartphones often wonder about the software that controls their device. The model Meizu M6, released in 2017, became popular thanks to its metal body and mTouch facial recognition system, but its software fate did not turn out quite as fans of the brand expected. Initially, the device came out with an operating system Android 7.0 Nougat, on top of which the proprietary Flyme 6.0 shell was installed. This was a standard solution for the mid-range segment at that time, providing a balance between performance and functionality.
Over time, users began to look for ways to update their gadget to newer versions such as Android 8 or 9 to gain access to modern applications and security features. However, Meizu's policy regarding updates for budget models was quite strict: the official update to Android 8.0 Oreo was never released globally for all regions. Officially, the Meizu M6 forever remained on the Android 7.0 Nougat versionwhich is a critical fact when choosing this smartphone today.
Nevertheless, the community of enthusiasts did not give up without a fight. Various modified firmware, ports from other models, and even experimental builds of LineageOS have appeared on the network. Understanding what which Android can be installed on Meizu M6, it is important to understand the difference between official support and custom solutions. Below we will take a detailed look at the standard state of the system, available upgrade methods and the risks that can be encountered when interfering with the device’s app code.
Stock version of Android and features of Flyme 6
As already mentioned, out of the box the smartphone worked under control Android 7.0. This is a version of the operating system that was considered modern and optimized at the time of its release. It features Doze mode to save energy, improved multitasking and new interface elements. However, there was no smell of “pure” Android here: the user immediately fell into the Flyme ecosystem.
The shell Flyme 6.0 was based on this version of the kernel, but visually and functionally it was very different from the stock Google Experience. The interface was minimalistic, with an emphasis on content, and controls were built around a physical mBack button. This button performed navigation functions: a short press went back, a long press went to the menu, and a touch with a fingerprint unlocked the device. System requirements Flyme were optimized for the MediaTek MT6750 processor installed in the M6, which ensured smooth operation even with 2 or 3 GB of RAM.
- 📱 Interface: Minimalistic design without default application menu (iOS style).
- 🔒 Security: Built-in antivirus and ad blocking system in system applications.
- ⚙️ Settings: Deep customization of themes, icons and sounds through the Meizu theme store.
- 🚀 Performance: Game Mode for prioritizing resources in games.
Despite its visual appeal, Flyme 6 based on Android 7 had its limitations. Many modern applications gradually began to require higher versions of the API, which over time made using a smartphone difficult for some tasks. In addition, security updates for this version stopped being released several years ago, which makes the device vulnerable when connecting to open Wi-Fi networks.
⚠️ Attention: Many banking applications and government services may require an Android version higher than 7.0. Before installing important apps, check their compatibility in the Google Play Market, since there will be no official system updates.
Users who bought the Meizu M6 new had to put up with the fact that Android 7.0 is the ceiling set by the manufacturer. The lack of updates to Android 8 was a disappointment for many, especially since competitors in this price segment sometimes received at least one major update. However, Flyme optimization allowed the device to remain quite usable (suitable for use) in everyday tasks longer than many analogues on pure Android with similar hardware.
Why Meizu did not update the M6 to Android 8 and higher
The question of why Meizu M6 never received an official update to Android 8.0 Oreo or Android 9 Pieremains painful for fans of the brand. The answer lies in the company's business model and technical limitations. The budget segment of smartphones involves low margins, and manufacturers often skimp on long-term software support in order to reduce the final cost of the device. Developer resources are directed to flagship models or new lines, such as the Meizu Note or Pro series.
The technical side of the issue also plays an important role. The smartphone is built on the platform MediaTek MT6750. Processor manufacturers provide drivers and source codes to smartphone manufacturers only for a certain period. When a new version of Android comes out, MediaTek must adapt its drivers to it and transfer them to Meizu. If the chipset is considered outdated or low-end, support may end early. In the case of the MT6750, full and stable support for Android 8 from MediaTek for this configuration was limited.
In addition, the Flyme shell was undergoing major changes at that time, and Meizu engineers focused on introducing new functions in Flyme 7 for more powerful devices rather than porting older versions to state-owned phones. Update Policy The company has historically been a weak side, inferior even to Samsung and Xiaomi in this aspect. M6 users find themselves in a situation where the hardware could handle a more recent OS, but the software is artificially limited.
It is worth noting that the lack of updates is not only the lack of new features like “night mode” in the camera or new emoji. This is also the end of security patches. Vulnerabilities found in Android 7 after 2018-2019 have not been fixed in the official Meizu M6 software. For an ordinary user who uses the phone for calls, instant messengers and YouTube, this may not be critical, but for those who store sensitive data, this is a risk.
Possibilities of custom firmware and ports
If official channels are closed, enthusiasts take the stage. The developer community (for example, on the 4PDA or XDA forum) has created many custom solutions for Meizu M6. This allows you to install newer versions of Android on your smartphone, including Android 8, 9 and even experimental Android 10/11. However, the path to custom firmware is full of obstacles and requires technical literacy.
The main problem of Meizu devices is a closed bootloader. Unlike Xiaomi or OnePlus, Meizu does not provide official bootloader unlock codes for its devices. This means that standard methods of installing Recovery (for example, TWRP) and subsequent firmware do not work out of the box here. Developers have to look for vulnerabilities in the bootloader or use specific methods to bypass protection, which often leads to unstable operation or complete inoperability of some modules (cameras, Bluetooth, VoLTE).
- 🛠 LineageOS: Popular custom firmware that offers pure Android without unnecessary software. There are unofficial assemblies for M6, but they may have bugs.
- 🚀 Ports from other models: Attempts to adapt firmware from Meizu M6 Note or U20, but often lead to a “brick” due to differences in hardware.
- 🔧 root access: Obtaining superuser rights is possible, but requires modification of the system partition, which violates the integrity of the software.
One of the popular methods is to use “engineering” firmware or modified stock versions, in which Chinese services are cut out and Google Play is added. However, a full upgrade of the Android version (for example, from 7 to 9) requires replacing the system kernel and drivers, which is extremely difficult on closed MediaTek devices. Often such firmware works unstable: the phone can heat up, quickly discharge or reboot.
What is TWRP and why do you need it?
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a special recovery menu that allows you to make full system backups, install custom firmware, clear the cache and obtain root access. Unlike standard Recovery, TWRP has a touch interface and advanced functionality. For Meizu M6, installing TWRP is the first and most difficult step to customization, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
If you decide to experiment, be sure to look for developer threads with active discussions. Android 9 port It may work faster than the stock seven, but the price will be a non-working fingerprint or poor photo quality. Always weigh the risks: turning your phone into a “plug” for calls with a new interface may not be worth it.
Instructions: how to check the software version and update
Before taking any modification steps, you need to know exactly the current state of your device. Checking the software version is the first step in diagnostics. Even if you don't plan on flashing, knowing the exact build will help you understand whether there are any minor security updates available to you (although this is unlikely for the M6).
To check the current version of the operating system and Flyme shell, follow these steps. Navigation in the Meizu menu may differ slightly depending on the regional firmware version (Global, CN, EU), but the logic remains the same.
☑️ Checking the software version
Go to menu Settings. Scroll down to item About device (or About phone). There you will see information about the model, processor and, most importantly, the system version. Click on the item Software version (or Flyme version) to see detailed information. The Android version (for example, 7.0) and the Flyme build number (for example, 6.3.0.0A) will be indicated here.
To search for official updates in the same menu there is button System update (or three dots icon in the corner). Click on it and the phone will contact the Meizu server. If the server detects a new version for your region, it will be offered for download. However, as we have already found out, new versions of Android will not appear there for the M6 model.
⚠️ Attention: Before any update (even official), make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60% and the Wi-Fi connection is stable. Interrupting the firmware download may result in software errors.
If you want to install custom firmware manually, the process is more complicated. You will need to download the firmware file (usually in the format .zip) and place it in the root of the memory card or internal memory. Then you need to enter Recovery mode (by pressing Volume Up + Power with the phone turned off) and select “System Upgrade” or use the engineering menu. But remember: you won’t be able to install a third-party code without an unlocked bootloader.
Comparison of characteristics: Stock vs. Custom
To better understand the difference between what we have officially and what can be obtained experimentally, let's compare the key parameters. The table below shows the differences between stock firmware and a typical custom build based on a newer Android.
| Parameter | Official Flyme 6 (Android 7) | Custom firmware (Android 8/9) | LineageOS (Android 10+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | High (debugged by the manufacturer) | Average (bugs are possible) | Low/Medium (depending on the assembly) |
| Camera | Works normally, good quality | Often only the main modules work | Often does not work or requires GCam |
| Security | Patches until 2018 | Depends on the kernel build date | More recent security patches |
| Performance | Optimized for MT6750 | Can be higher or lower | Often higher due to clean code |
| Support | Official (discontinued) | Enthusiasts (forums) | LineageOS community |
The table shows that switching to custom gives a gain in Android version and potential security, but loses in the stability of the hardware. Camera this is the most painful issue. Photo processing algorithms in Meizu are tailored to their stock software. When installing someone else's Android, you often lose the ability to switch shooting modes, use HDR or portrait mode.
Switching to custom firmware makes sense only if you are willing to put up with possible bugs for the sake of a newer version of Android and a clean interface.
It is also worth mentioning Google Play Services. Chinese versions of firmware (CN) do not have Google services, and installing them is a “dance with a tambourine.” They are available in Global, but may not work correctly on older versions of Android. On custom firmware, Google services are usually built-in or installed as a GApps package, which provides better compatibility with modern applications.
Optimization and life with Android 7 in 2026+
If you decide to stay on the official firmware with Android 7.0, this does not mean that the phone has turned into a useless piece of plastic. With a competent approach Meizu M6 can serve as a faithful assistant for a long time. The main thing is to configure the system correctly and not demand the impossible from it.
The first rule: do not overload the system. Install only the applications you need. Heavy social networks like Facebook or Instagram are best used in lightweight versions (Lite) or through a browser. This will reduce the load on the processor and RAM. The built-in Flyme optimizer will help close unnecessary processes, but it is better not to keep a dozen tabs open.
- 🧹 Cleaning: Regularly clear the application cache through the built-in Security utility.
- 🚫 Animations: Enable developer mode (click on the build number 7 times) and reduce the animation scale to 0.5x - the interface will become more responsive.
- 📉 Synchronization: Disable background synchronization for rarely used accounts to save battery.
- 🌙 Topics: Use dark themes if the screen is AMOLED (although the M6 has IPS, dark interfaces still save GPU power).
The second important aspect is security. Since there will be no patches, be careful about installing APK files from unverified sources. Don't connect to public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN if you plan to transfer personal data. The antivirus built into Flyme provides basic protection, but you shouldn't rely on it alone.
Use browsers with a built-in ad blocker (for example, Brave or Firefox with uBlock Origin). This will significantly speed up page loading on the old processor and save traffic.
Meizu M6 with Android 7 is a classic example of a device that has outgrown its software support, but has retained its hardware reliability. The metal body, good sound and ergonomics have not gone away. For a child, for a second phone, for listening to music or a navigator in the car - it is ideal, even without Android 12.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update the Meizu M6 to Android 8?
No, Meizu has officially stopped supporting the M6 model on the Android version 7.0 Nougat. There are no official updates to Android 8.0 Oreo or higher, nor are there plans. All “updates” to eight found on the network are custom ports from enthusiasts.
Is it safe to install custom firmware on Meizu M6?
This carries certain risks. Installing unofficial software can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), unstable operation of the phone, inoperability of the camera, or even turning the device into a “brick”. In addition, the Meizu bootloader is closed, which makes the installation process complex and requiring special knowledge.
Why did some applications stop working on the Meizu M6?
Most likely, application developers have updated the minimum requirements, and now Android 8.0 or higher is required to work. Also, the problem may be the lack of fresh security certificates on the old version of Android 7.0, which is why some Google services or banking applications block access.
How to find the exact version of Flyme and Android?
Go to Settings → About the device. The Flyme version (for example, 6.3.0.0) and the Android version (7.0) will be indicated there. By clicking on the version number several times, you can get to additional information about the assembly.
Is it worth buying a Meizu M6 in 2026?
It is not recommended to buy it as the main device in 2026 due to outdated OS and lack of security updates. However, as a budget option for simple tasks (calls, music, navigator) or for a child, it may be interesting due to the high-quality case and screen, if the price is symbolic.