Asus zenfone 2 ze551ml firmware. Firmware or flashing of Asus Zenfone smartphone. Reflash Asus Zenfone using ADB program

ASUS smartphones deservedly enjoy a high level of demand among buyers of modern devices, including due to the excellent performance of most of their functions. At the same time, you can find shortcomings in any device, especially in its software part. The article will discuss one of the most popular solutions among smartphones from the Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS - the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML model. Let's look at how software is installed on this phone in different ways.

Before moving on to manipulating the software part of the device, it should be noted that the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is a fairly secure smartphone from outside interference in the software, built on an Intel processor. Understanding the ongoing processes, as well as preliminary familiarization with all steps of the instructions, will help determine the success of future procedures.

Strict implementation of instructions leads to minimization of possible negative consequences. At the same time, no one is responsible for the results of manipulations carried out by the user with his smartphone! All of the following is performed by the owner of the device at his own peril and risk!

Before moving on to procedures involving the interaction of special programs and sections of the device’s memory, as in all other cases, it is necessary to carry out preparations. This will allow you to carry out the process quickly and get the expected result - a flawlessly working Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML device with the desired software version.

Step 1: Installing Drivers

To work with the device in question, almost all methods use a PC. To pair a smartphone and computer, as well as to properly interact the device with applications, drivers are needed. You will definitely need drivers and, as well as Intel iSocUSB Driver. Driver packages used for manipulations in the methods below are available for download from the link:

The process of installing drivers required when working with programs for Android firmware is described in the article:

Step 2: Backup Important Data

Before proceeding with the instructions below, you should understand that firmware is a manipulation of the device’s memory sections and many operations involve their complete formatting. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out procedures to ensure the safety of user data in any acceptable/available way. How to save information contained in an Android device is described in the article:

Step 3: Prepare the necessary software and files

Ideally, the software needed to carry out the manipulations should be downloaded and installed in advance. The same goes for the required firmware files. Download and unpack everything into a separate folder on disk WITH:, whose name must not contain spaces or Russian letters. There are no special requirements for the computer that will be used as a tool for manipulation, the only thing is that the PC must be in good working order and running the Windows 7 operating system or higher.

Firmware

As with most other Android devices, several software installation methods apply to the ZenFone 2. The arrangement of the methods described below in the article is from the simplest to the most complex.

Method 1: Reinstall software and update without using a PC

This method is considered the official solution to the issue of reinstalling software and is quite simple, and most importantly, practically safe. Suitable for performing software updates if OTA updates do not arrive for various reasons, as well as for reinstalling Android without losing user data. Before moving on to the manipulations, it should be noted that there are different types of firmware for ASUS Android devices.

They are presented depending on the region for which the smartphone is made:

  • TW– for Taiwan. Contains Google services. One of the unpleasant features is that there are programs in Chinese;
  • CN– for China. Does not contain Google services and is replete with Chinese applications;
  • CUCC– operator version of Android from China Unicom;
  • J.P.– software for users from Japan;
  • WW(stands for World Wide) – for Asus smartphones sold worldwide.

In most cases, ZE551ML sold in our country are initially equipped with WW software, but exceptions are not uncommon. You can find out what type of firmware is installed in a specific device by looking at the build number, following the path in the phone menu: "Settings" — "About the phone" — "System update".

  1. Download the update for your region from the official Asus website. OS – "Android", tab "Firmware".

  2. When choosing an update to download, you should be guided not only by the region, but also by the version number. The version number of the file used for the firmware must be higher than the one already installed on the phone.
  3. Copy the received file *.zip to the root of the smartphone’s internal memory or to the root of the memory card installed in the device.

  4. After copying, we simply wait for the notification about the availability of a new software version to appear on the ZE551ML screen. It may take 10-15 minutes for the corresponding message to appear, but usually everything happens instantly.

  5. If the notification does not arrive, you can reboot the device in the usual way. As soon as the message appears, click on it.

  6. A window will appear asking you to select an update file. If several packages have been copied into memory, select the desired version and press the button "OK".

  7. The next step is to confirm the notification about the need for sufficient battery charge on the device. It is better that the device is fully charged. We make sure of this and press the button "OK".

  8. After pressing the button "OK" in the previous window, the device will automatically turn off.

  9. And it will boot into software update mode. The process takes place without user intervention and is accompanied by animation and a filling progress bar.

  10. Upon completion of the installation of the new software version, the device will automatically reboot into Android.

Method 2: Asus FlashTool

To completely flash Asus smartphones, a Windows utility is used. This method of installing software on devices is quite radical and can be used in a number of cases. The method is suitable not only for a regular update, but also for a complete reinstallation of Android with preliminary clearing of the device’s memory partitions. Also, using the method, you can replace the software version, including rolling back to an older solution, change the region, and also restore the functionality of the device when other methods are not applicable or do not work.

As you can see, working with the device’s memory via AFT is an almost universal solution. The only factor preventing its widespread use is the rather difficult process of finding RAW firmware used when working with the program, as well as some glitches that sometimes occur in the application. As for the ZE551ML in question, the RAW file from the example below can be downloaded from the link:

In addition, you can use the RAW search on the official forum Asus ZenTalk.

To successfully manipulate ASUS ZE551ML, it is recommended to use RAW firmware version up to 2.20.40.165 inclusive. In addition, we use Asus FlashTool version 1.0.0.17 . It is also possible to use newer versions of the program, but experience shows that this option cannot exclude errors in the process. You can download the required version of AFT.

  1. We put the device into mode "Bootloader". To do this, turn off the smartphone completely and while the device is turned off, press the “ Volume+". Then, without releasing it, press the button "Nutrition" and hold both buttons until double vibration, after which we release "Nutrition", A "Volume+" we continue to hold.

    "Volume+" you need to hold it until the screen with the image of the robot and the mode selection menu appears.

  2. Install drivers if they have not been installed previously. We check the correctness of their installation in "Device Manager" by connecting the device in Fastboot mode to the USB port. A similar picture should be observed:

    Those. the device will be detected correctly "Asus Android Bootloader Interface". After making sure of this, disconnect the smartphone from the PC. From mode "Bootloader" we do not exit, all subsequent manipulations are carried out in this state of the device.

  3. Download, install

    and launch Asus Flash Tool.

  4. In AFT, you need to select the ZE551ML model from the drop-down list in the upper left corner of the window.

  5. We connect the smartphone to the USB port. After connecting, AFT should determine the serial number of the device.

  6. Specify the path to the pre-loaded RAW file. To do this, press the special button (1) in the program, in the explorer window that opens, find the desired file and confirm the selection by pressing the button "Open".

  7. Everything is almost ready to begin the process of writing information to the device’s memory sections. It is recommended to wipe memory partitions "Data" And "Cache" before recording the image. To do this, move the switch "Wipe data:" to position "Yes".

  8. Select the serial number of the identified device by clicking the left mouse button on the corresponding line.

  9. Press the button "Start" at the top of the window.

  10. We confirm the need to format the section "Data" at the touch of a button "Yes" in the request window.

  11. The firmware process will begin. The circle near the serial number of the device will turn yellow and in the field "Description" the inscription will appear "Flash image...".

  12. We are waiting for the completion of the procedures. Upon completion, the circle near the serial number will turn green and in the field "Description" confirmation will be displayed: "Flash image successfully".

  13. The smartphone will reboot automatically. You can disconnect it from your PC and wait for the Android start screen to appear. The first launch of the ZE551ML after manipulations through the Asus Flash Tool is quite lengthy.

Method 3: Factory recovery + ADB

Another effective way to manipulate Zenfone 2 memory partitions is to use a combination of tools such as factory recovery environment, and. This method of installing software into a smartphone can be used to roll back the software version or update. Also, in some cases, using the instructions below, you can restore a non-working device.

Difficulties in applying the method may arise due to confusion between the versions of the files used. Here you need to follow a simple rule. The device must have a recovery installed that matches the version of the firmware being installed. That is, in the case, as in the example below, if the goal is to install software WW-2.20.40.59, you will need a factory recovery from the same firmware version in the format *.img. All necessary files that were used in the example below are available for download from the link:

  1. Download everything you need and unpack it into a separate folder on the C: drive. File *.zip, containing software components for writing to smartphone memory sections, is renamed to firmware.zip. The folder with the files should look like this.

  2. We put the phone into mode "Bootloader". This can be done by following steps 1 and 2 of the AFT installation method described above. Or send a command to the device connected to the USB port via ADB - adb reboot-bootloader.

  3. After loading the device into "Bootloader" We connect the device to the USB port and record the recovery via fastboot. Command - fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

  4. After the response appears on the command line "OKAY...finished.." on the device, without disconnecting it from the PC, use the volume buttons to select the item "RECOVERY MODE". After making your selection, briefly press the key "Nutrition" on a smartphone.

  5. The device will reboot. We are waiting for the image of a small android to appear on the screen with the inscription "Error".

    To see the recovery menu items, hold down the button on your smartphone "Nutrition" and briefly press the key "Volume+".

  6. Navigation through recovery points is carried out using the keys "Volume+" And "Volume-", confirmation of the command selection is by pressing the button "Nutrition".

  7. It is advisable to carry out a wipe procedure for formatting partitions "data" And "cache". Select the appropriate item in the recovery environment – "wipe data/factory reset".

    And then we confirm the start of the procedure - point “Yes – delete all user data”.

  8. We wait for the cleaning process to complete and proceed to writing the software to the memory partitions. Select an item "apply update from ADB"

    After the transition, an invitation will appear at the bottom of the phone screen inviting you to write the corresponding software package to your phone via ADB.

  9. In the Windows command line, enter the adb sideload firmware.zip command and press the key "Enter".

  10. A rather lengthy process of transferring files to the device’s memory sections will begin. We are waiting for its completion. At the end of the procedure, the following message will appear on the command line: "Total xfer: 1.12x"

  11. Software installation is complete. You can disconnect your smartphone from your PC and, to be safe, run "wipe data/factory reset" again. Then reboot the smartphone by selecting "reboot system now".

  12. The first launch is quite long, we wait for the version we were flashing to load into Android.

Method 4: Custom firmware

Installing unofficial versions of Android has become an extremely popular way to completely replace the software of many smartphones. Without delving into the listing of the advantages and disadvantages of custom, we note that for ZenFone 2, including the ZE551ML version we are considering, many modified and completely modified versions of Android have been released.

The choice of one or another custom depends only on the user’s preferences and needs. Installation of all unofficial firmware is carried out by following the steps below.

As an example, we chose one of the most popular solutions today - the fruit of the work of the Cyanogen team. Unfortunately, not so long ago the developers stopped supporting their project, but the Official CyanogenMod 13 used below is one of the most stable customs for the device in question today. You can download the necessary file for installation from the following link:

Step 1: Unlocking the bootloader

By Asus, the bootloader of the ZenFone 2 smartphone is blocked by default. This factor makes it impossible to install various modified recovery environments, and, therefore, custom firmware. At the same time, the popularity of such solutions is certainly realized by the developers and the user, if desired, can unlock the bootloader, and in an official way.

The official method of unlocking the bootloader of Asus ZE551ML is only available on Android 5. Therefore, if a newer version is installed, we flash the fifth Android via AFT. We follow the steps of method 2 described above in this article.


Step 2: Install TWRP

To write custom firmware to ZenFone 2 memory sections, you will need a modified recovery. The most suitable solution is . In addition, the developer’s website has an official version of the environment for Zenfone 2 ZE551ML.


Step 3: Install CyanogenMod 13

To install any custom firmware on ZenFone 2, you need to perform generally standard steps in a modified recovery environment, i.e. write information from the zip file to the device memory sections. The steps for flashing firmware via TWRP are described in detail in the article at the link below. Here we will dwell only on some of the nuances for the ZE551ML.


In conclusion, I would like to note that manipulating the software part of the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. It is important to pay due attention to preparing the process and strictly follow the recommendations. In this case, the procedure for installing new software on a smartphone will not take much time and will bring the desired results.

Any Android needs a firmware update. According to your taste, you can choose either official firmware or developed by craftsmen.

Installation can be done in various ways. To do this, you will first need the Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML firmware itself. Then you can install the update itself using special archives. The easiest way is to install by updating from a memory card; there are special programs for more advanced users.

It is worth remembering that when installing new firmware from the phone memory everything is deleted. Therefore, you need to take care of copying the necessary content.

As for installation via OTA - over the air, everything is described in the instructions below.

Attention! Firmware marked WW means worldwide - smartphones for European versions, that is, those that are sold here.

Asus zenfone 2 ZE551ML firmware Android 5.1

WW 2.20.40.184 - download this version to update the full firmware. Installation:

  • Change the last digit in the file name so that it is WW 2.20.40.185
  • Disconnect the cable and a notification about a new update should pop up

Asus zenfone 2 ZE551ML firmware Android 6

Version WW-4.21.40.134 (upgrade to version 6)— download the firmware. Installation:

  • Connect the phone to the computer via cable
  • Loading the firmware into the root of the smartphone's memory
  • We disconnect the cable and a notification about a new update should pop up (the notification may not pop up for 20 minutes)

Attention! Before flashing the firmware, fully charge the battery. If there is not enough battery charge, the phone will turn into a “brick” and it will be problematic to restore it.

How to find out your firmware version on Asus ZenFone: Go to the settings - scroll down to “Help” (or a similar name) and click - at the very bottom “Software information” - this will be the system version.

The Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML and ZE550ML variants started receiving the Android Marshmallow update at the end of August. However, Asus has kept the update as a manual process and most users have not been provided with the Android 6.0.1 OTA update. So, the only way to update these Zenfone 2 devices to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) is to manually download the update file. We know everyone is talking about Nougat, but if your Asus Zenfone 2 is still running Lollipop, read on to find out how to manually update your Asus device to Marshmallow.

The update brings Zephyr's awesomeness along with some compromises. This includes the inability to move apps to the SD card, removed multi-user features, reduced storage space available for user files, removed stock apps; etc.

What's new in the Marshmallow update for Zenfone 2

  • Software update for Android 6.0 Marshmallow. After the update, the internal storage will be slightly reduced, it is recommended to back up your data and transfer media files (images and videos) to the SD card to reserve enough memory before running the software update.
  • Android Marshmallow does not support APP2SD. Before updating the system, move applications to internal storage.
  • The multi-user feature will not be supported if the account is deleted. Continue to use your account.
  • Removed applications:.
    1. ASUS Backup
    2. Data exchange
    3. Doctor Eye (TW SKU)
    4. Jawbone UP
    5. EZTABLE (TW SKU)
    6. Google Play Books
    7. Google Play Games
    8. Google Play Press
    9. Google+
    10. Mirror
    11. Omelet
    12. Party Link
    13. PC Link
    14. Photo frame
    15. Remote link
    16. TripAdvisor
    17. What's next
    18. Yahoo Shopping (TW SKU)
    19. ZenFlash (can be downloaded from Google Play)
    20. Zinio
    21. ASUS Game Center
  • New applications added:
    1. Google Calendar
    2. Google Messenger
    3.Dr. Booster
    4. facebook
    5. Facebook Messenger
    6. Instagram
  • This update will remove ASUS Email, ASUS Calendar, ASUS Messaging, ASUS Browser and ASUS Music and will not be pre-loaded in this software version. You can use Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Messenger, Google Chrome and Google Play Music for their respective services.

Download Marshmallow update file for Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML and ZE550ML)

The Marshmallow update file for Asus Zenfone 2 can be downloaded from the Asus website. Click the link below as shown on your device. Make sure you download the package that matches your SKU. That is, download WW if your installed SKU is WW. Else select your regional option. Flashing the wrong version may lock your device.

How to download?

  1. Just follow the link corresponding to your device model.
  2. Choose Android like OS.
  3. Expand firmware chapter.
  4. Select the latest version in the 4.xx series. Example - 4.21.40.178

Update Zenfone 2 using update file

Once you download the files, you have 3 different ways to update your phone. Method 1 is the easiest to follow. However, if you have access to a PC we recommend method 2 as this is the safest thing to do. Our preferences - Method 2>Method 3>Method 1.

Before you start:

Backup all important data (messages, photos, etc.). Additionally, transferring apps saved on the SD card to phone storage like App2SD is no longer supported in Marshmallow.

Method 1 - From Inside Android

Enjoy the new software update. You will need to update Google Play Services immediately after the update in order for all applications to function properly.

Method 2 - Update via ADB (PC required)


Method 3 - Update via SD Card

If you cannot follow method 2, consider the next method as it is practically safe.

  1. Copy the Marshmallow update file to your phone's SD card.
  2. Boot into recovery mode by pressing and holding the Power & Volume Up keys and then select Recovery Mode.
  3. Choose Apply update from SD card.
  4. Browse to the update file and install it.
  5. When you're done, select Reboot system now
  6. Wait for the apps to be optimized and enjoy Marshmallow on your Zenfone.

After the update, you may notice slow performance. The system takes some time to create cache and optimize applications. Your phone should work fine once completed.

If you are not satisfied with the updated version, you can always go back to the Lollipop version. However, the new version does bring some system and usability improvements that you're missing.

August 31, 2016 ASUS officially announced the availability of a manual update for the popular ZenFone 2 ZE551ML smartphones to Android 6.0 Marshmallow (aka Android M).

To install the new firmware, you must have Android 5.0 (Android L) firmware version installed V2.20.40.194 or later. If this is not the case, then you should first update to the latest available version of Android L and then flash Android M. Currently, the latest version available is 2.20.40.198 , published 10/14/2016

Features of update methods

First of all, you need to remember that all available firmware are divided into so-called regional (CN, JP) and international (WW). Firmware can only be installed using the official method in the same region as the already installed firmware.

For Russian users, you must use WW firmware. At the moment, the latest available firmware for Android 6.0 is UL-Z00A-WW-4.21.40.223-user.zip.

There are 4 ways to flash ASUS smartphones:

  1. Updating over existing firmware of the same type (official method)
  2. Firmware over existing version using MOFD method
  3. Installing firmware via ADB Sideload
  4. Installing the firmware via fastboot + recovery image with further firmware via ADB sideload.

The last two methods are intended for cases when you have a gray phone, for example, brought from China, and you need to change the firmware region from CN to WW. This method also allows you to flash the correct firmware if another one was previously installed by mistake. The same method fixes the missing System Update button when updating via OTA (over the air), and also fixes the “signature verification failed” error.

But in this article we are talking about flashing the firmware using the standard method, provided that you have a phone with official WW firmware and a locked bootloader.

Firmware process

The official firmware method is very simple:

  1. Download and install ASUS_Android_USB_drivers_for_Windows drivers from the official ASUS website.
  2. Download the new firmware file from the same site
  3. Connect the TA (telephone) to the PC with a USB cable as an MTP device.
  4. Place the downloaded file UL-Z00A-WW-4.21.40.223-user.zip in the root of the phone’s internal memory or microSD memory card.
  5. Disconnect the USB cable by pulling it out of the TA, receive a notification on the TA screen about the availability of a new software version.
  6. Run the update (NF must be at least 60% charged)
  7. The TA will reboot itself into recovery mode and flash the bootloader, then the main image. Installation may take 15-20 minutes.
  8. After the phone automatically reboots, the process of optimizing installed applications will begin. The more of them you have, the more time it will take.

Important notes about Android 6.0

  • The new firmware does not support APP2SD, that is, transferring applications to an external card. BEFORE installing the firmware, transfer all applications to the internal memory.
  • Some individual applications from Android 5.0 will be removed due to the fact that they have been replaced with similar ones built into the Android 6.0 OS.

How can I update the firmware on my phone?

Users can update the firmware on the phone through automatic update or manual update.

*If you are not receiving firmware update notifications, please contact: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1010274

⇒

» Automatic update

Note. During the update process, charge your phone using an AC adapter or make sure your phone has at least 15% battery life.

Click "Check for Update" in Settings -> About -> System Update to check if the firmware is the latest.

If a newer version is available, follow the steps shown on the screen to update.

» Manual update

You can also go to the ASUS official website to download the new firmware and user manual.

Note:

  • Make sure that the firmware code you download matches the one on your phone, for example WW -> WW, CN -> CN, TW -> TW. An incorrect SKU will cause the update to fail.
  • You cannot change SKU from one to another, for example WW -> TW, and also you cannot downgrade your firmware, for example V2.20.40.13 -> V2.19.40.18.
  • During the update process, charge your phone using an AC adapter or make sure your phone has at least 15% battery charge.

Steps to update Asus ZenFone:

Note. Double-click the ZIP file once the download is complete. If the content is another intact ZIP file (as shown in red in the image below), extract it again.

If the content is not an intact ZIP file (as shown in yellow), you don't need to do anything. Close the ZIP file after verification.

Unzip the file again. There is no need to unzip and close the ZIP file.

Connect your phone to your computer via micro USB cable and copy the ZIP file to the root directory of your phone's internal memory

Disconnect the Asus ZenFone micro USB cable from your phone so that the firmware update notification appears in the status bar