To update a Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 (models 7D-501u, 7D-501L, or 7D-503L) to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, you must generally use a manual local update method, as official over-the-air (OTA) support for this legacy device has largely concluded. Prerequisites Before Installation
Identify Your Model: Ensure you have the correct firmware for your specific variant (e.g., 7D-501u or 7D-503L).
Backup Your Data: The update process often requires a factory reset or can fail, leading to data loss.
Battery Level: Maintain at least 30-50% battery to prevent the device from powering off during the flash.
SD Card: A high-quality microSD card with at least 2GB of free space is recommended. How to Install Android Lollipop on Huawei MediaPad X1 Step 1: Download the Firmware
You will need the official firmware package, typically named UPDATE.APP. For the MediaPad X1, the Lollipop update often comes as part of EMUI 3.1. Reliable archives for these legacy files include HardReset.info or community forums like 4PDA. Step 2: Prepare the SD Card Format your microSD card to FAT32 on a computer.
Create a folder named dload in the root directory of the SD card. Copy the UPDATE.APP file into this dload folder. Step 3: Initiate the Update There are two primary ways to trigger the installation: Option A: Software Menu (If the device is on) Insert the SD card into your MediaPad X1. Navigate to Settings > System Updates. Select Menu or Local Update.
The device should detect the UPDATE.APP file and prompt you to install. Option B: Forced Upgrade (Three-Button Method) Turn off the tablet completely. Insert the SD card.
Press and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously.
Release the Power button when the Huawei logo appears, but keep holding the Volume buttons until the update screen starts.
Wait for the progress bar to complete. The device will restart automatically. Common Troubleshooting Tips Huawei MediaPad X1 4.4.2 KitKat update (HOWTO)
The Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 remains a cult classic among tablet enthusiasts due to its remarkably slim bezels and compact form factor. While it originally shipped with Android Jelly Bean, many users still look to refresh this device with the Android 5.0 Lollipop update to improve app compatibility and performance.
Updating this specific device requires a bit of preparation, as the rollout varied significantly between the 3G (7D-501u) and 4G (7D-503L) models. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to find and install the Lollipop update for your MediaPad X1. Prerequisites Before Installation huawei mediapad x1 70 update lollipop install
Before you begin the flashing process, ensure your device is ready to handle a system-level change:
Backup Your Data: Updating the firmware often requires a factory reset. Back up your photos, contacts, and app data to a PC or cloud storage.
Check Your Model Number: Go to Settings > About Tablet. Ensure you have the 7D-501u, 7D-501L, or 7D-503L. Flashing the wrong firmware can "brick" the device.
Battery Life: Charge your tablet to at least 60% to prevent it from powering off during the update.
MicroSD Card: You will need a high-quality MicroSD card with at least 4GB of free space. Step 1: Downloading the Correct Firmware
Huawei released the Lollipop update (EMUI 3.1) primarily for the Chinese and European variants. You will need to locate the "Update.app" file.
For 7D-503L (4G Variant): Look for firmware versions ending in B008 or B011. For 7D-501u (3G Variant): Look for the B010 or B011 builds.
Source: Since Huawei’s official legacy servers are often offline, your best bet is searching reputable archives like XDA Developers or the Huawei-File database. Step 2: Preparing the SD Card
Once you have downloaded the firmware (usually a ZIP or RAR file), extract it on your computer. Insert your MicroSD card into your PC.
Create a new folder in the root directory of the SD card named dload.
Copy the UPDATE.APP file from your extracted download into that dload folder.
Safely eject the SD card and insert it into your MediaPad X1. Step 3: Installing the Update (Local Update Method) To update a Huawei MediaPad X1 7
If your tablet is currently running and functional, this is the easiest method: Open the Settings menu. Navigate to Update or System Updates. Tap on Menu or Local Update.
The system should automatically detect the file in the "dload" folder.
Confirm the update. The device will reboot and begin the installation process. Step 4: The Force Upgrade Method (If Tablet is Bootlooping)
If your tablet won't boot or the local update fails, use the manual hardware trigger: Power off the MediaPad X1 completely.
Ensure the SD card with the dload/UPDATE.APP file is inserted.
Press and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously.
When the Huawei logo appears, release the Power button but keep holding the Volume buttons.
The EMUI recovery screen should appear and start the "Software Install" automatically. Post-Update Tips
After the update to Lollipop finishes, the first boot can take up to 10 minutes. Do not force restart it.
Perform a Factory Reset: Once you reach the home screen, it is highly recommended to go to Settings > Backup & Reset > Factory Data Reset. This clears out old Jelly Bean/KitKat cache files that can cause "lag" on the new Lollipop system.
Check for Google Apps: Some Chinese firmware versions (B011) may not come with the Google Play Store. You may need to sideload the Google Services Framework or use the Huawei AppGallery to find an installer.
Updating to Lollipop gives the MediaPad X1 a much cleaner look thanks to EMUI 3.1, featuring better notification management and a more modern flat aesthetic. To make sure I give you the right files, could you tell me: Which exact model do you have (7D-501u or 7D-503L)? What country was the tablet originally purchased in? In TWRP, go to Wipe → Advanced Wipe
Title: The Long Road to Lollipop: A Comprehensive Guide to Updating the Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0
The Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 occupies a special place in the history of Android tablets. Released in 2014, it was a device ahead of its time—a sleek, bezel-light design with a gorgeous 7-inch LTPS display and a massive 5000mAh battery. For many, it was the perfect crossover between a large phone and a small tablet.
However, time has not been kind to its software. The device shipped with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and, depending on the region, eventually received an update to Android 4.4 KitKat. For owners looking to breath new life into this aging hardware, the quest for Android 5.0 Lollipop is the ultimate upgrade. Lollipop introduced Material Design, improved battery life via Project Volta, and a smoother 64-bit architecture foundation.
If you are holding a MediaPad X1 7.0 (model numbers X1-701L or X1-701u) and are stuck on KitKat, this guide is your roadmap. Because official OTA (Over-The-Air) support has long since ended, installing Lollipop requires a manual approach.
Unless you have experience with custom ROMs and accept major bugs, stay on KitKat (B015 or B017 stock firmware) – it is stable and fully functional.
If you still want to try Lollipop, search XDA Developers forum for:
“Huawei MediaPad X1 Android 5.0 custom ROM” – look for threads by surdu_petru or mparus.
Would you like a link to the last known working TWRP and Lollipop ROM for this device?
The Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0, released in early 2014, represented a convergence between tablet and smartphone form factors. Shipping with Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) and Huawei’s Emotion UI 1.6, the device offered unique hardware specifications for its time, including a 7-inch LTPS display and a 5000mAh battery. However, the device reached its official software end-of-life (EOL) before receiving widespread over-the-air (OTA) updates to Android 5.0 Lollipop. This paper aims to provide a structured methodology for users attempting to modernize this legacy hardware through unofficial update channels.
Before attempting any software modification, you must identify your specific model. The MediaPad X1 comes in two primary variants:
Warning: Installing firmware intended for the wrong model will result in a hard brick. Verify your model by going to Settings > About Device > Model Number.
This process assumes you have basic command-line knowledge. Follow carefully.
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | Camera doesn’t work | Use a third-party camera app like Open Camera. Some ROMs have broken stock camera. | | Battery percentage jumps | Calibrate battery: drain to 0%, charge to 100% while off. | | No sound in calls (3G model) | Flash an additional “Audio Fix” zip (find in XDA thread). | | GPS slow to lock | Use “GPS Status & Toolbox” app to reset AGPS data. |
Installing Android Lollipop on the Huawei MediaPad X1 is a challenging but rewarding process that breathes new life into a decade-old device. With proper preparation, a stable custom ROM like CyanogenMod 12.1, and careful troubleshooting, users can enjoy modern apps, improved security, and a refreshed interface. However, the procedure is not for casual users—one must accept the risks of bricking and partial hardware functionality. For those willing to tinker, the MediaPad X1 running Lollipop remains a capable media consumption and light productivity tablet in 2026.