Required Files:
Manual Update Steps:
Post-Update Steps
Troubleshooting
Lollipop Features and Changes
The Lollipop update for Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 brings various new features, including:
Enjoy your updated Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 with Lollipop!
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
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. huawei mediapad x1 70 update lollipop install
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)
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?
To update your Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 to Android 5.0 or 5.1.1 Lollipop, you can use either an official online update or a manual SD card installation if the online method is unavailable. Be aware that official support for this device ended some years ago, and many models originally peaked at Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Option 1: Official Online Update (OTA)
This is the safest method to check for official Lollipop firmware directly from Huawei's servers.
Preparation: Back up your data and ensure your tablet has at least 30% battery and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Navigate to Updates: Go to Settings > System & updates (or About tablet on older versions). Required Files :
Check for Software: Tap Software update or System Update, then select Check for updates or Online update.
Install: If a version for Android 5.x is found, tap Download and install. The device will automatically restart once the process is complete. Option 2: Manual SD Card Update (Local Update)
If the OTA update does not appear, you may need to manually flash the firmware using an SD card. This method is common for transitioning between regional versions (e.g., Chinese to Global) or force-updating to Lollipop. Huawei MediaPad X1 4.4.2 KitKat update (HOWTO)
The Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0, originally released with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, received an official update path up to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (EMUI 3.1) for specific regional models like the 7D-503L and 7D-501u
. While many users remained on KitKat due to stability concerns, the Lollipop update brought a significant visual overhaul and modern features to the aging hardware. Update Review: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Visual Refresh
: Upgrading from the older Emotion UI versions to EMUI 3.1 (Lollipop) introduced a cleaner, more modern aesthetic with flatter icons and improved notification handling. Performance
: The update is a mixed bag. While it enables newer app compatibility, some users reported that the 1.6GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM struggle with Lollipop's heavier resource demands, leading to occasional sluggishness compared to the lighter KitKat builds. Battery Life : The massive 5000mAh battery
remains the device's strongest asset. Even on Lollipop, it typically manages a full day of moderate use, though background processes in Android 5.1 can be more taxing than earlier versions. How to Install the Update
Most X1 units will not receive this update via standard Over-the-Air (OTA) menus anymore. Manual installation is often required.
The Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 originally launched with Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and later received an official update to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) via Huawei's EMUI 3.0 or 3.1 interface. Because this is an older device, you typically have two ways to install the update: an automatic over-the-air (OTA) update or a manual "dload" installation. Method 1: Automatic Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
This is the easiest method if your device is still connected to official servers.
Backup Data: Ensure all your photos and files are backed up.
Charge Battery: Your tablet should have at least 50% battery or be plugged into a charger. Check for Update: Go to Settings > System updates. Tap Check for updates.
If a Lollipop update appears, follow the prompts to download and install it. Method 2: Manual Installation (The "dload" Method)
If the OTA update is not appearing, you can manually flash the firmware. You will need a microSD card with at least 4GB of space.
Download Firmware: Locate the official Android 5.0/EMUI 3.x firmware for your specific model (e.g., 7D-501u or 7D-503L). These are usually hosted on Huawei Support or community archives. Prepare the SD Card:
Create a folder on the root of your microSD card named dload.
Extract the downloaded firmware and copy the UPDATE.APP file into that dload folder. Execute the Update: Insert the SD card into your MediaPad X1. Go to Settings > Updates > Menu > Local update. Select the UPDATE.APP file and confirm. HiSuite : A software tool provided by Huawei
The tablet will reboot and begin the installation process. Do not turn off the device during this time. Troubleshooting Tips
Factory Reset: If the system feels sluggish after the update, perform a factory reset via the recovery menu to clear old system cache.
Version Compatibility: Ensure you are downloading the firmware that matches your regional model (China vs. International) to avoid "software mismatch" errors.
Title: Feasibility Analysis and Implementation Guide for Android 5.0 Lollipop Updates on the Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0
Abstract
This technical paper examines the upgrade process for the Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0 (Model IDs: S7-701u, S7-701w) from the native Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system to Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop. The paper analyzes the hardware constraints of the HiSilicon Kirin 910 chipset, evaluates the availability of official firmware, and outlines the procedural requirements for installing third-party Custom ROMs. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of bootloader unlocking and custom recovery installation due to the cessation of official manufacturer support.
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.
The update process follows a linear workflow: Unlock -> Recovery Flash -> ROM Installation.
Step 1: ADB and Fastboot Configuration
The device must be placed in Fastboot mode (Volume Down + Power). The user interface is the command line on a host PC.
Command:
fastboot devices (To verify connectivity)
Step 2: Flashing Custom Recovery
A TWRP image compatible with the MediaPad X1 (specifically the s7-701 platform) must be obtained.
Command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot
Step 3: ROM Acquisition
The user must locate a Custom ROM based on Android 5.x. Historically, CyanogenMod 12 (CM12) ports were the primary source for Lollipop on this device. These are distributed as .zip files.
Step 4: Installation Procedure
Huawei devices before 2018 allowed bootloader unlocking via official codes. Unfortunately, Huawei closed the official bootloader unlock service in 2018. However, for the MediaPad X1, there are still methods:
Method 1: DC-Unlocker (Paid, ~4€)
Method 2: Unofficial tools (Use with caution)
Once you have the unlock code (16–20 digits):
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock <YOUR_UNLOCK_CODE>
Your tablet will reboot and factory reset. Bootloader is now unlocked.