The MXQ Amlogic S805 is a legend of budget technology. While the hardware is dated, installing a clean, high-quality Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware can breathe new life into the device, turning it into a competent media player for local content. Just ensure you match the firmware to your specific board version to avoid turning your TV box into a paperweight.
Note: Due to the age of the device, firmware files are often hosted on community forums like FreakTab or XDA Developers. Always scan downloaded files for viruses before opening them.
Before downloading, check your device. Look at the sticker on the bottom of the box or check the board version (usually printed on the green circuit board inside). Common variants include:
Updating an older MXQ TV Box with an Amlogic S805 chipset can breathe new life into a device that likely shipped with the dated Android 4.4 KitKat. While official support from manufacturers has long since ended, the developer community has provided high-quality custom ROMs that bring Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to this hardware.
This guide explores how to download and install these "high-quality" firmware images to improve your device's performance and app compatibility. Why Upgrade to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop?
The transition from KitKat (4.4) to Lollipop (5.1.1) on the S805 chipset offers several critical benefits:
Art Runtime: Lollipop uses the Android Runtime (ART) by default, which significantly improves app responsiveness compared to the older Dalvik runtime.
App Compatibility: Many modern streaming apps no longer support Android 4.4; moving to 5.1.1 extends the usable life of your hardware.
Visual Refresh: You gain the Material Design interface, which is cleaner and more modern than the legacy MXQ skins.
Security: Although 5.1.1 is now aged, it includes several years of security patches and bug fixes not found in original factory builds. Top Firmware Downloads for MXQ S805
Since "high quality" is subjective, the most stable and popular 5.1.1 build for this specific hardware is known as Abdul's Lollipop ROM.
Abdul's Android 5.1.1 Lollipop: This is widely considered the gold standard for S805 custom ROMs. It is often hosted on community forums like Freaktab or 4PDA.
Stock Firmware Images: If you prefer the original look, China Gadget Reviews often archives stock lollipop images for various MXQ variants (ensure you match your Wi-Fi chip, e.g., RTL8189 or AP6181).
Alternative—LibreELEC: If your goal is purely media playback (Kodi), many users recommend LibreELEC for S805 over Android 5.1.1, as it is much faster on limited hardware. Installation Guide (The "Toothpick Method")
To flash a new 5.1.1 image, you generally need a Micro SD card and a small tool like a toothpick. YouTube·MXQ PROJECThttps://www.youtube.com
MXQ Amlogic S805 Android 5.1 Lollipop Download: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to upgrade your MXQ Amlogic S805 device to Android 5.1 Lollipop? Look no further! In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to download and install the latest firmware for your device.
Introduction
The MXQ Amlogic S805 is a popular Android TV box that offers a range of features, including 4K video playback, Wi-Fi connectivity, and support for various apps. However, the device may not have received the latest Android updates, leaving users with an outdated operating system. Android 5.1 Lollipop is a significant upgrade that brings new features, improvements, and security patches. mxq amlogic s805 android 511 lollipop download high quality
Benefits of Upgrading to Android 5.1 Lollipop
Upgrading to Android 5.1 Lollipop offers several benefits, including:
Downloading the Firmware
To download the Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware for your MXQ Amlogic S805 device, follow these steps:
Installing the Firmware
Once you have downloaded the firmware file, follow these steps to install it on your device:
Alternative Sources
If you are unable to find the official firmware on the Amlogic website, you can try searching for alternative sources, such as:
Conclusion
Upgrading your MXQ Amlogic S805 device to Android 5.1 Lollipop can bring significant improvements to your device's performance, security, and features. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can download and install the latest firmware for your device. Remember to always be cautious when installing firmware from alternative sources, and make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully.
Disclaimer
The author and this website are not responsible for any damage or issues that may arise from installing custom firmware on your device. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Upgrading the MXQ Amlogic S805 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is a popular modification that can breathe new life into older hardware typically stuck on Android 4.4 KitKat
. While the S805 chip is older, a Lollipop upgrade allows for better app compatibility, including newer versions of Kodi. Firmware Options for S805
Most "Android 5.1.1" releases for this device are custom ROMs rather than official manufacturer updates. Custom ROM by Abdul
: One of the most stable builds was originally developed for the K1 box but ported to the S805. It uses Kernel 3.10.33 Alternative Firmwares
: Users often experiment with firmware from similar devices, such as the Minix Neo X6 , which also features the S805 processor. Linux-Based Alternatives
: For those primarily interested in a media center experience, dual-booting The MXQ Amlogic S805 is a legend of budget technology
is often considered a safer and more reliable "high-quality" path than Android for this specific chipset. Prerequisites and Risks Hardware Variants
: There are many variations of MXQ boards (e.g., HD18Q, m201d, m201C). A firmware built for one variant may another or cause issues with Wi-Fi and the remote control. RAM Limitations : This upgrade is generally intended for boxes with 1GB of RAM
. It is not recommended for "clone" versions with only 512MB. Recovery Tools : You will typically need TWRP recovery to flash these custom images. Standard Installation Process Flashing a new image usually follows these steps: Preparation : Download the firmware (typically an file) and copy it to the root of a FAT32-formatted Micro SD card Toothpick Method
: Power off the box. Insert the SD card, then press and hold the reset button
(often hidden inside the AV port) with a toothpick while plugging in the power.
: The device should boot into recovery mode and begin the update automatically, or you can manually select the file via TWRP. Google Groups Potential Sources for Download
Due to the age of these files, official repositories are rare, and users often rely on community forums and direct links: Firmware Databases : Sites like China Gadget Reviews often host legacy firmware archives. Community Forums : Detailed threads on
and various Google Groups provide links to specific custom builds like the "Everclear" or Abdul's Lollipop ROM.
Follow this strictly to ensure a clean, high-quality installation.
// Chunked download example (pseudo)
RandomAccessFile file = new RandomAccessFile(destFile, "rw");
for (long chunkStart = 0; chunkStart < fileSize; chunkStart += CHUNK_SIZE)
HttpURLConnection conn = (HttpURLConnection) url.openConnection();
conn.setRequestProperty("Range", "bytes=" + chunkStart + "-" + (chunkStart + CHUNK_SIZE - 1));
// write to file
Reviving your MXQ Amlogic S805 box with a high-quality Android 5.1.1 Lollipop download transforms it from a frustrating, slow brick into a snappy media player. The key is not to grab the first link you see on an obscure forum, but to meticulously match your board revision and acquire the firmware from a verified repository.
By following this guide, you ensure functional Wi-Fi, a responsive remote, and smooth 1080p video playback. Your MXQ S805 is not obsolete – it simply needs the correct Lollipop restoration.
Last updated: 2025 – This information remains accurate for all current S805 hardware revisions.
Finding a reliable Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware for the aging MXQ Amlogic S805
is challenging because most "stable" releases are unofficial ports from other devices. While these updates can breathe new life into older hardware, they carry a high risk of bricking your device due to the dozens of different MXQ board variations. Top Firmware Options & Downloads
Most users looking for "high quality" Lollipop builds rely on community-developed ports rather than stock images, which typically stayed on Android 4.4 KitKat.
K1 Lollipop Port (Abdul Build): This is the most common Android 5.1.1 port for the S805
. It was originally built for the K1 box but is compatible with many MXQ S85 and "all black" versions.
Tutorial: You can find step-by-step guidance on the MXQ Project YouTube Channel Note: Due to the age of the device,
Minix Neo X6 Port: Some tinkerers have successfully used the Minix Neo X6 Lollipop firmware on MXQ boards using the USB Burning Tool.
AlexELEC / LibreELEC: If your goal is strictly media playback (Kodi), many experts recommend bypassing Android entirely and installing LibreELEC or AlexELEC via SD card. These systems are much more stable and can run modern versions of Kodi that Android 5.1 no longer supports. Essential Installation Tools
To perform these updates, you will need specific software to interface with the S805's NAND flash:
Amlogic USB Burning Tool: Used for flashing .img files directly from a PC via a USB-to-USB male cable.
TWRP Recovery: Required for installing .zip based custom ROMs directly on the device.
SD Card Formatter: Necessary for preparing "burn cards" if you are using the SD card update method. Risks and Warnings
Board Incompatibility: MXQ boxes often look identical on the outside but use different Wi-Fi chips or RAM configurations. Flashing the wrong firmware can result in a "black screen" or non-functional Wi-Fi. Backup First: Always use the TWRP "Backup" option
to create a full image of your current system before attempting to flash a new ROM. Hardware Limits: The
is a legacy processor; even with Lollipop, you may experience sluggish performance with modern apps due to its 1GB (or sometimes 512MB) of RAM.
The MXQ Amlogic S805 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
TV box, originally released with Android 4.4, can be upgraded to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop through custom firmware builds. This update breathes new life into the aging hardware by providing a more modern user interface, improved app compatibility, and better system stability. Key Features of Android 5.1.1 for
Upgrading to the Lollipop firmware introduces several technical and functional improvements over the stock KitKat version:
Material Design Interface: A refreshed, more colorful, and responsive user interface that follows Google's Lollipop design language.
Enhanced Multimedia Playback: Optimized performance for H.265 (HEVC) decoding and improved stability for streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube.
Audio and Video Fixes: Resolves previous issues with sound stuttering on certain TV models and improves MKV and TrueHD video playback.
System Stability: Includes various "under-the-hood" tweaks to fix reboot problems during screenshots and general system lag.
Extended Hardware Support: Added support for DVI devices and updated versions of standard pre-installed apps like Skype. Technical Specifications (Hardware) Specification Chipset Amlogic S805 Quad-Core Cortex-A5 at 1.5GHz GPU Quad-Core Mali-450 RAM Storage 8GB NAND Flash Output Full HD (1080p) via HDMI 1.4b Download & Installation Overview
Finding high-quality firmware requires searching enthusiast forums, as official support has ended.
| Test | Result | |------|--------| | Antutu (v5) | ~18,000 | | Kodi 16.1 navigation | Stuttery | | 1080p H.264 playback | Acceptable | | 1080p H.265 playback | Dropped frames | | Boot time | 45–60 seconds |