ZTE Axon Max C2016 Firmware Flash File Download [Stock Rom]
The ZTE Axon Max (model C2016) is a premium large-screen “phablet” released in 2015, featuring a 6.0-inch AMOLED display and a large battery. This official stock firmware is for the version sold by China Mobile (CMCC), the largest carrier in China. For users who need to unbrick a device, resolve deep software corruption, or restore the phone to its original factory software, flashing this ROM is the most reliable method.
Important Note: This is an official China ROM and therefore does not include Google Play Services (Play Store). The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset, and the restoration process requires the use of the QFIL (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) tool.
Quick Device Specs
- Device
- ZTE Axon Max (C2016)
- Release year
- 2015
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 617
- Display
- 6.0″ FHD AMOLED (1920×1080)
- Battery
- 4140 mAh (Non-removable)
- Memory
- 3GB RAM + 32GB storage
- Camera
- 16MP rear, 13MP front
- OS
- Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop)
- Carrier
- China Mobile (CMCC)
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| QPST (QFIL) Tool | Download QPST Tool |
| Qualcomm USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
Stock ROM & Firmware
| Version | Android | Carrier | Type | Download | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V1.0.0B12 | 5.1.1 (Lollipop) | China Mobile (CMCC) | QFIL / QPST | Download | ~1.2 GB |
Quick Flashing Guide
- Download and install the Qualcomm USB Drivers and the QPST Tool on your PC.
- Extract the downloaded firmware ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
- Power off your Axon Max and boot it into EDL Mode by holding the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons while connecting it to the PC via USB cable.
- Launch QFIL, load the firmware files (`prog_…mbn` and `rawprogram/patch` XMLs), and click the “Download” button to begin flashing.
For a complete, step-by-step tutorial with screenshots, please refer to our definitive guide:
How to Flash Firmware on Qualcomm Smartphones with QFIL
FAQs
Q1. Can I install Google Play Store after flashing this firmware?
No. This is the official China Mobile ROM, which is deeply integrated with their services and does not have the necessary framework for Google apps. Manually installing Google Play Services on this old version of a China ROM is extremely difficult and highly likely to fail.
Q2. Will this firmware work on a global or US version of the Axon?
No. This firmware is specifically for the Chinese model C2016. Flashing it on a different regional variant (like the US Axon Pro A2015) will cause bricking or severe network issues due to incompatible hardware and modem configurations.
Q3. My phone is stuck in a bootloop. Is this the right solution?
Yes. For a device stuck on the ZTE or China Mobile logo, a full firmware flash using the QFIL method is the standard and most effective way to recover it. This will erase all data and reinstall the entire operating system.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting
- No Network Signal Outside of China: This is expected. The modem in this China Mobile firmware is configured for their specific network bands (including TDD-LTE and TD-SCDMA). It may not support the FDD-LTE bands commonly used in Europe, the Americas, or other parts of Asia, resulting in “No Service.”
- Phone Boots up in Chinese: During the initial setup wizard, look for the language selection option, which is usually on the first screen and may be marked with a globe icon or the word `语言` (Yǔyán). You should be able to select English from the list.
- Excessive Battery Drain: A clean firmware flash will resolve any software bugs that cause the battery to drain. However, on a device this old, the physical battery has likely degraded. If battery life is still poor after a flash, the battery itself may need to be replaced.
- QFIL Fails with a “Sahara/Firehose” Error: This classic QFIL error points to a communication failure, usually caused by a driver problem. Reinstall the Qualcomm 9008 drivers (disabling driver signature enforcement in Windows first), use a high-quality USB cable, and ensure the phone is fully powered off before entering EDL mode.
