ZTE Trek 2 HD / Grand X View 2 (K81) Firmware Flash File Download [Stock Rom]
The ZTE K81 is a versatile 8-inch tablet that was marketed under two different names across North America. In the United States, it was sold by AT&T as the ZTE Trek 2 HD, while in Canada, it was offered by carriers like Bell and Telus as the ZTE Grand X View 2. Since both tablets share the identical internal hardware (model K81), the same stock firmware can be used to restore either device from software issues like bootloops, freezes, or a bricked state.
Important Note: This tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset. The restoration process requires putting the device into EDL Mode and using the QFIL (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) tool. Flashing this firmware will restore the device to a stock North American software build but will not remove the original carrier lock.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: ZTE Trek 2 HD / Grand X View 2 (K81)
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617
- Display: 8.0″ IPS LCD, 1280×800
- Battery: 4600 mAh (Non-removable)
- Memory: 2GB RAM + 16GB storage
- Camera: 5MP rear, 5MP front camera
- OS: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
- Carriers: AT&T (USA) / Bell, Telus (Canada)
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| QPST (QFIL) Tool | Download QPST Tool |
| Qualcomm USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
Stock ROM & Firmware
| Version | Android | Region | Type | Download | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V1.0.0B05 | 6.0 (Marshmallow) | North America | QPST | Download | ~1.4 GB |
How to Flash Using QFIL
- Install Drivers: Download and install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader drivers. It is recommended to restart your PC after installation. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows.
- Extract Files: Unzip the downloaded firmware package (…QPST.zip). You will find important files like prog_emmc_firehose_8952_ddr.mbn inside. Also, extract the QPST tool.
- Launch QFIL: Open your QPST installation folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Qualcomm\QPST\bin) and run QFIL.exe.
- Enter EDL Mode: Power off your tablet completely. Press and hold both the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons. While holding them, connect the tablet to your PC with a USB cable. The screen will remain black.
- Load Firmware in QFIL:
- The top of QFIL should now read “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008”. If not, check your drivers.
- Select Flat Build.
- Click “Browse…” next to Programmer Path and select the prog_emmc_firehose_8952_ddr.mbn file.
- Click “Load XML…” and select the rawprogram_unsparse.xml file, then the patch0.xml file.
- Begin the Flash: Click the blue “Download” button. QFIL will start flashing the firmware to the tablet.
- Wait for Completion: Do not disconnect the device. The process is finished when the status log shows “Download Succeeded.”
- Reboot: Disconnect the tablet and hold the Power button until it vibrates and starts to boot. The first boot after flashing can take up to 15 minutes.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between the Trek 2 HD and the Grand X View 2?
The core hardware (model K81) is identical. The only differences are the product name and the pre-installed software from their respective carriers. The Trek 2 HD has AT&T branding and apps, while the Grand X View 2 has branding and apps from Canadian carriers like Bell or Telus.
Q2. If I flash this on my Grand X View 2, will it become a Trek 2 HD?
Yes, the software will be re-branded. The underlying Android system will be restored, but it will likely install the AT&T boot animation and applications. While the tablet’s core functionality will be restored, it will cosmetically appear as an AT&T device. However, it will not unlock the device from its original Canadian carrier.
Q3. Will this firmware remove the AT&T or Bell/Telus network lock?
No. This is official stock firmware, which does not alter the SIM lock status. The tablet will remain locked to the network of the original carrier it was sold with.
Q4. What is EDL Mode?
EDL (Emergency Download) Mode is a special recovery mode on Qualcomm devices. It allows tools like QFIL to communicate directly with the device’s storage, bypassing the main operating system. This makes it possible to “unbrick” a device that is stuck in a bootloop or otherwise unresponsive.
Troubleshooting (ZTE K81 Tablet)
- QFIL shows “No Port Available” or gives a “Sahara” error: This is a driver or connection issue. Reinstall the Qualcomm 9008 drivers, use a different USB port (USB 2.0 is often more stable), and try a different USB cable. Ensure the device is fully powered off before entering EDL mode.
- “Invalid SIM” error after flashing: This is expected if you insert a SIM card from a different carrier than the one the tablet is locked to (e.g., using a Rogers SIM in an AT&T-locked tablet).
- Device stuck on the AT&T or Bell logo after flashing: The first boot is always slow. Wait for at least 15 minutes. If it’s still stuck, boot into recovery mode (hold Volume Up + Power from off) and perform a “Wipe data/factory reset”.
- Carrier-specific apps (AT&T, Bell) are crashing: After the first boot, connect to Wi-Fi, open the Google Play Store, and update all pre-installed applications. This often resolves stability issues.
