ZTE Trek 2 HD (K81) Firmware Flash File Download [Stock Rom]
The ZTE Trek 2 HD (model K81) is a tablet released by AT&T, known for its large display and affordability at the time of its launch. If your tablet is stuck on the AT&T logo, suffering from software glitches, bootloops, or you simply want to return it to its original factory condition, flashing the stock firmware is the most effective solution. This page provides the official stock ROM for the AT&T ZTE Trek 2 HD.
Important Note: This tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 (MSM8952) chipset. The flashing process requires the QFIL tool and booting the device into a special “EDL Mode.” This firmware will restore the device to its original AT&T software, including all pre-installed carrier applications.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: ZTE Trek 2 HD (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
- Special Feature: AT&T Branded, Dual front-facing speakers
- Original OS: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
- Carrier: AT&T Exclusive
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| QPST (QFIL) Tool | Download QPST Tool |
| Qualcomm USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
Stock ROM & Firmware
| Version | Build Number | Android | Carrier | Download | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V1.0.0B05 | K81RV1.0.0B05 | 6.0 (Marshmallow) | AT&T | Download | ~1.4 GB |
How to Flash Using QFIL (QPST)
- Install Drivers: Download and extract the Qualcomm USB Drivers. Run the setup file to install them on your PC. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows.
- Extract Firmware: Unzip the downloaded `ZTE_K81_…_QPST.zip` file into a folder on your computer. You will see files like `prog_emmc_firehose_8952_ddr.mbn`, `rawprogram_unsparse.xml`, etc.
- Install and Open QFIL: Install the QPST tool, then find and open QFIL from your Start Menu.
- Enter EDL Mode: Power off your tablet completely. Press and hold both Volume Up + Volume Down buttons simultaneously, then connect it to your PC via a USB cable. The screen will remain blank, but your PC should detect it.
- Check Connection in QFIL: QFIL should show “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” at the top. If not, check your drivers and repeat the previous step.
- Load Firmware Files:
- In QFIL, select Flat Build.
- Click “Browse…” next to Programmer Path and select the `prog_emmc_firehose_8952_ddr.mbn` file from the extracted firmware folder.
- Click “Load XML…” and select the `rawprogram_unsparse.xml`, followed by the `patch0.xml` file.
- Begin Flashing: Click the “Download” button. The flashing process will begin. Do not disconnect the device.
- Finish: Wait for the “Download Succeeded” message in the status log. Disconnect the tablet and hold the Power button to turn it on. The first boot may take up to 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Q1. What is EDL Mode?
EDL (Emergency Download) Mode is a low-level recovery mode on Qualcomm-powered devices. It allows you to force-flash firmware files, making it extremely useful for unbricking devices that are stuck in a bootloop or won’t power on normally.
Q2. Will this firmware remove the AT&T network lock?
No. This is official AT&T stock firmware. Flashing it will restore the device to its original AT&T software configuration, but it will not remove the SIM/network lock. The device will remain locked to the AT&T network.
Q3. Can I upgrade the ZTE Trek 2 HD to a newer version of Android?
Official software support for this tablet ended at Android 6.0/7.0. This firmware package is for restoring the device to its official state, not for upgrading. While unofficial custom ROMs might exist, they are not supported and can be risky to install.
Q4. Why are there so many AT&T apps after flashing?
This is called “bloatware.” As this is the official carrier-provided firmware, it includes all the applications that AT&T originally bundled with the tablet. These can be disabled from the device settings, but most cannot be uninstalled without root access.
Troubleshooting (ZTE Trek 2 HD)
- QFIL shows “No Port Available”: This is a driver issue. Ensure Qualcomm USB drivers are installed correctly. Try rebooting your PC, using a different USB port (USB 2.0 is often best), and running QFIL as an administrator.
- Device won’t enter EDL Mode: Make sure the tablet is fully powered off. The key combination (Vol Up + Vol Down + connect USB) must be timed correctly. Check Windows Device Manager under “Ports (COM & LPT)” to see if “QDLoader 9008” appears when you connect it.
- “Sahara” or “Firehose” error in QFIL: This error can mean a poor USB connection, incorrect firmware files, or a faulty USB cable. Ensure you have loaded the correct `.mbn` and `.xml` files from the extracted firmware folder and try again.
- Stuck on AT&T logo after flashing: The first boot is always the longest. Please wait at least 15 minutes. If it’s still stuck, boot into recovery mode (Power off, then hold Vol Up + Power button) and perform a “Wipe data/factory reset”.
- Tablet feels slow after flashing: The Snapdragon 617 and 2GB RAM are dated hardware. For best performance after a fresh flash, let the device sit for a while after setup to finish background processes, then restart it. Disable any AT&T apps you don’t use.
