is a classic Android TV box known for its Amlogic S805 quad-core processor and H.265 hardware decoding. While originally shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat, users often look for Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware to gain better app compatibility, such as for Android 5.1 Firmware for MXQ S805 Official stock firmware for the typically peaked at Android 4.4
. However, the community has found ways to run Android 5.1 using ports from similar hardware: www.sztomato.com
For the MXQ S805, the move to Android 5.1 (Lollipop) is primarily achieved through unofficial community ROMs, as the stock firmware typically stayed on Android 4.4 KitKat. Key Feature: Support for Newer Kodi Versions
The standout feature of upgrading an MXQ S805 to Android 5.1 is the ability to run modern versions of Kodi, specifically Kodi 17 (Krypton) and even Kodi 18 (Leia). mxq s805 firmware 5.1 download
Why it matters: The original Android 4.4 firmware is restricted to Kodi 16 or older due to system library limitations. The 5.1 update provides the necessary environment to run newer media player versions, effectively extending the lifespan of the device. Firmware Details & Downloads
Because there are many hardware variations (clones) of the MXQ S805, firmware compatibility is sensitive.
Unofficial Android 5.1 ROM: A popular version was ported from the K1 TV box (which shares the S805 chip). is a classic Android TV box known for
Alternative (LibreELEC): For users strictly wanting the latest Kodi (like Kodi 18+), many experts recommend using LibreELEC or AlexELEC instead of Android. These run directly from an SD card and are often more stable than unofficial Android 5.1 ports.
Recovery Requirement: You will likely need TWRP recovery to flash these custom 5.1 zip files.
Where to find downloads:Reliable community repositories for these files include: MXQProject (Historical source for S805 custom ROMs). GitHub - AlexELEC (For LibreELEC-based Kodi 18 builds). Short recommended plan (concrete)
4PDA Forums (Extensive technical thread for various MXQ S805 firmware).
When downloading, you will see names like:
update_MXQ_S805_8188ETV_5.1.1.img (For Realtek 8188)MXQ_805_8723BS_5.1_20160919.img (For Realtek 8723)MXQ_7601_5.1_Lollipop.img (For Mediatek)A legitimate firmware package usually contains:
aml_upgrade_package.img (main image) or burning tool imageU-Boot.binreadme.txt mentioning the board version.Yes. For an S805, LibreELEC (Kodi-based Linux) is faster than Android 5.1. If you only use the box for media streaming, skip Android entirely and flash LibreELEC.
Open your MXQ box (remove rubber feet and unscrew the bottom). Look for the PCB version number printed in white text. Example: S805_MXQ_RTL8188_V1.2. Write this down.