The smartphone Honor 10i, released in 2019, initially ran the EMUI shell based on Android 9 Pie. However, over time, many users are faced with the need to clarify the current version of the operating system. This may be required to install specific applications, check that security is up to date, or in preparation for flashing the device. Knowing the exact characteristics of the software helps to avoid compatibility conflicts.
You can determine the installed version in several ways: from the standard settings menu to the use of hidden engineering codes. It is important to understand the difference between the kernel version Android and the proprietary shell version EMUIas manufacturers often update the interface on top of the unchanged kernel. In this article, we will analyze each method in detail so that you can get comprehensive information about your gadget.
Sometimes the data in the menu may not be displayed correctly after unsuccessful updates or system customization. In such cases, alternative verification methods come to the rescue, which read information directly from system files. Let's begin a detailed examination of the action algorithms.
Standard method through the settings menu
The easiest and safest way to find out the firmware version is to use the standard smartphone interface. You do not need to connect to a computer or install third-party software. Just unlock the screen and find the icon Settings, which usually looks like a gear.
In the menu that opens, scroll down the list to the very end. There you will find the item System or About the phone. By clicking on it, you will be taken to a section with technical information. Pay attention to the line EMUI version —it indicates a modification of the system from Huawei/Honor.
To see the version number Android, you need to click on the line with the build number several times in a row (usually 5-7 times). After this, a pop-up window or an additional line will appear on the screen with a number indicating the Android version (for example, 9 or 10). This method works on 99% of devices without root access.
It is worth noting that in some regions of the firmware the path may differ slightly. If you don’t find the “About phone” item right away, look for it in the Advanced settingssection. The interface may vary depending on the system language and regional configuration of the device.
⚠️ Attention: If nothing happens when you repeatedly click on the build number, you may have a reduced version of the software installed or access rights are limited by the device administrator (for example, corporate version).
Usage engineering menu and USSD codes
For more advanced users, there is a verification method through the engineering menu. This method allows you to access hidden options that are not displayed in the normal interface. You will need to open the application Phone and go to the dialing tab.
Enter the special code ##2846579##. If the code is entered correctly, the system will automatically redirect you to the ProjectMenu. Don't be intimidated by the abundance of technical terms - we only need one section. Select the item (Information query) or similar if the menu is in English.
In the list that opens, find the line Software version. This will list complete build information, including compilation date and region. This method is especially useful if the standard "About phone" menu has been damaged or modified by a third-party launcher.
Before entering the engineering menu, do not change the settings in the "Factory Test" or "Background Settings" sections, as this may lead to sensor calibration reset or network loss.
There is also a code *#06#which shows the IMEI, but it doesn't show the Android version. However, knowing the IMEI, you can check the warranty and the original version of the software on the manufacturer's official website by checking the database.
Analysis of information in the "For Developers" menu
Another reliable source of information is the menu for developers. It's hidden by default, but it takes a few seconds to activate. Go to Settings -> System -> About phone and click on Number assemblyuntil the message "You have become a developer" appears.
Now return to the main settings menu and go to the new section System and updates -> For developers. Scroll down the list to the Debugging block. There you will find detailed information about the kernel version and security.
- 📱 Kernel version: shows the technical basis on which the OS is built.
- 🔒 Security patch level: a critical parameter showing the relevance of security mechanisms.
- ⚙️ Build number: unique identifier of a specific firmware version.
Pay attention to the date of the security patch. If it is older than a year, this is a signal that the device has not received updates for a long time, even if the Android version formally remains the same. For Honor 10i support for security updates has already been discontinued by the official manufacturer.
☑️ Check before resetting
Third-party diagnostic applications
If the built-in tools for some reason do not provide a complete picture, you can use specialized software from Google Play. Applications like CPU-Z, AIDA64 or Device Info HW read data directly from system files /proc/version.
After installing such an application, launch it and go to the System or Devicetab. Here you will see not only the Android version, but also information about the processor, amount of RAM and display resolution. This data is often more accurate than what the standard menu shows.
The advantage of third-party utilities is that they show the real state of the system, ignoring possible cosmetic changes made by the manufacturer to the interface. This is especially true for devices that have custom firmware installed.
⚠️ Attention: Download diagnostic utilities only from the official Google Play store. Third-party sites may distribute modified versions of applications with built-in malicious code.
Table of current software versions for Honor 10i
For the convenience of users, we have collected the main firmware versions that were officially released for this model. By checking your data with the table, you can understand what stage of updates your smartphone is at.
| EMUI version | Android version | Support status | Release date (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0.1 | 9.0 (Pie) | Zavodskaya | March 2019 |
| 9.1.0 | 9.0 (Pie) | Update | June 2019 |
| 10.0.0 | 10 (Q) | Final major | January 2020 |
| 10.1.0 | 10 (Q) | Last (regional) | August 2020 |
As can be seen from the table, Honor 10i received an update to Android 10, but did not upgrade to Android 11. If your device shows a version higher than 10, most likely it was unofficial firmware is installed, which carries certain risks for stability.
Why is the version not updated?
Official support for the model has been discontinued. Update servers may not offer new packages, even if they exist in nature, due to the end-of-life policy of the device.
Possible problems and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone shows one version, but applications require another, or the update freezes at the verification stage. A common reason is a lack of free space in the section System.
Try clearing the application cache HiCare or Supportthrough which update notifications often arrive. Go to Settings -> Applications -> find the desired application -> Memory -> Clear cache. This will not delete your personal data, but will reset temporary update files.
If the problem persists, check the presence of the file update.app at the root of the memory card or internal memory. Sometimes an unsuccessfully downloaded file blocks checking the current version. Deleting this file can restore normal operation of the update service.
Version mismatches in applications and settings are often resolved by simply rebooting the device, which forces the system cache to be updated.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and available functions may differ depending on the regional firmware version (C432, C636 and etc.). Always check the exact build number (Build Number), and not just the Android version.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update the Honor 10i to Android 11 or 12 officially?
No, the manufacturer has officially stopped supporting this model on Android 10 (EMUI) 10.1). Obtaining newer versions is only possible through the installation of custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader and carries the risk of losing the warranty (if it was still valid) and data.
Why did the Android version not change after the update?
Often updates are in the nature of "security patches" or bug fixes for the EMUI interface, without affecting the major version of the Android kernel. This is normal practice for mid-range devices after major updates are released.
How do I know if my firmware is global or Chinese?
Look at the build number in the "About Phone" menu. If the number ends with the letters C and numbers (for example, 10.1.0.150(C432)), then C432 indicates the region. C432 - Europe/Global, C636 - Russia. Chinese versions are usually labeled C00 or C185 and may not have Google services out of the box.
Does the Android version affect the speed of the Honor 10i?
Yes, newer versions of Android may require more resources. However, the optimization of EMUI 10 on the Kirin 710 processor was done quite well. Sometimes rolling back to an older version (downgrade) can speed things up a little, but this will deprive you of current security patches.