Huawei Honor 8: supported Android versions, updates and EMUI limitations

Huawei Honor 8, released in 2016, has become one of the most popular mid-class smartphones thanks to its stylish design, dual main camera and productive hardware. However, over time, device owners are faced with the question: what version of Android does Honor 8 support today is it possible to install more recent firmware?

In this article we will look at official and unofficial update methods, features of operation EMUI on older versions of Android, and also give practical recommendations for optimizing your smartphone. You will find out why Honor 8 will never receive Android 10+ officially, but at the same time it can work on custom firmware with support for modern applications.

Official Android versions for Honor 8: update history

Smartphone Huawei Honor 8 (model FRD-L09/L19/L04 for the global market) was originally supplied with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and a proprietary shell EMUI 4.1. During its life cycle, the device received two major updates:

• 📱 Android 7.0 Nougat c EMUI 5.0 — released in 2017. Brought performance optimization, Ultra Economy mode and improved work with notifications.
• 🔄 Android 8.0 Oreo s EMUI 8.0 is the final official update (2018). Added screen projection to the PC (Huawei Share), improved management of application permissions and optimized energy consumption.

After Android 8.0 support Honor 8 from Huawei was discontinued. This means that:

• ❌ There are no official updates to Android 9 Pie, 10 or later.
• ❌ Secure patches were no longer released after 2019 (the last one was from May 2019).
• ⚠️ Applications from Google Play may require a newer version of Android, which will cause compatibility errors.

⚠️ Attention: If yours Honor 8 works on Android 6.0, we recommend manually updating at least to 8.0 Oreo via Settings → System → Software update. This will improve compatibility with modern applications and increase stability.

How to check the current version of Android and EMUI on Honor 8

To find out what firmware version is installed on your device, follow these steps:

1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select the section About phone.
3. Click on the item Software information or EMUI version.
4. Look for the lines:
   • Android version —for example, 8.0.0.
   • EMUI version —for example, 8.0.0.156.
   • Build number —for example, FRD-L09 8.0.0.156(C432).

If in the menu About the phone no item Software information, try clicking on Model number several times - this will open a hidden menu for developers with additional information.

Build numbers for Honor 8 encode the region and firmware version. For example:

• C432 — Europe (Cust C432).
• C636 — Russia/CIS.
• C10 — China.

Is it possible to update Honor 8 to Android 9, 10 or later?

Officially - no. Huawei not released updates for Honor 8 after Android 8.0 Oreo. However, there are two alternative ways:

1. Unofficial (custom) firmware

The developer community has created several. firmware based Android 9 Pie and even Android 10 for Honor 8. Popular options:

• 🔧 LineageOS 16/17 —pure Android without EMUI, but with support for modern applications.
• 🛠️ AOSP Extended — custom firmware with advanced settings.
• 🔄 OpenKirin - a project specializing in devices Huawei/Honor.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Support for new versions of Android.
• ✅ Regular security updates (if the project active).
• ✅ Removing unnecessary software Huawei (bloatware).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” (turning into a “brick”) if an installation error occurs.
• ⚠️ Possible bugs with the camera, sensors or mobile communications.

What is “bricking”?

This is a condition in which the smartphone stops turning on or boots only into recovery mode (Fastboot or RecoveryMost often occurs due to interrupted firmware, incompatible software version or errors when unlocking the bootloader.

2 Update via HiSuite (if. available)

In rare cases Huawei HiSuite (official utility for PC) may offer an update to the latest supported version. To check:

1. Download HiSuite from official website.
2. Connect Honor 8 to the PC via USB (enable USB debugging in the developer settings).
3. Run HiSuite and wait for recognition device.
4. Click Update → Check for updates.

⚠️ Attention: If HiSuite does not find updates, this means that there are no longer official firmwares for your model/region. Do not use third-party firmware. “flashers” - they may contain malware.

Compatibility table of Honor 8 with Android versions

Android version	EMUI version	Official support	Unofficial firmware	Notes
6.0 Marshmallow	4.1	✅ Yes (original)	❌ No	First firmware out of the box Many bugs, low. performance.
7.0 Nougat	5.0	✅ Yes (2017)	❌ No	Significant improvement in stability and operating time.
8.0 Oreo	8.0	✅ Yes (2018, final)	❌ No	Latest official version Recommended for everyday use.
9.0 Pie	9.1 (unofficial)	❌ No	✅ Yes (LineageOS 16)	Requires unlocking the bootloader. There may be problems with the camera.
10	—	❌ No	✅ Yes (AOSP)	Experimental builds Not all functions work correctly.

How to optimize Honor 8 on Android 8.0 for modern tasks

Even on Android 8.0 you can improve performance and compatibility with applications:

1. Cleaning the system from blaster

Huawei and Honor are known for a large number of pre-installed applications that cannot be removed using standard means. Use:

• 🧹 ADB commands to uninstall system applications (required USB debugging):

  adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.appmarket

  (replace com.huawei.appmarket with an unnecessary application package).

• 🔧 Applications like Debloater (for PC) or Package Disabler (for a phone with root).

2. Using lightweight alternatives to popular applications

Many modern applications (for example, Facebook, Instagram) require Android 9+ and slow down on older versions. Replace them with:

• 📱 Facebook Lite / Hermit (shell for web versions of social networks).
• 📷 Frost for Facebook - a third-party client with a minimalistic design.
• 🎵 VLC or Musicolet instead of YouTube Music/Spotify.

3. Performance settings

In EMUI 8.0 there are hidden options to speed up work:

1. Activate Performance mode in Settings → Battery → Energy saving modes.
2. Disable animation: go to Settings → About the phone, press 7 times on Build number, then in Developer settings install:
   • Window animation scale → Off
   • Transition animation scale → Off

Limit background activity of applications in Settings → Applications → Autorun.

Problems and solutions when updating Honor 8

When trying to update Honor 8 - officially or through custom firmware - users encounter with typical mistakes. Let's look at the most common ones and ways to solve them.

1. Error "Update not found" in HiSuite

If HiSuite does not see available updates:

• 🔌 Check your Internet connection (it is better to use a cable connection on a PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall HiSuite from the official website.
• 📱 On your phone, go to Settings → Advanced → HiSuite and turn on HiSuite connection.
• 🔧 Try another USB cable (original from Huawei).

2. Stuck on the logo after flashing

If the smartphone does not boot after installing custom firmware:

• 🔋 Hold the power button 10+ seconds to force a reboot.
• 🔄 Go to Recovery (hold Power + Volume up when turning on) and do Wipe Cache.
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t help, reflash the device via Fastboot using the tool Huawei Multi-Tool.

3. Problems with Google Play Services

The Android 8.0 Google Play Services may constantly update and slow down the system. Solution:

• 📦 Install the old version Google Play Services (for example, 18.8.23) via APKMirror.
• 🔧 Disable auto-update in Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Notifications → Auto-update.
• 🚫 Use MicroG —an easy alternative Google Services (requires root).

⚠️ Attention: If banking applications stop working after the update (for example, Sberbank Online), this is due to the lack of certification Google SafetyNet for custom firmware. The solution is to return the official firmware or use the web version of the bank.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to install Android 11 on Honor 8?

Technically possible through unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS 18.1), but:

• 🔴 The camera will work partially (there is no support for dual module).
• 🔴 There may be problems with mobile communications (especially on models FRD-L04).
• 🔴 Performance may drop due to insufficient RAM (3/4 GB).

We recommend staying on Android 8.0 or try Android 9 (less problematic option).

Why does Honor 8 not receive updates after Android 8.0?

Huawei adheres to the policy of supporting smartphones during 2 years after release. Honor 8 was released in 2016, so the latest update (before Android 8.0) was in 2018. In addition, hardware limitations (processor HiSilicon Kirin 950) do not allow you to work effectively on new versions of Android.

How to unlock the bootloader on Honor 8 to install a custom one firmware?

The process of unlocking the bootloader on devices Huawei/Honor includes several steps:

1. Get unlock code on the official website Huawei (account required Huawei ID).
2. Enable USB debugging i OEM unlocking in Developer settings.
3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

   fastboot oem unlock [your_code]

⚠️ Attention: Since 2018 Huawei stopped providing unlock codes for most devices. The alternative is to use paid services (risk of fraud!) or search for vulnerabilities (for example, through DC-Unlocker).

Is it worth buying Honor 8 in 2026?

Depends on your tasks:

• ✅ Suitable for: calls, instant messengers, simple games, watching videos.
• ❌ Not suitable for: modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), heavy applications (CapCut, Lightroom), long-term support.

If your budget is limited, consider alternatives: Redmi Note 8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A12 or used flagships from 2018–2019.

How to reset Honor 8 to factory settings?

There are two ways:

1. Via menu:
   1. Open Settings → System → Reset.
   2. Select Reset settings.
   3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern key or PIN).
2. Through Recovery (if the phone does not turn on):
   1. Turn off the device.
   2. Hold Power + Volume up until the logo appears EMUI.
   3. Select Wipe data/factory reset (volume button control).
   4. Confirm the reset and reboot.

💡

Before resetting, remove the memory card and SIM to avoid accidental formatting!