Smartphone Huawei P40 Lite, released in early 2020, became one of the last popular brand devices to appear on the market before the introduction of strict US trade restrictions. For many users, this device remains a reliable companion, but the issue of software raises a lot of debate. Owners are often interested in which version of the operating system is installed out of the box and whether there are prospects for receiving the latest security updates.
Initially, the device came with a shell EMUI 10, built on the base Android 10. This was a stable and functional version that ensured smooth operation of the Kirin 810 processor. However, over time, the company’s policy has changed, and now users are faced with the need to manually check for updates or look for alternative ways to upgrade their gadget.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the evolution of the software for this model, consider the technical nuances of switching to new versions of EMUI and answer the main question: is it possible to get a more recent Android on this device in current realities.
Initial software version and launch features
At the time of global release in March 2020 Huawei P40 Lite worked under a proprietary shell EMUI 10.0.1. The basis for this add-on was the operating system Android 10 from Google. This combination provided high performance and a modern interface with a dark theme.
It is important to note that even at the time of release, the smartphone did not have pre-installed Google Play services due to American sanctions. Instead, the application store AppGallery and service Huawei Mobile Services (HMS)were used. Users had to learn new ways to install familiar apps, such as instant messengers or social networks.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to install factory firmware with Google services (GMS) using flashing methods to global versions may lead to the bootloader being blocked or the device being turned into a “brick”. Use only official update methods.
Despite the absence of Google frameworks, the core of the system remained standard for that time. This allowed many applications to work correctly through emulators or third-party utilities like Gspace, although native integration was impossible.
Before buying a used Huawei P40 Lite, be sure to check the EMUI version in the settings. If the version is lower than 10.1, the device has not received security updates for a long time, which can be critical for banking applications.
Available updates and transition to EMUI 11 and 12
Huawei actively supported the P40 Lite model for several years after the release. The first major update was the transition to EMUI 11, which was also based on Android 10. The changes affected mainly the visual part: new widgets appeared, the notification system was improved and multi-window mode functions were added.
Then users were able to upgrade to EMUI 12. This update brings a similar design to HarmonyOS, including a new control center and improved privacy. However, what is critically important to understand is that even EMUI 12 in the case of the P40 Lite did not raise the version of the Android kernel higher 10.
The update process is performed through the standard settings menu. You need to go to section System and updates and select item Software update. The system will automatically contact the server and check for a new build.
- 🔄 EMUI 10.1 —the first major update with an improved camera and dark theme mode 2.0.
- 🎨 EMUI 11 —interface changes, new navigation gestures and improved work with files.
- 🛡️ EMUI 12 — updated design of the notification curtain, increased data security and memory optimization.
The stability of operation on EMUI 12 has been confirmed by the majority of users, although on some devices with a small amount of free memory there may be slight delays when switching applications.
Why not Android 11, 12 or 13?
Many owners are wondering why such a powerful smartphone by the standards of 2020 has not received an update to Android 11 or newer versions. The answer lies in the geopolitical situation and changes in Huawei's development strategy.
After the imposition of sanctions, access to new versions of Android from Google was limited for the company. Huawei was forced to focus on developing its own ecosystem. Instead of updating the version of the Android kernel, the company's engineers were busy transferring the functions of the new system HarmonyOS to the EMUI shell for the global market.
⚠️ Attention: There are no official plans to update the Huawei P40 Lite to Android 11 or higher. All instructions on the Internet promising “secret” methods for updating to Android 12 are either scams or lead to the installation of unstable custom firmware.
In fact, Huawei P40 Lite stayed on the version forever Android 10. All visual and functional improvements that you see in the new menus are the merit of the EMUI shell, and not an update to the base operating system.
This limitation applies not only to this model, but also to most of the brand’s devices released between 2019 and 2021 for the global market. In China, similar devices were switched to HarmonyOS, which is technically different from Android, but such a replacement was not made on the international market.
Technical reasons for the lack of updates
The Kirin 810 processor is technically capable of supporting Android 11, however, the lack of licensed drivers and Google certification for new versions of the OS made it impossible to officially update without the risk of losing the stability of key communication modules and cameras.
How to check and install the latest software version
To make sure that your device has the latest available software version, follow these simple instructions. Regular checking is important to receive the latest security patches, even if the Android version does not change.
Go to the smartphone settings and find the section System and updates. Inside, select item Software update. Click the button Check for updates. If the Huawei server finds a new build, the system will prompt you to download and install it.
Settings → System and updates → Software update → Check for updatesBefore you start downloading, make sure that the battery level is at least 30% and your Wi-Fi connection is stable. The installation process may take from 10 to 20 minutes, during which the phone will reboot.
☑️ Preparing for a system update
If the automatic search does not produce results, you can use the application My Huawei (formerly Support). In the “Maintenance” section, the same updates are often available as in the system menu, but sometimes they arrive there earlier.
Comparison of EMUI versions on Huawei P40 Lite
For clarity, let's look at the key differences between the software versions available for this model. Understanding these differences will help you decide whether to upgrade to the latest available version or stay with the old version for the sake of performance.
| EMUI Version | Android Base | Key Changes | Support Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMUI 10.0 | Android 10 | Basic version, dark theme | Archive |
| EMUI 10.1 | Android 10 | Camera improvements, Celia | Archive |
| EMUI 11 | Android 10 | New design, widgets | Supported |
| EMUI 12 | Android 10 | Control center, privacy | Current |
As can be seen from the table, the database Android 10 remains unchanged in all versions. The differences lie solely in the interface layer and the set of pre-installed Huawei services.
Upgrading to EMUI 12 is recommended for most users, as this version contains the most recent fixes for security vulnerabilities discovered in the system kernel in recent years.
Updating to EMUI 12 will not change the version of Android, but will provide the latest interface and important patches security, extending the life of the device.
Alternative solutions and installation of Google services
Since the basic version of Android is frozen at around 10, many users are looking for ways to return full-fledged work with the Google ecosystem. Officially this is not possible, but there are workarounds.
The safest method is to use virtual containers such as Gbox or Gspace. These applications create a virtual environment inside Android, where you can log in to your Google account and install applications from the Play Market.
There are also methods for installing services through a utility Googlefier or analogues that require obtaining root access or unlocking the bootloader. However, such actions are highly not recommended. for ordinary users.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on modern Huawei smartphones is officially closed. Attempts to use paid unlocking services may lead to complete loss of warranty and inoperability of banking applications due to SafetyNet protection being triggered.
For most tasks, the functionality of EMUI 12 and the AppGallery store is quite sufficient. Banking applications of Russian and many foreign banks are available directly or through Huawei partner apps.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to manually install Android 11 on Huawei P40 Lite?
No, this option is not officially provided. Installing custom firmware (Custom ROM) based on Android 11 is only theoretically possible if you have an unlocked bootloader, but for this model there are practically no stable and secure solutions in the public domain.
Will applications stop working due to the old Android 10?
In the next 2-3 years, most popular applications will continue to support Android 10. However, over time Some new versions of apps may require a more recent version of the system. EMUI security updates partially offset this risk.
How to find the exact build of Android?
Go to Settings → About phone. In the line “EMUI Version” the shell version will be indicated, and in the line “Android Version” the number of the base system (must be 10).
Will Huawei P40 Lite be transferred to HarmonyOS?
For the global version smartphone (labeled EMR-AXX) there are no plans to transfer to HarmonyOS. The device will remain on EMUI. Versions for the Chinese market (labeled EMR-ANXX) have already received an update to HarmonyOS 2.0/3.0/4.0.