Smartphone Honor 8A (model JAT-LX1/LX2/LX3 or JAT-AL00) was released in 2019 with a pre-installed EMUI 9.0 based Android 9 Pie. Despite the official end of support for updates, many users want to install a more recent version of the OS - be it the latest stable firmware from Huawei or a custom build. In this article we will look at all available methods: from standard update "over the air" to manual firmware via HiSuite i TWRP.

It is important to understand: Honor 8A will not receive the official one Android 11/12 —the maximum version from the manufacturer remains EMUI 9.1 (Android 9) with 2021 security patches. However, enthusiasts have created unofficial ports LineageOS and GSI firmwarethat allow you to upgrade to Android 10/11. We will consider both options, indicating the risks and requirements.

If your goal is simply to get the latest security patches without changing the Android version, just update through the standard menu. To radically change the firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and can lead to loss of data or “brick” of the device due to errors. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk.

1. Checking the current firmware version and compatibility

Before proceeding with the update, make sure that your Honor 8A supports the target firmware version. To do this:

  • 📱 Open Settings → System → About phone.
  • 📝 Write down the data:
    • Device model (for example, JAT-LX1)
    • Build number (for example 9.1.0.300)
    • EMUI version (for example 9.1.0)
  • 🔍 Check the compatibility table below.
Model Latest official firmware Support for custom firmware Max. Android version
JAT-LX1 (Europe) EMUI 9.1.0.300 (Android 9) LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10) 10
JAT-LX2 (Russia) EMUI 9.1.0.301 (Android 9) GSI (Android 11) 11
JAT-LX3 (Asia) EMUI 9.1.0.150 (Android 9) Limited 9
JAT-AL00 (China) EMUI 9.1.1.120 (Android 9) Only official ports 9

If your model is not listed in the table, check it on the website Huawei Firmware Finder (enter JAT in the search). Please note: firmware for different regions are incompatible. —installing the European version on the Russian Honor 8A may lead to problems with the mobile network or language packs.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from EMUI 10.1, Huawei blocks the installation of firmware from other regions via HiSuite. Bypassing this restriction requires modification of system files, which may disrupt the operation of services. Huawei Mobile Services.

2 Over-the-air (OTA) update is the most. safe way

If your Honor 8A is still supported by the manufacturer (albeit with a delay), try a standard update via the Internet. This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all data.

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi (the update "weighs" 1.5–3 GB).
  2. Go to Settings → System → Software update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If a new version is available, click Download and install.
  5. Wait for completion (the phone will reboot 1-2 times).

If the system writes "You have the latest version", but you are sure that there is a newer firmware for your region, try:

  • 🔄 Force scan: go to Settings → Applications → Applications → Software update, clear cache and data, then check again.
  • 📡 Change region: use VPN to connect to Huawei servers in another country (for example, Germany or Malaysia), then check for updates again.
  • 📅 Manual search: download the full update package (update.zip) from Huawei Firmware Finder and install it via Local update menu Software update.
⚠️ Attention: Forced change of region may lead to loss of access to some services (for example, Huawei AppGallery or Petal Search). Before experiments, create a backup via Settings → System → Backup.
📊 How often do you update the firmware on your smartphone?
Only via OTA
Manual search for new versions
I install custom firmware
I never update

3. Manual update via HiSuite (official method)

If OTA update is not available, but you do not want to take risks with custom firmware, use the proprietary utility Huawei HiSuite. It allows you to install the latest official firmware version for your model without losing data.

Download HiSuite from official website (version for Windows/macOS). Make sure that USB debugging is enabled on your phone:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.
  2. click 7 times on Build numberto activate Developer mode.
  3. Return to Settings → System → Developer mode.
  4. Enable USB debugging i Allow changing settings.

Next, connect the phone to the PC and follow the instructions:

Connect the phone to the PC original cable|Start HiSuite and wait for the device to be recognized|Click "Update" in the main menu of the app|Download the suggested firmware (if available)|Follow the instructions of the installation wizard-->

If HiSuite does not find updates, but you are sure of their availability:

  1. Download the full firmware package (.zip) for your model with Huawei Firmware Finder.
  2. Extract the archive into a folder HiSuite\ROM (create it manually if missing).
  3. Restart HiSuite and check again.
💡

If HiSuite freezes at the "Preparing for update" stage, try disabling the antivirus on your PC or using another USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

4. Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, GSI)

To install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS 17.1 based Android 10) you will need:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
  3. Flash the firmware itself and GApps (services Google).

The process is complex and risky - if you make mistakes, the phone can turn into "brick". Below is a simplified algorithm, but before you start, study thematic forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA) for your model.

Step 1: Unlocking the bootloader

Huawei has officially closed the ability to unlock the bootloader for most models, but for Honor 8A workarounds still work:

  1. Get unlock code via service DC-Unlocker (paid, ~$5) or free methods (for example, through Huawei ID with a Chinese VPN).
  2. Connect the phone to the PC in the mode fastboot (press Volume down + Power with the phone).
  3. Enter the command: 
    fastboot oem unlock [your_unlock_code]

Step 2: Installing TWRP

Download current version TWRP for Honor 8A (for example, from here) and flash it via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img

fastboot reboot recovery

Step 3: LineageOS firmware

Download:

  • 📱 Firmware LineageOS (for example, lineage-17.1-20230510-UNOFFICIAL-jat.zip).
  • 🤖 GApps (for example, open_gapps-arm64-10.0-nano-20230515.zip).
  • 🔑 Magisk (optional, for root access).

Transfer the files to the phone, then in TWRP execute:

  1. Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
  2. Install → select LineageOS firmware.
  3. Install → select GApps.
  4. Reboot System.
⚠️ Attention: After the firmware LineageOS services will stop working Huawei (for example, AppGallery or Huawei Mobile ServicesThere may also be no support for some). sensors (for example, NFC or IR blaster). Before installation, check the list of known bugs on the developer forum.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware?

If after installing custom firmware Honor 8A responds to the power button:

1. Try holding Volume up + Power for 10-15 seconds (forced reboot).

2. If the screen is black, but there is vibration, connect to the charger. 30 minutes, then try again.

3. If the phone shows no signs of life, flash the official firmware via eRecovery:

- Press Volume up + Power until the logo appears eRecovery.

- Select Download latest version and recovery (Wi-Fi required).

4. As a last resort, use Test Point to switch the phone to EDL and firmware via QFil (requires disassembling the device).

5. Solving typical errors when updating

When updating Honor 8A users often encounter the following problems:

Error Cause Solution
UPDATE_APP_ERROR (with OTA) Damaged cache or lack of memory Clear the cache in Settings → Memory → Cleaning and try again.
HiSuite does not see the phone Missing drivers Huawei or USB debugging Install HiSuite Driver separately or enable Developer mode.
Bootloop (cyclic reboot) Incompatible firmware or installation error Log in TWRP and flash the firmware again with full wipe.
No command in recovery Partition damaged recovery Flash TWRP again through fastboot.

If the phone is after an unsuccessful update does not turn on or stuck on the logo, try:

  • 🔄 Reset via eRecovery: press Volume up + Power → select Wipe data/factory reset.
  • 📥 Firmware via SD card:
    1. Download the full firmware (update.zip) and place it on the memory card.
    2. Insert the card into the phone.
    3. Press Volume up + Volume down + Power to enter the update mode.
💡

If the phone does not respond to any combination of buttons, the bootloader is most likely damaged. In this case, only firmware via EDL (emergency mode) using box DC-Phoenix or UFi.

6. System optimization after update

After a successful update (especially for custom firmware) it is recommended:

  • 🔧 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge until 100% without interruption.
  • 🗑️ Clear cache: in TWRP select Wipe → Cache.
  • 🛡️ Disable unnecessary services:
    • Go to Settings → Applications.
    • Sort by Works in the background.
    • Disable autorun for unnecessary applications.
  • 📶 Set up network: if after the update the mobile data is lost, enter the APN manually (Settings → Mobile network → APN access points).

    • For custom firmware (LineageOS, HavocOS) additionally:

    • Install the kernel Kirin 710 with support EAS for better performance.
    • Activate Force GPU Rendering in Settings → For developers.
    • Use Magisk to install modules (for example, ViPER4Android for sound).
      • 💡

      If after the update on Android 10/11 lags appear, try disabling the animation: in Settings → For developers set Window animation scale, Transition animation scale i Animator duration scale to Animation disabled.

      7. Alternative methods: flashing via SD card and eRecovery

      If none of the above methods worked, try flashing the phone via SD card or built-in mode eRecovery. These methods often help restore the device after unsuccessful updates.

      Method 1: Firmware from SD card

      1. Download the official firmware from format update.zip (for example, with Pro-Teammate).
      2. Place the file in the root of the SD card (not in folders!).
      3. Insert the card into the switched off phone.
      4. Hold Volume up + Volume down + Power until the menu appears updates.
      5. Select Update from SDCard and confirm installation.

      Method 2: Recovery via eRecovery

      Mode eRecovery allows you to download and install the latest official firmware directly from Huawei servers:

      1. Turn off the phone.
      2. Press Volume up + Power until the logo appears eRecovery.
      3. Connect to Wi-Fi.
      4. Select Download latest version and recovery.
      5. Wait for completion (the process will take 20-40 minutes).
    ⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, Russia) servers eRecovery may not be available due to sanctions. In this case, use a VPN or flash via an SD card.

    8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    Is it possible to update Honor 8A to Android 11 officially?

    No, Honor 8A I have not officially received it and will not receive it. The maximum version from the manufacturer is Android 11. Maximum version from the manufacturer - Android 9 Pie (EMUI 9.1). However, there are unofficial firmware based on Android 10/11 (for example, LineageOS or GSI), but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and is fraught with risks.

    Why doesn’t HiSuite see my Honor 8A model?

    The problem may be related to:

    • Outdated version HiSuite (download the latest from official website).
    • Lack of drivers (install HiSuite Driver manually via Device Manager).
    • Incorrect connection mode (select File transfer when connecting via USB).
    • Blocking by antivirus (add HiSuite to exceptions).

      • Also try use another USB cable (preferably original) or port on the PC.

    How to return the official firmware after custom?

    To return to stock firmware:

    1. Download the full firmware package for your model (JAT-LX1/LX2 i etc.) with Huawei Firmware Finder.
    2. Unpack the archive and find the file update.zip (or update_data_full_*.zip).
    3. Place it on the SD card.
    4. Press Volume up + Volume down + Power to enter update mode.
    5. Select Update from SDCard and wait for completion.

    If the phone does not boot, flash the firmware via eRecovery or fastboot (command fastboot flash system system.img etc.).

    Is it worth upgrading to Android 10 on Honor 8A?

    Updating to Android 10 via custom firmware gives:

    • ✅ More recent security patches.
    • ✅ New features (dark theme, navigation gestures).
    • ✅ Support for new applications.

    But there are also disadvantages:

    • ❌ Possible bugs (for example, non-working NFC or camera).
    • ❌ Loss of services Huawei (AppGallery, Petal Maps).
    • ❌ Deterioration in performance (on a weak processor Kirin 710).

    If stability and performance are critical to you, it is better to stay with the official firmware. Suitable for experiments LineageOS, but be prepared for manual settings.

    How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Honor 8A?

    To find out the status of the bootloader:

    1. Turn off the phone.
    2. Hold Volume down + Power to enter fastboot.
    3. Connect the phone to the PC and enter the command: 
      fastboot oem get-bootinfo
    4. If the response contains a line Bootloader Lock State: unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked.

    Also, unlocking is indicated by a warning when you turn on the phone (red text Your device has been unlocked).