Owners of a popular flagship Honor 10 are often faced with the need to update software to obtain new security features and fix errors. Despite the fact that official support for this model from the manufacturer may be completed, there are several proven methods that allow you to raise the version EMUI to the maximum possible for this device. The update process does not require deep technical knowledge, but requires strict adherence to a sequence of actions to avoid software failures.
Many users ignore system notifications for fear of losing data or slowing down the smartphone, but ignoring updates can make the device vulnerable to modern threats. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods: from standard over-the-air updating to forced installation via a computer using a proprietary utility HiSuite. You will learn how to properly prepare the device and what to do if the installation freezes at a certain percentage.
Before starting any manipulations with the system partition, it is critical to create a complete backup copy of all significant data. Even the most reliable method can fail due to a power surge or an unstable connection to the server. We will look at the nuances of working with Huawei update servers and explain why sometimes the automatic search does not find a new version, although it is already available for your region.
Preparing the device for installing new firmware
The success of the operation depends 90% on the quality of the preliminary preparation of your Honor 10. The first and most important step is to free up enough internal storage. Update files can take up from 2 to 4 gigabytes, and if there is less than 5-10 GB of free space left on the disk, the process of downloading or unpacking the archive will be interrupted with an error.
Be sure to make sure that the battery charge level exceeds 60%, or better yet, connect the smartphone to a charger throughout the entire process. A sudden power outage while writing system files can lead to a “bricked” device, the restoration of which will require a complex flashing through test mode.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the update, be sure to make a complete backup of contacts, photos and messages to an external drive or to cloud storage. The standard update procedure usually saves data, but there is always a risk of losing it if there is a failure.
It is also recommended to check the stability of the Internet connection. To download large update packages, it is better to use a reliable network Wi-Fias mobile traffic may be unstable or limited. If you plan to use the computer method, install the latest drivers for your device on your PC.
ℹ️ Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the current version of EMUI and regional firmware. If you do not find an exact match of the names, look for sections of similar meaning in the settings.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for the update
Standard update via smartphone settings (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the system is to use the built-in mechanism OTA (Over-The-Air). This method does not require a connection to a computer and is performed directly on the phone screen. The system independently contacts the manufacturer’s servers, checks for the availability of a current build for your serial number and offers downloading.
To start the process, you need to go to the menu Settings → System → Software update. After clicking the “Check for updates” button, the device will contact the server. If a new version is found, you will be prompted to review the changelog and start downloading.
In some cases, even if an update is available, the phone may report that the system is up to date. This often involves rolling out firmware in stages, with packages arriving in waves to users. In such a situation, you can try clearing the update application cache through the app menu or just wait 2-3 days.
If the update is not found, try changing the region in the phone settings (if this function is available in your firmware version) to a country where the update has already been released, but do this with caution.
- 📱 Go to the section
Settingsmain screen. - 🔄 Select item
System, thenSoftware update. - ⬇️ Press the button
Check for updatesand wait for the server to respond. - 💾 Agree to the download and installation, following the prompts on the screen.
After downloading the file, the system will prompt you to reboot. The screen will go dark and a logo Honor will appear with a progress indicator. At this moment, you absolutely cannot interrupt the process by pressing the power buttons or removing the battery, as this will violate the integrity of the file system.
The OTA method is a priority, since it guarantees the installation of exactly the firmware version that is certified for your specific region and device modification.
Updating via the HiSuite application on the computer
If the wireless method does not work or the download is too slow, proprietary software from Huawei comes to the rescue - HiSuite. This app allows you to control your smartphone from a PC and, more importantly, update the firmware via a stable cable connection. This method often helps to “break through” the situation when the OTA server does not see the device.
To get started, download and install the latest version of HiSuite from the manufacturer’s official website on your computer. After installation, launch the app and connect Honor 10 to your PC using the original USB cable. On the phone screen you will need to confirm permission for data transfer and USB debugging.
In the app interface, find the “Update” or “System Update” section. The app will automatically detect the device model and current software version. If the servers have a more recent build, a corresponding button will appear to begin the procedure. This method also allows you to roll back to a previous version if the new one does not work correctly, although this function may be limited for Honor 10.
⚠️ Attention: When using HiSuite, the phone may be put into Fastboot or Download mode. Do not disconnect the cable until the process is complete and a success message appears on the computer screen.
The advantage of using a computer is the ability to resume downloading the file if the connection is lost, which is not possible with an OTA update. In addition, HiSuite often offers a more detailed process log, which helps diagnose the problem if the installation fails.
Manual installation via memory card (Dload)
For advanced users or in situations where official servers are not available, there is a manual installation method via memory card microSD. This method requires first downloading the full firmware package (a full image, not an incremental update) from a reliable source.
The firmware file usually has a .zip or .app extension and should be placed in a specially created folder. At the root level of the memory card, create a directory named dload (all letters are lowercase). Copy the unzipped firmware file inside this folder. The structure should look like this: /dload/UPDATE.APP.
Folder structure on the memory card:/ (root)
└── dload
└── UPDATE.APP
After preparing the media, insert the card into the switched off smartphone. Press three buttons simultaneously: Volume Up + Volume Down + Power. Hold them until the logo appears and the installation process begins. The phone will automatically find the package in the dload folder and start recovery mode.
- 💾 Download the full firmware package that matches your model and region.
- 📂 Create a folder
dloadin the root of the microSD memory card. - 📥 Place the file
UPDATE.APPinside the created folder. - 🔌 Insert the card into the switched off phone and use the button combination to launch.
This method is the most risky, since when downloading firmware from an unverified source, you can receive a modified or damaged file. Always check the checksums (MD5 or SHA1) of the downloaded archive if they are provided by the source.
What to do if the phone does not see the update file?
Make sure that the memory card is formatted in the FAT32 file system. The NTFS or exFAT file system may not be supported by the boot loader during the recovery phase. Also check that the folder name is written exactly in lower case - dload, and not Dload or DLOAD.
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
During the update process, users Honor 10 may encounter various software glitches. One of the common problems is an error with a code indicating a version incompatibility or file corruption. The table below shows common error codes and recommendations for solving them.
| Error code / Message | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| 19% / 40% (Freeze) | Unstable connection or recording failure | Reboot the phone, clear the update cache, repeat via Wi-Fi |
| Not enough memory | There is not enough free space in the internal storage | Delete unnecessary applications and media files, free >5 GB |
| Incompatible version | Attempted to rollback or install the wrong region | Use only firmware for your region (CUST) |
| Signature verification error | Damaged file firmware or unofficial source | Download the full firmware package from the official server |
If the device is stuck on the logo after the update, try performing a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. In more complex cases, you may need to enter Recovery mode (Power button + Volume up) and perform a factory reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset).
Remember that a data reset will delete all information from the phone, so this step should be taken only as a last resort when other methods do not help start the system. If the phone does not respond to buttons and does not turn on, you may need to flash it through the mode Fastboot using specialized software.
Most errors at the 19-40% stage are associated with temporary network or memory failures. Simply rebooting the device before trying again often solves the problem without losing data.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Honor 10 to Android 12 or 13?
Official support Honor 10 ended on version Android 10 with EMUI 10.1 shell. Updating to Android 12 or 13 is only possible through installing custom ROMs such as LineageOS, which requires unlocking the bootloader and voiding the warranty (if it's still valid). This is a complex process and is not recommended for regular users.
Will the update delete my photos and contacts?
With a standard update via OTA or HiSuite, user data is preserved. However, if you use the manual installation method via folder dload or if critical errors occur that require a reset, data may be lost. Always make a backup copy before starting any work.
Why did the phone run slower after the update?
In the first hours after installing the new version of the system, the phone performs background application optimization and file indexing. This may cause heat and slow operation. Usually the situation stabilizes within 1-2 days of active use of the device.
Is it safe to download firmware from third-party sites?
No, this carries high risks. Third-party files may contain malware or be modified, leading to data leakage or device failure. Use only official Huawei/Honor servers or verified resources with confirmed hash sums.
What to do if after the update there is no sound or the camera does not work?
This may be a software conflict. Try clearing the Camera app cache or resetting your audio settings. If the problem is not solved, you may need to completely reset the device (Wipe Data) or flash a clean version of the software via a computer.