The smartphone Honor 9Xreleased in 2019 gained wide popularity thanks to its powerful processor Kirin 810 and frameless design. However, over time, the built-in version of the operating system Android and proprietary shell EMUI no longer meets modern standards of security and functionality. Many owners are faced with the need to obtain the latest security patches or new interface features that are available in more recent versions of the software.
The update process on brand devices Honor has its own characteristics, especially in the context of the company’s transition to its own ecosystem and the lack of Google services in new firmware. For Honor 9X both standard wireless updates and forced installation methods via a computer are relevant. It is important to understand the difference between versions EMUI 9.1, EMUI 10 and later patches in order to choose the right way to upgrade your gadget without the risk of data loss.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to update the software. You will learn how to check for official updates, how to use a proprietary utility HiSuite to restore the system and where to look for hidden firmware files. Typical errors that arise during the process and methods for eliminating them for stable operation of the device will also be considered.
Checking the current software version and preparing the device
Before starting any manipulations with the system partition, you must accurately identify the current state of your smartphone. This will allow you to understand how deep the update is required and whether your model is compatible with the target firmware version. Go to the menu Settings, scroll down to the item System and select section Software update. This displays not only the build number, but also the security patch level.
Pay attention to the model number listed at the very bottom of the device information screen. Models from the LX1 or LX2series are relevant for the Russian market, while the Chinese versions (AL00) may have an excellent memory partition structure. An attempt to install firmware from another region through standard means is often blocked by the authentication server.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery charge level is at least 60%. The flashing process places a high load on the power controller, and a sudden shutdown can damage the bootloader.
It is also critical to free up space on the internal storage. Update files can take between 2 and 4 GB, and the decompression and installation process requires an additional buffer. It is recommended to delete unnecessary application cache data or transfer media files to a microSD memory card if it is supported by your configuration.
☑️ Preparing to update Honor 9X
Standard update over the air (OTA)
The most secure and preferred method for the average user is to receive the update via the built-in mechanism OTA (Over-The-Air). The company's servers Honor periodically send out update packages that are checked by the device for compliance with the region and the current version of the database. If the server sees a new build available, the system will offer to download and install it.
To run the scan manually, go to Settings → System → Software Update and click the Check for updatesbutton. If the button is grayed out or the message "You are using the latest version" is displayed, this does not always mean that new patches do not exist. Sometimes server distribution occurs in waves, and your device may simply not get into the current queue.
In some cases, clearing the cache of the "Software Update" application helps. Go to Settings → Applications → Applications, find Software update in the list (can be hidden under three dots in the corner of the screen), select Memory and click Clear cache. After this, try checking again. This method often works when the update process is stuck on an old version due to local data caching.
If the update is not found, try changing the Wi-Fi access point. Sometimes update servers respond better to requests from certain IP addresses of providers.
It is worth considering that for Honor 9X major major updates (for example, the transition from EMUI 9 to EMUI 10) may have already completed their official distribution. In this case, the OTA method will offer only minor security patches that correct vulnerabilities, but do not change the Android version globally.
Updating via a computer using HiSuite
If the wireless method does not bring results, proprietary PC software comes to the rescue - HiSuite. This tool has deeper access to device diagnostics and can find updates that are not visible directly on the smartphone. Download the latest version HiSuite from the manufacturer's official website and install it on a computer running Windows.
Connect the phone to the computer with an original USB cable. A request will appear on the smartphone screen to allow the connection and enter a confirmation code, which will be displayed on the PC monitor. After successful pairing, click on the icon Updatein the app interface. The system will automatically scan the device and compare its ID with the database of available firmware.
| Update method | Required tools | Risk of data loss | Installation speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (over the air) | Wi-Fi only | Minimum | Average |
| HiSuite (PC) | Computer, USB cable | Low | High |
| Local (dload) | Memory card, firmware file | High | Depends on the card |
An important feature HiSuite is the "System Restore" function. If your device is unstable or the update is interrupted, this mode allows you to reinstall the current or newer firmware version with complete clearing of user data. Use this option only as a last resort, having first saved all important files to the cloud or to an external storage device.
Manual installation of firmware via dload mode
For advanced users who want to install a specific software version or update a phone that does not officially receive updates, there is a local installation method. It requires downloading the full firmware image (usually an archive update.zip or folder update) from reliable sources, such as the official support forum or specialized communities.
Create a folder named dloadon the microSD memory card or in the internal memory (if you have access to the partition root). Copy the firmware file there. Next, you need to put the phone into a special download mode. To do this, turn off the device completely, then press three buttons simultaneously: Volume up, Volume down and Power.
⚠️ Attention: Use Unverified firmware files from third-party sources can lead to the device becoming bricked. Make sure that the software version is intended specifically for your model (the C-code of the region must match).
After pressing the buttons, the phone will vibrate and a logo Honor with a progress indicator will appear on the screen. You cannot release the buttons until the percentage of completion appears. The process of unpacking and writing data to memory partitions can take from 10 to 20 minutes. The device will reboot several times during the procedure.
What to do if the dload mode does not start?
If the button combination does not work, this function may be blocked by your telecom operator or a specific version of the bootloader. Try entering the engineering code ##2846579## in the phone application, go to ProjectMenu → Background Settings → USB Port Settings and select "Manufacture Mode". Connecting to a PC can then activate hidden update features.
After successful installation, the system will prompt you to carry out the initial setup. It is recommended to immediately check the version in the settings and make sure that the build number has changed. If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 30 minutes, you will need to force a reboot or enter Recovery mode to reset the settings.
Eliminating errors and freezes during updating
During the updating process Honor 9X various failures may occur, from file loading errors to endless reboots (bootloop). One of the common problems is the message “Not enough space”, even if the memory is formally free. This is due to the fact that the system needs a continuous block of free space for temporary files.
To solve the problem, try uninstalling system application updates through the recovery menu. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up until the menu appears Recovery. Select item Wipe data/factory reset (after making a backup first!). This will clear the cache and temporary files that may be blocking the installation of new firmware.
Another common error is failure to verify the file signature. This happens if the firmware file was not downloaded completely or was damaged when writing to the memory card. Always check the checksum (MD5 or SHA1) of the downloaded archive with the data provided on the source website. Using a non-original card reader can also distort data when recording.
Most update errors are resolved by performing a full reset (Wipe Data) before attempting installation again, since a conflict with old configuration files prevents the use of new system libraries.
If the device after the update is slow or discharges quickly, this is a normal situation for the first 24-48 hours. The system performs background optimization of applications and re-indexing of files. Let the phone work in quiet mode, connected to charging, to complete these internal processes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update the Honor 9X to Android 11 or 12 officially?
Official support for major updates for Honor 9X in most regions I settled on the version EMUI 10.1 (Android 10 base). Getting Android 11 or 12 is only possible through installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), which requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty, and also carries the risk of unstable operation.
Will the update delete my photos and contacts?
When updating using standard methods (OTA or via HiSuite in update mode), user data are saved. However, if you use System Restore mode in HiSuite or manual reset via Recovery, all data will be deleted. Always make a backup copy before starting the procedures.
Why did some applications disappear after the update?
When upgrading to a new version of Android, some outdated applications may become incompatible and are automatically hidden or deleted. It is also possible that the sorting on the desktop has gone wrong. Check the list of all applications in the menu and reinstall the missing apps from the store.
Is it possible to roll back to an older version of Android?
Officially, rolling back (downgrading) to an older version of software through standard settings is impossible due to protection against downgrading the bootloader version. This requires the use of special service tools and complete formatting of the device, which is recommended to be done only in service centers.
Is it safe to install firmware from w3bsit3-dns.com forums?
Specialized forums are a valuable source of information, but installing custom or modified firmware always carries a risk. Official full firmware posted by section moderators are usually safe if the instructions for installing and checking the integrity of the file are followed.