Smartphone Honor 20 Lite, released in 2019, was originally supplied with a shell EMUI 9.1 is based on Android 9. However, Huawei continued to support this device by releasing a global update to EMUI 11, which is based on Android 10 but includes many of the new system's features. For many users, the key question remains the possibility of getting Android 11. It is important to immediately clarify the situation: the official update to “pure” Android 11 for this model in global versions is often limited to EMUI 11, although the functional interface and capabilities will be very close to the new OS.
The process of software modernization can radically change the experience of using the gadget. You'll get improved notification management, new navigation gestures, and increased data security. However, before starting any manipulations with the firmware, you need to make sure that your specific region and model are compatible. Incorrect software version may lead to unstable operation or loss of warranty.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for installing a new system. We will look at both standard ways through the phone settings, and more advanced methods using a computer. We will pay special attention to preparing the device so that the process goes through without failures and loss of personal files.
Official support and real version of Android
Many users confuse the version of the EMUI shell and the version of the Android kernel. When your Honor 20 Lite receives an update to EMUI 11, in the settings you will see a large number "11", which is associated with Android 11. In fact, for most global versions of this smartphone the base is Android 10. This is not a hoax, since the visual style, privacy and control functions fully comply with modern standards.
However, in some regions or for Certain submodels (for example, LRA-LX1 or LRA-LX2) may receive specific update packages. You can check the current version in the settings menu. Go to section System and updates, then select item Software update. By clicking on the gear icon in the upper right corner, you will see detailed information about the assembly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to install firmware from other Honor or Huawei models by force. This may lead to the device becoming bricked, since the camera and processor drivers may not match.
If your goal is to get maximum security and new features, updating to the latest available version of EMUI 11 is the best solution. Update servers Huawei distributes packages gradually, so the availability of the update depends on your region and telecom operator.
Preparing your smartphone for system updates
Before starting the download and installation process, it is critically important to properly prepare device. A firmware update is a stress test for your smartphone's memory and battery. Ignoring the preparatory steps often causes installation errors or system freezes at the logo.
The first step is to create a full backup of your data. Even if the update proceeds as normal, there is always a risk of losing contacts or photos. Use Huawei Cloud or connect your phone to your computer to copy important files. Free up space in the internal memory: downloading and unpacking the update package usually requires at least 5-6 GB of free space.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for firmware
Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged. Although modern systems warn of low battery, the process may take a long time, and the phone may turn off at the most inopportune moment. It is also recommended to use a stable Wi-Fi connection, as the amount of downloaded data may exceed 3 GB.
Uninstall third-party launchers and antiviruses before updating. They may conflict with the process of installing system files and cause integrity check errors.
Method 1: Update through smartphone settings
The simplest and safest method is to use the built-in update application. This method is suitable for most users, as the system automatically checks compatibility and downloads the required package. First, make sure that your phone is connected to the Internet.
Go to settings and find the section System and updates. Select the item Software update and press the button Check for updates. If the server detects a new version for your Honor 20 Lite, a description of the changes and a download button will appear on the screen. Click Download and install.
After downloading the file, the system will prompt you to restart the device. At this point, the phone will turn off and begin installation. The screen may turn off and on several times - this is normal behavior. Do not touch the device until the lock screen appears.
| Stage | User action | Expected time |
|---|---|---|
| Check | Pressing a button in the menu | 1-2 minutes |
| Downloading | Waiting for downloading (Wi-Fi) | 15-40 minutes |
| Installation | Automatic (phone reboots) | 10-20 minutes |
| Optimization | First system startup | 5-10 minutes |
If the update is not found automatically, try clearing the update application cache. Go to Settings → Applications → Applications, find Software update, go to Memory and click Clear cache. After that, repeat the check.
Method 2: Using the HiCare application (Support)
If the standard method does not work, you can use a proprietary application HiCare (in new versions it is called Support). This tool often allows you to find updates that have not yet arrived over the air (OTA) to a specific device in your region. Open the application on your smartphone. On the main screen, select section
Open the application Support on your smartphone. On the main screen, select a section Update or Upgrade. In the upper right corner, click on the four square icon or menu to select the scan mode. It is important to select the option Full scan or Smart Upgrade.
⚠️ Attention: When using the Smart Upgrade function, you may agree to the terms of participation in the testing app. Make sure you understand the risks of installing beta versions if they are offered.
The system will contact the server and offer available packages. If the EMUI 11 update is available, follow the onscreen instructions. The process is similar to a standard update: download, integrity check and installation.
What to do if HiCare does not see updates?
Try changing the region in the HiCare application settings. Sometimes updates for Europe and Asia arrive at different times. However, change the region with caution so as not to disrupt the operation of local services.
Method 3: Update via eRecovery mode
This method is “heavy artillery” and is used when the phone does not boot in normal mode or when you need to restore the system to the latest version directly from Huawei servers. This method will require stable Wi-Fi.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Connect it with a USB cable to a charger or computer (power is required). Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Honor logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume until you enter the recovery menu.
In the menu eRecovery select the item Download latest version and recovery (Download the latest version and restore). Next, select Download latest version. The phone will connect to Wi-Fi (select your network and enter the password) and begin downloading the firmware.
Button sequence to enter eRecovery:1. Turn off the phone.
2. Connect the USB cable.
3. Hold: Volume UP + Power.
4. Hold until the menu appears.
After the download is complete, the system will automatically install the update and reboot. This method guarantees the installation of clean, official firmware without user modifications that could cause failures in the past.
The eRecovery mode allows you to restore the phone's functionality even if the system is damaged by downloading the firmware directly from the manufacturer's server.
Installing updates via a computer (HiSuite)
For users who prefer control over the process or have problems with Wi-Fi on their phone, the app is ideal HiSuite for PC. This method also allows you to update your phone if the battery is damaged and does not hold a charge for long (when connected to a PC, the power is stable).
Download and install the latest version of HiSuite on your computer from the official Huawei website. Launch the app and connect Honor 20 Lite to the computer via the original USB cable. A request to allow the connection will appear on the phone screen - confirm it and enter the code shown on the PC screen.
In the app interface, find the button System update (System Update). HiSuite will check the device and suggest the available software version. Click Update and follow the instructions. The computer will download the firmware and transfer it to the phone.
This method is often faster than updating over the air, since the USB communication channel provides high data transfer speeds. In addition, in the event of a failure, the computer can help restore the phone in emergency mode.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the well-functioning processes, users may encounter difficulties. One of the common problems is the "Not enough space" message. In this case, you need to delete the application cache, old videos, or transfer photos to a memory card or to the cloud.
Another common situation is endless loading or freezing at the “Optimize applications” stage. If this process takes more than 40 minutes, there may be a problem. Try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
- 🔋 Battery error: If the phone says that the charge is too low, even at 50%, try updating only when connected to the original charger.
- 📶 Network failure: If there is a download error, check your DNS settings or try distribute the Internet from another phone.
- 🔒 Bootloader lock: If the phone was previously unlocked to obtain root access, the official update may not work. Reverting to stock boot is required.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the specific version of EMUI currently installed on your device. Always check the visual cues on the screen.
In rare cases, after the update, some settings may disappear or alarms may be reset. This is normal for major system updates. Just reconfigure the necessary settings.
After a major system update, it is recommended to let the phone work for 1-2 hours in quiet mode. The system performs background file indexing and database optimization, which may temporarily reduce performance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will I get real Android 11 on the Honor 20 Lite?
Most likely, you will get the EMUI 11 shell, which is based on Android 10. Visually and functionally, it is very similar to Android 11, but the system kernel number will remain 10. This is due to Huawei's update policy for devices of this generation.
Will my data be deleted when updating via eRecovery?
Usually updating via eRecovery in the "Download latest version" mode occurs without data loss. However, there is always a risk of failure. It is strongly recommended to make a backup copy before any actions with the firmware.
Is it possible to roll back to an older version of Android after updating?
Officially rolling back to an older version of Android (downgrade) is extremely difficult and often impossible without completely clearing the data and using special tools from authorized service centers. The security policy prohibits the installation of older versions due to vulnerabilities.
Why doesn’t the update arrive, although a friend already has one?
Updates are distributed in waves. This depends on the region, telecom operator and the specific batch of the device. Wait a few days or try using the HiCare application to force a scan.
Will the Google service disappear after the update?
On the Honor 20 Lite, released before the sanctions, Google services (Play Market, YouTube, Gmail) are built into the system at the hardware level. Updating to EMUI 11 will not delete them, they will continue to work correctly.