Smartphone Honor 8X for a long time remained one of the most popular devices in the mid-segment, largely due to the successful balance of characteristics and price. However, owners of this model often encounter software limitations, as official support from the manufacturer ends over time. Updating to Android 10 (EMUI 10 shell) is a critical step to ensure data security and compatibility with modern applications.
The firmware process may seem complicated for an untrained user, but in fact Huawei has provided several built-in tools for this purpose. You don't have to be a mobile technology expert to perform this procedure yourself. The main thing is to clearly follow the algorithm of actions and understand the risks associated with data loss or interruption of the process.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for migrating to a new version of the operating system. We will look at standard over-the-air update tools, using the eRecovery recovery mode, as well as forced installation via a computer using the utility HiSuite. We will pay special attention to preparing the device in order to avoid unexpected errors during operation.
Preparing the device for updating
Before starting any firmware process, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this step may result in the smartphone freezing or losing some user data. First of all, make sure that you Honor 8X have enough free memory space. The update file can take anywhere from 3 to 5 GB, so having at least 6 GB of free space is a must.
Back up all important data. Even if the update proceeds normally, there is always a risk of failure. Save contacts, photos and documents to cloud storage or copy them to your computer. It is also recommended to fully charge the device's battery to 100% or keep it connected to the charger during the entire process.
☑️ Preparing for the update
Check the current firmware version to see if the update is officially available to you. To do this, go to menu Settings → System → Software update. If the system reports that you are using the latest version, but you know about the existence of Android 10, perhaps your device is tied to a specific region where the update has not yet arrived, or a manual installation method is required.
Before updating, take a photo of the screen with the current network and display settings - this will help to quickly restore the usual configuration after resetting the settings.
Update over the air (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the software is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism. This method does not require connection to a computer or special cables. The system itself will download the necessary package, check its integrity and offer to install it.
However, it often happens that the update button is inactive. This can happen for several reasons: the servers are overloaded, the update is distributed in waves, or the phone has modified system files installed. In the latter case, the system blocks the installation of official patches for security reasons.
- 📶 Make sure that you are connected to a stable network Wi-Fi, as the mobile data may be interrupted at the most inopportune moment.
- 🔋 Connect your smartphone to the charger, even if the battery is more than charged 50%.
- 🔄 Reboot the device before checking for updates to clear the system services cache.
If an update is found, the system will offer to download it. After downloading, the installation process will begin, during which the phone will reboot several times. The screen may go off and on - this is normal behavior. Do not press any buttons at this moment so as not to interrupt writing data to flash memory.
Automatic updating through settings is the safest method that saves all user data without the need for manual intervention.
Using eRecovery mode
If the standard settings menu does not see updates, you can use mode eRecovery. This is a special recovery partition built into the phone's memory, which allows you to download firmware directly from the manufacturer's servers, bypassing the main operating system. This method is especially effective when the phone is unstable or does not boot correctly.
To enter this mode, you must turn off the smartphone. Then hold down the Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the logo Honorappears, then release the Power button, but continue to hold the volume down until the recovery menu appears. In this menu, the interface is controlled by the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select).
⚠️ Attention: In the eRecovery menu, select “Download latest version and recovery”. Do not select the “Wipe data” item if you want to save the information, although during a normal update the data is most often saved, there is a risk of resetting.
After selecting the download item, the phone will ask you to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Select your network and enter your password. The system will contact the server and check for the availability of suitable firmware for your model and region. If the package is found, the download will begin. This process may take considerable time depending on the Internet speed.
What to do if eRecovery does not see the network?
If the phone does not connect to Wi-Fi in recovery mode, try using an access point from another smartphone. Sometimes eRecovery mode does not support some types of router encryption or 5 GHz frequencies.
Updating via a computer with HiSuite
The PC method is considered one of the most reliable, especially if wireless methods do not work. To do this, you will need a computer running Windows, an original USB cable and the installed app HiSuite. This is the official software from Huawei/Honor to control your smartphone.
Download and install the latest version of HiSuite from the official website. After starting the app, connect your phone to the computer with a cable. A request will appear on the smartphone screen to allow debugging and establish a connection - confirm it and enter the code that the computer will show. In the main app window, find the “Update” or “System Update” button.
| Method | Required equipment | Risk of data loss | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Settings) | Phone and Wi-Fi only | Low | Minimum |
| eRecovery | Phone and Wi-Fi | Medium | Medium |
| HiSuite (PC) | PC, USB cable, software | Low | Medium |
| dLoad (SD card) | SD card, firmware archive | High | High |
The app itself will determine available updates. If the server prompts you to upgrade to Android 10, follow the onscreen instructions. The advantage of this method is that the computer provides a more stable connection and allows you to control the progress of the process. In addition, HiSuite often sees updates that have not yet reached the phone over the air.
Manual installation via memory card (dLoad)
This method is intended for advanced users and is used in extreme cases when other methods do not work. You will need to find the full firmware archive (full OTA package) for your specific model Honor 8X (for example, JSN-L21 or JSN-L22) in the format update.app. You should download firmware only from trusted resources, such as the official Huawei forum or specialized portals like XDA.
Create a folder on the memory card named dLoad (letter case is important, write with a capital D and a small load). Place the file update.app inside this folder. Insert the card into the switched off smartphone. Press three buttons at once: volume up, volume down and power. Hold them until the logo appears and the installation process begins.
⚠️ Attention: When using the dLoad method, it is critical that the firmware version is not lower than the one already installed and matches the device region (CUST code). Installing the wrong version can lead to bricking the phone.
The installation process via dLoad usually takes longer than other methods. The smartphone will reboot and the Android or Honor logo may appear on the screen with a progress bar. Under no circumstances remove the memory card or turn off the device until the process is complete and the desktop has loaded.
If you do not have a memory card, the dLoad method cannot be used. In this case, try creating a virtual drive or use the HiSuite method, which does not require external media.
Possible problems and solutions
During the update process, users may encounter various errors. One of the most common is the “Not enough space” message, even if the memory is cleared. In this case, try clearing the application cache through the recovery menu (wipe cache partition) without affecting user data.
Another common problem is getting stuck on the logo after an update. If the phone hangs on screensaver for more than 10 minutes, try to force restart by holding the Power button for about 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you may need to perform a factory reset via the Recovery menu, which will delete all data.
- 🚫 Signature verification failure means that the firmware file is damaged or not intended for this model.
- 📉 Slow loading in eRecovery is often due to overloaded servers; try updating at night or via HiSuite.
- 🔌 Problems connecting to a PC can be solved by replacing the USB cable or ports.
Remember that after updating to Android 10, the EMUI interface will change. New navigation gestures may appear, the settings menu and notification panel may change. Give the system a couple of days to optimize background processes, as battery consumption may be increased in the first day.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the specific version of EMUI and the system language. If you do not find the item you need, check the official user manual for your model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my photos and contacts be deleted when updating to Android 10?
When When updating using standard methods (OTA, HiSuite, eRecovery in update mode), the data is usually saved. However, we strongly recommend making a backup copy before starting the process, since any failure can lead to loss of information.
Is it possible to roll back to an older version of Android after an update?
Officially rolling back to an older version of Android (for example, from 10 to 9) is extremely difficult and often impossible without a complete flashing through special service tools that require unlocking bootloader. This is a complex procedure that is not recommended for ordinary users.
Why am I not receiving an update, although a friend already has Android 10 on the same phone?
Updates are distributed in stages and depend on the region where the phone was sold (CUST code), telecom operator and the current version of the database. If the update does not arrive, use the HiSuite or eRecovery method to force a scan.
Will the phone run slower after the update?
In the first days after the update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, which may cause heating and slight slowdown. Usually after 2-3 days the work stabilizes. On older devices, the new OS may consume a little more resources, but EMUI 10 is optimized quite well.
Is it safe to download firmware from third-party sites?
Downloading full firmware images from third-party resources carries risks. The file may have been modified or contain errors. Use only official sources or verified developer communities where files are verified with checksums.