Huawei Nova 3, released in 2018 with Android 8.1 Oreo on board, still remains a popular device among users who value a balance of performance and design. However, official support for updates for this model has long been discontinued: the last stable release from the manufacturer is EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie. However, it is still possible to update Nova 3 to Android 10 in 2026 - both through custom firmware and using alternative methods.

In this article we will analyze all current ways to updateincluding preparing the device, choosing firmware, step-by-step guide and solving common errors. We will pay special attention data security to the nuances that are often missed in standard guides. If you are willing to take a risk for new features (for example, dark theme at the system level or improved permissions for applications) - read on.

⚠️ Important: Updating to Android 10 on Nova 3 deprives you of the official warranty (if it is still valid) and may lead to unstable operation of the device. You perform all manipulations at your own peril and risk.

📊 Have you already tried updating Nova 3?
Yes, via HiSuite
Yes, via custom firmware
No, I'm afraid of breaking my phone
I plan to try after this article

1. Preparing your device for the update

Before you begin the update, there are several critical steps you need to take. Neglecting them can lead to data loss, "brick" (inoperability) of the device or malfunction of the new firmware.

Firstly, check the current software version. To do this, go to Settings → About phone → EMUI version. If yours is EMUI 9.1 or lower, an update is possible. Versions higher (for example, EMUI 10 based on Android 10 from some regions) already contain the latest firmware, but it can be replaced with a more recent custom one.

Secondly, free up memory. To install the firmware you will need at least 5–8 GB of free space on the internal drive. Delete unnecessary files, transfer photos and videos to a memory card or to the cloud.

Finally, make a full backup. Use HiSuite (official software from Huawei) or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root). It is especially important to save:

  • 📱 Contacts (export to a VCF file)
  • 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC)
  • 🔑 Passwords and application data (use Google Account or specialized backup managers)
  • 📱 IMEI and serial number (write it down on paper or take a photo)

⚠️ Attention: If you use Google services (GMS), please note that after installing custom firmware they may stop working. For Nova 3 there are firmwares with pre-integrated GMS, but their stability is not guaranteed.

Make a backup of all data|Check the battery charge (at least 70%)|Download the required firmware and tools|Disable antivirus on PC|Prepare a USB cable (original!)

-->

2. Official update methods (if still available)

Although Huawei support has long ceased Nova 3, in some regions (for example, in China or India) it could remain hidden update to EMUI 10. You can check its presence in two ways:

Method 1: Through the phone settings

  1. Open Settings → System → Software update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. If the system finds an available update, follow the instructions on the screen.

Method 2: Via HiSuite

  • 🖥️ Install the latest version HiSuite from official website.
  • 📱 Connect the phone to the PC with the original cable.
  • 🔍 In the app, select Update → Check for updates.
  • 📥 If an update is available, download and install it.

⚠️ Attention: Even if HiSuite shows an available update, its installation may be blocked due to regional binding firmware. In this case, you will have to use alternative methods.

If the official methods do not work (which is most likely in 2026), go to custom firmware.

What to do if HiSuite does not see the phone?

Try the following steps:

1. Reinstall Huawei drivers on your PC (download from the official website).

2. Use another USB cable (preferably the original one).

3. Turn on the mode File transfer (MTP) in the phone's notification shade.

4. Disable the antivirus on your PC - it may block the connection.

5. Try a different USB port (preferably 2.0, not 3.0).

3. Choosing custom firmware for Android 10

For Huawei Nova 3 (model PAR-LX1/PAR-LX9) there are several stable custom firmware based on Android 10. The most popular options:

Firmware Features GMS Stability Forum link
LineageOS 17.1 Clean Android, minimalistic interface, regular security updates ❌ (must be installed separately) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ XDA
Havoc-OS Maximum customization, theme support, navigation gestures ❌ (requires OpenGApps) ⭐⭐⭐ XDA
EMUI 10 (port) Official interface Huawei, but with Android 10 at the core ✅ (in some assemblies) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HuaweiCentral
Pixel Experience Interface like on Google Pixel, pure Android ✅ (enabled by default) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ XDA

For most users, this will be the optimal choice Pixel Experience or EMUI 10 portas they offer the best balance between stability and functionality. If Google servicesis important to you, pay attention to the assemblies marked GApps included.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Nova 3 i Nova 3i not compatible! Make sure that you download the file specifically for your model (PAR-LX1 or PAR-LX9). You can find out the model in Settings → About phone → Model.

Critical! Before downloading the firmware, check its release date. Builds older than 2026 may contain security vulnerabilities or may not support modern applications.

💡

If you are new to firmware, choose versions marked Stable or Official. Avoid Beta i Nightly —they may contain critical bugs.

4. Unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP

To install custom firmware you need unlock the bootloader (bootloader) and install custom recovery TWRP. This process will irreversibly reset all data on the phone, so make sure once again that the backup is made.

Step 1: Getting the unlock code

  1. Go to the website Huawei Unlock.
  2. Register or log in to your Huawei account.
  3. Enter device data: IMEI, Serial number, Product ID (you can find out via ##1357946##).
  4. Receive 16-digit unlock code (may arrive by email within 1-7 days).

Step 2: Unlocking the bootloader

  1. Install ADB and Fastboot on a PC (you can download it as part of Platform Tools from Google).
  2. Connect the phone to the PC in mode Fastboot (turn off the phone, then hold down Volume down + Power).
  3. In the command line, run: 
    fastboot oem unlock [your_16-digit_code]
  4. Confirm unlocking on the phone (with the volume button).

Step 3: Installing TWRP

  • 📥 Download the latest version TWRP for Nova 3 from official website.
  • 🖥️ Move file twrp.img to the folder with Platform Tools.
  • 📱 In Fastboot mode, run the command: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
  • 🔄 Reboot into recovery (Volume up + Power).

⚠️ Attention: After unlocking the bootloader Huawei Nova 3 will automatically reset to factory settings. Do not be alarmed - this is normal.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is the most risky step If you have never worked. with ADB/Fastboot, practice on a less important device or seek help from an experienced user.

5. Installing Android 10 via TWRP

Now that you have custom recovery installed on your phone, you can start installing the firmware. Follow the instructions carefully - errors at this stage can lead to. data-i="206">devices. "briku" devices.

Step 1: Preparing files

  • 📥 Download the selected firmware (for example, PixelExperience_plus_PAR-10.0-20260101.zip).
  • 🔧 If the firmware is without GMS, download separately OpenGApps (select option ARM64 → 10.0 → nano).
  • 📁 Transfer both files to internal memory phone or to microSD.

Step 2: Installing firmware

  1. Boot into TWRP (Volume up + Power).
  2. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark:
    • 🗃️ Dalvik / ART Cache
    • 📁 System
    • 📄 Data
    • 🔄 Cache

Swipe to confirm.

  • Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.
  • Add OpenGApps (if necessary) via Add more Zips.
  • Swipe to start installation.

    • Step 3: First loading

    After successful installation:

    • 🔄 Select Reboot → System.
    • ⏳ The first download may take 10–20 minutes —do not interrupt the process!
    • 📱 After downloading, perform the initial setup (as on a new phone).

    ⚠️ Attention: If after installation the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 30 minutes, then the firmware is not suitable. In this case, return to TWRP (press Volume up + Power when loading) and repeat the process. with a different assembly.

    What to do if TWRP does not see the internal memory?

    This problem often occurs due to data encryption Solution:

    1. In TWRP, go to Wipe → Format Data (this will delete everything, including files on the internal drive!).

    2. Enter yes to confirm.

    3. firmware.

    6. Setting up Android 10 after installation

    After successful firmware, your Nova 3 will boot from Android 10, but that's not all, for the device to work stably, follow a few additional steps:

    1. Functionality check

    • 📶 Make sure that the mobile network and Wi-Fi are working.
    • 🔊 Check the sound (speakers and microphone).
    • 📷 Test the cameras (sometimes you need to install Google Camera separately).
    • 🔋 See how the battery behaves (the first 2-3 charging cycles may show an incorrect percentage).

    2. Installing Google services (if necessary)

    If you chose firmware without GMS, install them. manually:

    1. Download OpenGApps (version nano or pico).
    2. Reboot into TWRP and install the ZIP file.
    3. Reboot phone.

    3. Performance optimization

    Android 10 may run slower Nova 3than native firmware. To improve speed:

    • 🔧 Disable animation: go to Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to activate Developer mode), then in Settings → System → For Developers install:
      • Window Animation → Off
      • Transition Animation → Off
      • Limit processes → Standard limit
    • 🗑️ Clear the cache regularly (once a week via Settings → Storage).
    • 🔄 Use light launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).

    ⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) can block work on custom firmware. In this case, try hiding root using Magisk or use the web version of the service.

    💡

    If navigation gestures stop working after the update, go to Settings → System → Gestures and select mode 2-button or 3-button.

    7. Solving common problems after the update

    Even with proper installation, problems may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The phone does not turn on after firmware Inappropriate firmware version or interrupted installation Install the firmware again via TWRP or return to stock
    Mobile network does not work Missing IMEI or incorrect settings APN Check IMEI (*#06#) and configure APN manually
    Rapid battery drain Background processes of new firmware or uncalibrated battery Do 2–3 full charging cycles or calibrate the battery via TWRP
    Applications crash Incompatibility with Android 10 or lack of GMS Install OpenGApps or use alternative applications
    Camera does not work Missing drivers or incompatible firmware Install Google Camera with settings for Kirin 970

    If none of the solutions helped, contact the forum XDA-Developers or 4PDA —patches for specific problems are often posted there.

    Critical! If after updating the firmware the phone stops booting even into TWRP, try returning the stock firmware via Huawei eRecovery (press Volume up + Power with the phone turned off and connect to Wi-Fi).

    8. Alternative update methods (without unlocking the bootloader)

    If unlocking the bootloader seems too risky, there are alternative update methods, although they have limitations:

    1. Using Project Treble

    Huawei Nova 3 supports Project Treble, which allows you to install Generic System Image (GSI) without unlocking the bootloader. However, this method requires:

    • 🔧 root access (must be obtained via Magisk).
    • 📥 Special GSI firmware for ARM64 with A-only marking.
    • 🖥️ Knowledge of working with fastboot i ADB.

    Instructions installation instructions for GSI can be found on XDA, but this method is only suitable for experienced users.

    2. Updating via HiSuite (if available)

    In rare cases, HiSuite may offer an upgrade to EMUI 10 even without unlock. To do this:

    1. Install Chinese version of HiSuite (sometimes it offers more updates).
    2. Connect your phone to the PC and select Update → Recovery.
    3. If the system offers firmware PAR-LX1 10.x.x.x agree.

    ⚠️ Attention: Alternative methods often lead to data loss or unstable operationIf you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to stay with the official firmware or contact. specialist.

    💡

    Without unlocking the bootloader, you will not be able to install a full custom firmware. All alternative methods are half-measures with limited functionality.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Nova 3 to Android 10

    Is it possible to return the official firmware after installing a custom one?

    Yes, but this will require:

    1. Download the stock firmware for your model (PAR-LX1 or PAR-LX9).
    2. Install it via Huawei eRecovery or Fastboot.
    3. In some cases you will have to unlock the bootloader again.

    ⚠️ Please note that returning to the official firmware will reset all data.

    Will Google Pay work after the update?

    Most likely not. Google Pay requires certified firmware with valid SafetyNet. On custom firmware this test usually does not pass. Alternatives:

    • Use Garmin Pay or Samsung Pay (if supported).
    • Install Magisk and hide root. using the module Universal SafetyNet Fix.
    • Pay through banking applications (for example, SberBank Online supports contactless payments).
    How to check that Android 10 has been successfully installed?

    Login in Settings → About phone and check:

    • Android version - should be 10.
    • Security patch level - if it is new (2026–2026), firmware current.
    • Availability of new functions: dark theme, navigation gestures, improved permissions for applications.

    You can also use the application AIDA64 to check the OS version in detail and kernels.

    Is it worth upgrading to Android 10 in 2026?

    It depends on your goals:

    • ✅ Yesif you need new features (dark theme, improved multitasking, fresh versions of applications).
    • ✅ Yesif you are willing to put up with possible bugs for the sake of experimentation.
    • ❌ Noif the phone is used for work (especially with banking applications).
    • ❌ Noif you are not confident in your technical skills.

    For most users the best option is to stay on the official firmware and optimize its operation (clearing the cache, light launchers, disabling unnecessary services).

    Where to download reliable firmware for Nova 3?

    Official sources:

    ⚠️ Avoid little-known ones sites - they often distribute firmware with viruses or spyware. Always check the downloaded file (it is indicated on the forums next to the link). MD5 hash MD5 hash downloaded file (it is indicated on the forums next to the link).