Owners of the popular 2016 flagship often wonder whether it is possible to update their device to a newer version of the operating system. Honor 8 originally came with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but the manufacturer promised support for major updates. Officially, Huawei has released a shell EMUI 8.0 based Android 8.0 Oreo for this model. However, the process of obtaining this version may not be obvious, especially if automatic updates over the air (OTA) do not arrive.
There are several ways to update the software of your gadget. Some methods require connecting to the manufacturer's servers, others require manual intervention via a computer. It is important to understand that installing newer firmware may change the interface and behavior of the system to which you are accustomed. In this article, we will analyze all the available options, assess the risks and help you make an informed decision.
Before taking any action, you need to realize that flashing is always a risk. Even official methods can fail due to unstable Internet or errors in the server database. Backup Data is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory requirement before starting any work.
Official update methods through settingsThe safest and easiest way is to use built-in update mechanism. Huawei has provided standard functionality to check for a new software version. First, make sure that your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as the amount of downloaded data can exceed 2 GB.
Go to menu Settings → System → Software update. Click the "Check for updates" button. If the server sees your device and an update to EMUI 8.0is available for it, the system will offer to download the package. Automatic installation preferable, since it minimizes the human factor and the likelihood of errors when selecting files.
⚠️ Attention: If the server responds that the device has already been updated, but you have an old version, the update may come in stages. In this case, you will have to wait your turn or use other methods.
Sometimes the system requires you to first install an intermediate version. Don't try to skip a step if the server insists on consistency. EMUI has strict signature and version checking. The process may take from 30 minutes to an hour, during which the phone will reboot several times.
Before starting the update, make sure that the battery charge is at least 50% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
Using the HiCare application to force an updateIf the standard method does not work, the proprietary method comes to the rescue application HiCare (in new versions it may be called Support). This is an official technical support tool that often has access to a wider range of firmware than the standard settings menu.
Launch the application and look for the "Update" or "Upgrade" section. Select "Local update" or "Check for updates". Here the search algorithm may differ from the system one. Server authorization in the HiCare application sometimes allows you to bypass regional restrictions if you select the correct region in the account settings.
The download and installation process is similar to the standard one, but the application interface displays the progress in more detail. HiCare can also offer to restore the system if the current state of the software is unstable. This is a useful feature if you have already tried to update and encountered errors.
In some cases, an application may ask for permission to access system files. Granting such rights is necessary for the update function to work correctly. After completing the procedure, the phone will offer to set up the device as new or restore data from a backup.
DLoad method: manual installation of firmware from a memory cardMethod dLoad is the most reliable way to install firmware if OTA updates are not available. It requires preliminary preparation: you will need a microSD memory card with a capacity of at least 8 GB and a computer. The firmware files must be downloaded from a reliable source that matches your model (FRD-L19, FRD-L09 etc.).
The downloaded firmware archive (usually a file with a .zip extension or a dload folder) must be unzipped. Key point: the folder with the firmware should be named dload and located in the root of the memory card. Inside this folder there should be a file update.app. The path structure must be strictly observed, otherwise the phone will not see the update.
☑️ Preparing for the dLoad method
To start the update process, turn off the phone completely. Insert a memory card. Press three buttons simultaneously: Volume up, Volume down and Power. Hold them until the Huawei logo appears and the installation process begins. The screen may go dark and light up - this is normal.
⚠️ Attention: Using firmware from other Honor 8 models (for example, from the global version to the Chinese one or vice versa) may lead to to complete failure of the device (“brick”). Always check the model in
Settings → About phone.
This method is good because it does not depend on the state of the operating system. Even if the phone does not boot, the dLoad method can often restore functionality. However, finding official full firmware for older models is now becoming more difficult, since Huawei is gradually removing them from open servers.
Comparison of EMUI versions: is it worth switching to Android 8Moving from Android 6.0 to Android 8.0 in the shell EMUI brings not only new features, but also changes in performance. Many users note that the interface becomes smoother and memory management is more efficient. However, on older devices, new features may consume more resources.
The table below compares the key characteristics of the two versions for Honor 8:
| Characteristics | EMUI 4.1 (Android 6) | EMUI 8.0 (Android 8) |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Classic, flat design | Rounded icons, new animations |
| Battery management | Basic | Advanced, with AI optimization |
| Security | Patches 2016-2017 | Current security patches Google |
| Performance | Stable, but less fast | Faster, but higher CPU load |
Hidden Android 8 features on Honor 8
The new version features a Picture-in-Picture mode, improved notifications with grouping, and the ability to manually manage permissions for each application.
Possible problems and ways to solve themEven if you follow all the instructions, difficulties may arise. One of the most common problems is the reboot loop. If the phone is stuck on the logo after the update, try holding down the Power and Volume down button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If this does not help, you will need to enter Recovery mode.
In Recovery mode (called by pressing Power + Volume up), you can try resetting the settings to factory settings (Wipe data/factory reset). Reset data will delete all information from the phone, but often solves problems with conflicts between the old and new systems. Do not forget that before this you must have a copy of important files.
Another problem is a signature verification error when using the dLoad method. The firmware file is damaged or not suitable for your model. In this case, you need to double-check the hash of the downloaded file or find another source. Also make sure that the memory card is working and does not have file system errors.
Most update errors are associated with damaged firmware files or low battery at a critical moment.
Alternatives: custom. firmware and LineageOSIf the official methods have been exhausted, but the desire to get the latest Android remains, you can pay attention to custom solutions. For Honor 8, there is an active community of developers creating firmware based on LineageOS. Such systems allow you to get pure Android 10 or even 11, which was never officially released for this device.
Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader. In modern realities, Huawei has officially closed the possibility of obtaining unlock codes, which makes this step difficult. You often have to turn to paid services or look for vulnerabilities in older versions of software. LineageOS provides excellent performance, but may have bugs in the camera or NFC.
The installation process of custom software is radically different from the official one. It requires the use of ADB i Fastboot on a computer. Commands are entered into the console, for example:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgAn error in one command can lead to phone sections not working. This is the path for experienced users who are ready to be responsible for the result.
⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party firmware will automatically void the warranty (if it was still valid) and may disrupt the operation of banking applications due to the loss of security certificates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return to Android 6 after updating to Android 8?
Yes, it is possible, but the procedure is complicated. You will need to find a complete Rollback package specifically for your version of EMUI 8. Simply installing the old firmware over the new one via dLoad is often not possible due to version checking. Using a rollback package usually requires a complete reset of all data.
Will my photos and contacts disappear after the update?
When updating via OTA or HiCare, the data is usually preserved. However, when using the dLoad method or if errors occur, the system may prompt you to reset the settings. Always make a backup copy before starting the process so as not to lose important files.
Why doesn’t the update arrive, although a friend already has Android 8 on Honor 8?
Updates are distributed in waves and depend on the region, telecom operator and specific modification of the phone. The server may also block the update if it detects modified system files (for example, the presence of root access or a modified bootloader).
Will Honor 8 run slower on Android 8?
At first after the update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, which can cause heating and lags. Typically, after 2-3 days of active work, performance stabilizes. On the Kirin 950 processor, Android 8 works quite confidently.