What version of Android is installed on the Honor 10i and how to update it

Smartphone owners Honor 10i often wonder about the current version of the operating system, especially given the turbulent history of changes in the Huawei and Honor ecosystem. This device, released in 2019, was initially supplied with relatively new firmware at that time, but over the years of use the situation could have changed significantly. Understanding which which Android is on the Honor 10i is currently installed is critical for application compatibility and data security.

Many users are faced with confusion between the shell version EMUI and the kernel version Android. Often the numbers in the firmware name do not match the android number, which is misleading when searching for updates or instructions for flashing the firmware. In this article we will analyze in detail the evolution of software for this model, ways to check the current version and the possibility of migrating to newer system releases.

It is worth noting that Honor 10i (also known as Huawei P Smart 2019) is based on a processor HiSilicon Kirin 710. This platform supports certain versions of Android, but has its own limitations imposed by the manufacturer. If you are planning to buy a used device or just want to put your phone in order, the information below will become a comprehensive guide for you.

Factory version and software characteristics

At the time of the official start of sales in early 2019, the smartphone came out with a pre-installed operating system Android 9.0 Pie. A proprietary shell EMUI 9.0 from Huawei was installed on top of it. This was a standard solution for mid-range devices of that period, providing a balance between performance and functionality.

However, depending on the region of delivery and the production date of a particular batch, the situation could be slightly different. Some later batches may have already received an update "out of the box" to Android 10 with shell EMUI 10.0. To find out exactly what version your device originally had, you can look at the production date under the battery (if it is removable) or on the box, although in the case of Honor 10i the battery is not removable, so rely on the date of purchase.

The basic software package included a set of standard Google applications, since US sanctions had not yet entered into full force for this model at the time of its release. release. This means that Google Play Market, YouTube other services worked natively without the need for installation through third-party launchers or emulators.

Official updates and the path to Android 10

Honor actively supported this model for two years after its release. The major and final update for Honor 10i was the transition to Android 10 with shell EMUI 10.1. This update brings not only visual changes, such as a new control panel and a dark theme, but also important improvements in privacy and app permission management.

The update process occurs through the standard settings menu. The user needs to go to the section System and updates, then select the item Software update and press the button Search for updates. If Honor servers see your device and new firmware is available for it, the system will prompt you to download and install it.

It is important to understand that at the moment there is official support Honor 10i completed. You should not expect an official release. The developers focused on new models of the Honor and Huawei series, leaving devices based on the Kirin 710 processor on version Android 10. Android 11 or Android 12 It's not worth it in an official way. The developers focused on the new models of the Honor and Huawei series, leaving devices based on the Kirin 710 processor on Android 10.

⚠️ Attention: Official update servers for older models may be unstable or disabled in some regions. If the automatic search does not find a new version, this does not always mean that the update is not available - perhaps it comes in waves.

How to find out exactly Android version and build

Often users see the EMUI version number and mistakenly believe that this is the Android version. For example, the inscription EMUI 10.1.0.180 talks only about the shell version, but does not reveal the system kernel number. To get reliable information about whether what Android is on Honor 10i is actually installed, you need to look into the technical information.

Follow the simple instructions: open Settings, scroll down to item System and updates i select About phone. In this section you will see several lines with technical information. We are interested in the string Android version. It is the number in this line (9 or 10) that is the answer to your question.

Also listed here Build number. This is a unique identifier for a specific firmware version. It is important when contacting a service center or when searching for drivers on the forum. Below is a table of correspondence between EMUI and Android versions for this model.

EMUI version	Android version	Code name	Support status
EMUI 9.0	Android 9.0	Pie	Factory (Outdated)
EMUI 9.1	Android 9.0	Pie	Intermediate
EMUI 10.0	Android 10	Q	Current (Final)
EMUI 10.1	Android 10	Q	Current (Final)

Remember that the build number always consists of numbers separated by dots. The last group of numbers usually indicates the security patch number. The higher this number, the more recent the patches for vulnerabilities in your system.

The problem of the lack of Google services and solutions

Although Honor 10i was released before the introduction of strict sanctions, some users are faced with a situation where, after a reset or update, Google services stop working correctly. This may be due to the fact that the security certificates are out of date, or the phone was flashed with a regional version from China, where Google services are not natively available.

If you have the official global version (the model code usually ends with -AL00a or -L21), there should be no problems. If it is missing Play Marketcheck the presence of the application Google Services Framework in the list of installed apps. If it is not there, the system will not be able to authorize the account.

For models without services, there is an installation method through the app GBox or Gspace. These apps create a virtual environment inside Android, allowing you to run applications that require a Google license. However, this is not a native integration and may consume more battery resources.

Is it possible to install Google services on the Chinese version of Honor 10i?

Yes, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Global ROM, which is difficult for the average user and can lead to loss of warranty or turning the phone into a brick. It's easier to use GBox.

⚠️ Warning: Downloading Google services from third-party sites in the form of APK files can be dangerous. Use only official recovery methods or proven tools like Huawei Phone Clone to transfer data from another device.

Custom firmware and unlocking the bootloader

Since there is no official update to Android 11 and higher from the manufacturer, advanced users pay attention to custom firmware (Custom ROM). The developer community, such as XDA Developersperiodically releases unofficial versions of LineageOS or Pixel Experience for Kirin 710-based devices.

The main problem for Honor and Huawei owners is the difficulty of unlocking the bootloader. Since 2018, the company has stopped issuing unlock codes to users. Without an unlocked bootloader, installing a custom recovery (for example, TWRP) and subsequent flashing unofficial software is impossible.

There are paid services and specific vulnerabilities in older versions of software that allow you to unlock the device, but they require deep technical knowledge. Installing custom firmware carries risks: the camera, VoLTE or fingerprint scanner may stop working due to the lack of drivers in the unofficial kernel.

fastboot oem unlock [unlock code]

This command in FastBoot mode is standard for unlocking, but on modern Honor devices it most often returns an error or requires a code that cannot be obtained legally. Therefore, for most users, the customization path is closed.

Optimizing Android 10 performance on Honor 10i

If your smartphone is running on Android 10, but you notice slowdowns or rapid battery drain, the system may need optimization. Over time, cached data accumulates in memory, which may conflict with new versions of applications.

First of all, it is recommended to clear the cache of the applications that you use most often (social networks, instant messengers). This is done through the menu Applications → Application settings → selecting the desired application → Memory → Clear cache. Do not confuse this with the "Clear data" button, which will delete your correspondence and logins.

• 🚀 Animations: Enable developer mode (7 clicks on the build number) and reduce the window animation scale to 0.5x. This will visually speed up the interface.
• 🔋 Energy consumption: Check the section Battery and limit the operation of background applications for apps that you rarely use.
• 🗑️ Storage: Use the built-in application Phone Manager to remove junk files and duplicate photos.

Also It's worth checking to see if the "Memory Expansion" feature (if available in your firmware version) is enabled, which uses part of the internal storage as RAM. On older drives, this sometimes has the opposite effect and slows down the system.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can Honor 10i be officially updated to Android 11?

No, Honor has ended support for this model on Android 10 (EMUI 10.1). There are no official updates to Android 11 and higher.

Why did the Google icons disappear after the update?

This can happen when the firmware region is changed or services malfunction. Try clearing the cache of the Google Play Services application or resetting application settings in the settings menu.

Is it safe to use Honor 10i with Android 9 in 2026-2026?

Using an outdated version of Android 9 carries security risks, since new vulnerability patches do not arrive. It is recommended to update to Android 10, if possible for your device.

How to return to the factory version of Android if I broke something?

To return to factory settings, use the Huawei HiSuite app on your computer in System Restore mode. This will return the software version that was the latest official for your region.

Does the Android version affect the operation of banking applications?

Yes, some banks require a minimum version of Android 10 for their applications to work for security reasons. On Android 9, some banking apps may stop running.