The smartphone Honor 20, released in 2019, was initially supplied with the Magic UI 2.1 shell based on Android 9. Over time, the manufacturer released a large-scale update to Android 10, and then to Android 11 with the Magic shell UI 4.0. However, automatic receipt of this update over the air (OTA) may not occur due to regional peculiarities or a change in update servers after the separation of Huawei and Honor.
Many users are faced with a situation where the phone works stably, but lacks the new security features and power consumption optimization available in Android 11. The process of switching to a new version of the system requires careful preparation, since installing incompatible firmware can lead to software failures. In this article, we will look at all the legal ways to obtain an update, including using official applications and manual installation via a computer.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that your device actually supports the target software version. Despite the fact that Honor 20 is included in the list of supported models, the update status may depend on the specific modification (L29, L09) and the region of sale. We will look at the nuances of each method so that you can choose the most secure and effective option for your gadget.
Checking compatibility and preparing the device
The first step before any intervention in the system is to verify the current build and check for the presence of official update paths. Go to the menu Settings → System → Software update and click the check button. If the system reports that you are using the latest version, this does not always mean that Android 11 is not available. Often servers are updated in waves, and your device may simply not be included in the current selection.
A critically important step is creating a backup copy of your data. Updating a major version of Android (from 10 to 11) affects the system partition and may lead to clearing user data in case of failure. Use cloud services or the built-in application HiSuite to save contacts, photos and messages to an external drive or PC.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%. The flashing process is energy-consuming, and a sudden power outage while writing system files can turn the smartphone into a “brick.”
It is also worth freeing up space in the internal memory. The update file can weigh from 3 to 5 GB, and the system requires an additional buffer to extract and install it. It is recommended to have at least 10 GB of free space before starting the procedure.
☑️ Preparing to update Honor 20
Updating through the My Huawei (HiCare) application
One of the most reliable ways to get an update that does not arrive by air is to use a proprietary application My Huawei (formerly known as HiCare). This is an official support tool that allows you to check for new software versions, bypassing the standard settings menu.
First, download the application from the store AppGallery. If it is not available in your region, you can download the APK file from the official Honor support site. After installation, open the application, accept the user agreement and go to the section Support or Upgrade (depending on the interface version).
Click on the icon Update (arrow icon or Android logo). The application will contact the server and check the status of your device. If Android 11-based firmware is available for your model, you will see a Download and Install button. This method is preferable as it automatically checks the region and version of the device, minimizing the risk of errors.
If the My Huawei app does not find updates, try temporarily changing the region in the phone settings to “Russia” or “Europe”, reboot the device and check again.
In some cases, the application may offer participation in the app beta testing. Be careful: beta versions may contain bugs and are not intended for everyday use on a primary device. We need a stable release version.
Manual installation via computer and HiSuite
If mobile methods do not work, you can use a PC. The app HiSuite for a computer allows you to control your smartphone and update the firmware directly from the manufacturer’s servers. This often works where OTA updates are blocked by carriers or regional settings.
Install the latest version of HiSuite on your computer and connect your smartphone with a USB cable. Allow USB debugging and confirm the connection on the phone screen. In the main app window on your PC, find the section System update.
Click the check button. If the server detects a new version for your serial number, the download will begin. The advantage of this method is that the computer provides a stable connection and will not interrupt the download due to a weak Wi-Fi signal.
| Update method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Settings) | Low | Minimum | Depends on Wi-Fi |
| My Huawei | Medium | Minimum | High |
| HiSuite (PC) | Medium | Medium | Depends on USB |
| Local (Dload) | High | High | Depends on the card |
⚠️ Attention: When using HiSuite, a request for permission to install updates may appear on the phone screen. Do not disconnect the cable until the process is complete and the device is rebooted.
After successful installation, the phone will reboot. The first boot after updating to a major version of Android may take up to 10-15 minutes due to application optimization. Be patient and do not try to forcefully turn on the screen during this period.
Local update using the Dload method
The most difficult, but sometimes the only working method is local installation of the firmware. It requires manually searching for the update file (full system image) and placing it in a special folder on the memory card or internal memory of the device.
You need to find the full firmware package (Full OTA) specifically for your model Honor 20. The file usually has the extension .zip and weighs more than 4 GB. Important: the firmware must be the same regional version or higher (for example, you cannot roll back from C432 to C185, but you can update). Using the wrong firmware will result in an installation error or loss of data.
Create a folder in the root of the memory card with the name dload (all letters are lowercase). Place the downloaded file UPDATE.APP (which is located inside the firmware archive) into this folder. Do not unpack the file itself UPDATE.APP, it should be as is.
/dload/UPDATE.APPAfter copying the file, go to the application Phone and enter the special code: ##2846579##. The engineering menu will open. Select item Software update → Update via memory card. The phone will find the file and offer to start installation.
What to do if the code does not work?
If the engineering menu does not open using the code, try the method with buttons. Turn off your phone completely. Press the volume buttons (up and down) and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Honor logo appears. The phone itself will find the dload folder and start recovery mode to install the update.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
During the update process, users may encounter various errors. One of the common problems is the message "Not enough space" even if the files have already been deleted. This is due to the fact that the system caches data. Try clearing the application cache or resetting the settings before updating (don't forget about the backup).
Another common situation is getting stuck on the logo after installation. If your phone doesn't boot for more than 20 minutes, try to force restart by holding the Power button for 10-15 seconds. In the worst case, you will need to enter Recovery mode to reset to factory settings.
- 🔋 Error 15%: Often occurs when the connection to the server is unstable or the update file is damaged. Try downloading the firmware again.
- 📶 No network after update: Reboot the modem part by typing the code
##2846579##and selecting “Reset network settings”, or simply reconnect the SIM card. - 📱 The touchscreen does not work: After a major update, screen calibration may be lost. Go to the engineering tests menu and check the sensor, or perform a complete data wipe.
If the update is interrupted and the phone does not turn on, you may need to reflash it via a computer using specialized software, for example, Huawei Multi-Tool or DC-Phoenix, which already requires specialist skills.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of Magic UI. If you do not find the item you need, check the official user manual for your specific software version.
The local update method (Dload) is the most powerful tool, but carries the greatest risks. Use it only if the official methods through My Huawei and HiSuite do not produce results.
What's new in Android 11 for Honor 20
The transition to Android 11 brings not just a change in the version number, but real changes in the operation of the system. Magic UI 4.0, built on top of this foundation, offers improved privacy management. Now you can give applications access to geolocation, camera or microphone only for one time, and not forever.
Improved work with notifications. It is now possible to group conversations from instant messengers into a separate block so that they do not get lost in the general news flow. Also added is the function of recording the screen with system sound without the need to obtain root access, which was not available in previous versions.
Honor 20 After the update, it becomes more responsive in terms of managing a smart home. The HiLink device control center is now integrated into the power off menu, allowing you to quickly change the settings of light bulbs, sockets and other equipment.
- 🛡️ Improved data access control and one-time permissions.
- 💬 Dedicated section for dialogs in the notification shade.
- 🎥 Built-in high-quality screen recording with internal sound.
Users also note the optimization of autonomy. The new version of the system better manages background processes, “putting to sleep” applications that are not used for a long time, which has a positive effect on battery life.
After updating to Android 11, go to the battery settings and give the system 2-3 days to adapt. In the first days, energy consumption may be higher than usual due to file indexing and application optimization.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Honor 20 to Android 12 or 13?
Officially support Honor 20 has ended on Android 11 (Magic UI 4.0). Updates to Android 12 and higher for this model were not announced by the manufacturer. Installing newer versions is only possible through unofficial custom firmware (GSI), which requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty (if it is still valid), and also carries a high risk of unstable operation.
Will the update delete my photos and contacts?
When updating over the air or through the app My Huawei user data is saved. However, if you use the local installation method (Dload) or if critical errors occur during the installation process, data may be lost. Always make a backup copy before starting the procedure.
Why doesn’t the update arrive, although a friend already has Android 11 on the same phone?
Updates are distributed in stages. In addition, the region of the device (CUST version) is important. If your phone is intended for the Asian market and you are in Europe, or vice versa, the server may not offer the update. The version of the base firmware also affects - sometimes you need to first install an intermediate security patch.
Is it safe to download firmware from third-party sites?
Downloading full firmware images from third-party resources carries risks. The file may be modified, contain viruses, or be damaged. It is recommended to use only official sources, such as update servers inside the My Huawei application, or verified communities with a good reputation, where files are verified by hash sums.
What to do if after the update the phone starts to get very hot?
In the first 24-48 hours after a major update, the system performs background optimization of databases and applications, which causes a load on the processor and heating This is normal. If the problem persists for more than two days, try resetting the settings to factory settings or contact a service center.