Honor 20 Pro: what version of Android is installed and how to update it

Owners of a popular flagship Honor 20 Pro often wonder about the current software platform of their device. This smartphone, released by Huawei, initially worked on the base Android 9 Pie with an add-on Magic UI 2.1. However, over the years of operation, the situation has changed dramatically: the device received several major updates that not only improved the interface, but also increased the level of system security.

Today, the current version of the operating system for this model is Android 10 in conjunction with the shell Magic UI 3.1 (in some regions the marking may be EMUI 10.1). It is important to understand that further major updates to Android 11 or Android 12 officially for this model were not provided by the manufacturer due to changes in support policy and sanctions restrictions. However, the phone continues to receive regular security patches, which makes its use quite comfortable.

If you purchased the device second-hand or it has been sitting idle for a long time, you need to check that the software is up to date. Outdated firmware can cause modern applications to run incorrectly, cause data security issues, and reduce overall performance. In this article, we will look in detail at how to find the current version, install the latest updates, and what to do if the automatic search does not work.

Update history and current support status

The software path Honor 20 Pro was quite eventful. Initially, the device was positioned as a competitor to the flagships of that time, so the manufacturer paid special attention to long-term support. The transition from Android 9 to Android 10 has become one of the most significant events in the life of this smartphone. This update brought not only a new visual style, but also important changes in managing application permissions and privacy.

The shell Magic UI 3.1, which replaced previous versions, optimized the work with RAM and improved the artificial intelligence algorithms in the camera. Users have reported smoother animations and improved battery life after installing this package. However, it is worth considering that the support cycle for this line of devices has come to an end.

⚠️ Attention: Official support for major Android updates for Honor 20 Pro has ended. Attempts to install custom firmware with newer versions of Android may lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid) and unstable operation of communication modules.

Despite the absence of new versions of Android, the company continues to release quarterly security updates. These packages are usually small in size and do not visually change the interface, but cover critical system vulnerabilities. It is not recommended to ignore their installation, especially if you use a smartphone for online banking or storing sensitive data.

How to check the current software version on device

Before taking any update steps, you need to find out exactly what version of the system is currently installed on your device. This information is hidden deep in the system settings, but access to it is open to any user. Knowing the exact build number will help you understand whether you need to look for updates at all or if you are already on the latest available version.

To obtain this information, follow these steps. Go to the main menu and select the settings icon. Next, scroll the list to the very bottom and find the section System. Inside this section you are interested in the item Software update. By clicking on it, you will see a screen where the current version is indicated in large font.

Two key lines are displayed here: version Magic UI (for example, 3.1.1) and version Android (for example, 10). It also indicates the security patch level, which looks like a date (for example, 11/01/2023). If the patch date is older than six months, this is a sure sign that the system needs attention.

• 📱 Open the application Settings on the main screen.
• 🔍 Scroll down and select a section System.
• 🔄 Click on the item Software update to view details.
• 🛡️ Check the date of the latest security patch at the bottom of the screen.

Sometimes users They confuse the shell version number and the Android kernel version number. Remember that Magic UI is only a visual add-on, while Android is the foundation of the system. It is the Android version that determines compatibility with new applications from Google Play.

Methods for installing updates: OTA and manual method

There are two main ways to update the software on Honor 20 Pro. The first and simplest is the over-the-air (OTA) update. The system independently contacts the manufacturer’s servers, checks for the presence of new firmware and offers to download it. This method is ideal for most users, as it minimizes the risk of errors and does not require a computer.

The second method is manual installation via a firmware file. dload. This method is necessary in cases where the OTA update does not arrive, or if you want to update a phone located in a region different from the region of purchase (the so-called cross-regional update). To do this, you will need to download the full firmware image from the official website and place it in the root of the memory card.

The manual update process is as follows. First you need to create a folder on the memory card with the name dload. Then the firmware file is copied to this folder, usually having an extension .app or being an archive that needs to be unpacked. After rebooting the phone, you need to hold down the key combination to enter the update mode.

Combination to force an update:
Volume Up + Volume Down + Power button

Hold all three buttons simultaneously until the logo appears Honor. This will begin the installation process, which may take 10 to 20 minutes. At this time, the screen may go off and on several times - this is normal system behavior.

Compatibility table for versions and regions

It is important to understand that firmware for Honor 20 Pro are shared to regions. Installing European firmware on a Chinese version of a device (or vice versa) without first unlocking the bootloader is impossible and can lead to bricking the smartphone. Below is a table that will help you navigate the model designations.

Device model	Region	Maximum version of Android	Shell
YAL-L21	Europe (Global)	Android 10	Magic UI 3.1
YAL-L22	Russia/CIS	Android 10	Magic UI 3.1
YAL-AL00	China	Android 10	Magic UI 3.1
YAL-L09	Asia/Others	Android 10	Magic UI 3.0/3.1

When searching for firmware, always pay attention to the model code, which is indicated on the sticker under the battery (if it is removable) or in the settings section About the phone. Using inappropriate firmware is the most common cause of network and IMEI problems after an update.

⚠️ Attention: Never try to reflash your device with a version from another model, even if the names seem similar. Differences in modem drivers may make it impossible to make calls.

If you are not sure about your region, use the application HiCare (or Support), which is pre-installed on the device. There you can check the warranty and the exact device model associated with your account.

What are eRoms and is it worth using them?

eRoms are full firmware images distributed through the HiSuite service. They are safer than files from unverified sources because they are digitally signed. However, their use requires installing Huawei drivers on the PC.

Solving update problems and installation errors

The update process does not always go smoothly. Users Honor 20 Pro may encounter a situation where the phone says “The update is installed,” but the system version does not change, or the download freezes at 99%. Most often this is due to a lack of free space in the internal storage or a cached data conflict.

The first thing to do when errors occur is to free up space. To download and unpack a major update, the system requires a minimum of 5-7 GB of free space. If memory is low, delete unnecessary videos, transfer photos to your computer, or use cloud storage. It is also recommended to clear the cache of the Software Update application through application settings.

Another common reason for failure is an unstable Wi-Fi connection. Downloading large packages over the mobile network is often interrupted, resulting in a corrupted installation file. Always use a reliable home Wi-Fi network to download firmware. If the error persists, try resetting the network settings.

• 🗑️ Clear the application cache Software update in the settings.
• 📶 Switch to another Wi-Fi network or use an access point.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery level is above 40%.
• 💾 Check that you have at least 6 GB of free memory space.

In rare cases, the problem may be due to corruption of the system files of the previous version. If standard methods do not help, the only way out is a complete flashing via a computer using the utility HiSuite. This app allows you to restore your device to its factory state and install the latest available version.

The impact of Android version on performance and security

Many users are afraid to update, believing that new versions of Android slow down older devices. In the case of Honor 20 Pro and the transition to Android 10 the situation is the opposite. Core optimization and improved memory management Magic UI 3.1 allowed the smartphone to run even smoother than stock Android 9.

However, it is worth taking into account the aging factor of the hardware. Even with perfect software optimization, physical wear and tear on the battery and memory storage will affect response speed over time. The new version of the system may place slightly higher demands on resources, but the processor Kirin 980 performance margin is still sufficient for everyday tasks.

From a security point of view, being on an older version of Android carries real risks. Modern viruses and phishing methods often exploit vulnerabilities that were closed in newer patches. The lack of security updates makes the device an easy target for attackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to use your smartphone for financial transactions, make sure you have the latest available security patch installed. Legacy software may not be supported by banking apps.

In addition, some new features, such as improved permission management or system-level dark theme, are only available on Android 10. Failure to update deprives you of these conveniences that have become standard in the modern mobile ecosystem.

Why does the battery drain faster after an update?

This is a temporary phenomenon. In the first 2-3 days after installing the new version, the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. After these processes are completed, the operating time will return to normal.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to update the Honor 20 Pro to Android 11 or 12?

Officially, Huawei/Honor has not released updates to Android 11 for the Honor 20 Pro model. The maximum official version is Android 10. There are unofficial ports (custom firmware), but their installation requires unlocking the bootloader, which is difficult to implement on Honor devices of recent years, and carries the risk of data loss.

Why don’t you receive an update notification?

Notifications come in waves. It may not be your turn yet. Also check the device region: if you are using an imported version (for example, from China), the servers may not see your device as eligible for global updates. Try checking the update manually in the settings.

Will the update delete my contacts and photos?

With a regular over-the-air (OTA) update, all user data is saved. However, when using the forced update method through three buttons or flashing via HiSuite with the "Reset Data" option, all information will be deleted. Always make a backup before major interventions.

What to do if the phone does not turn on after the update?

Try to perform a hard reboot by holding the power button for more than 15 seconds. If this does not help, you need to enter Recovery mode (Volume Up + Power) and try item Wipe cache partition. If the phone does not boot at all, you will need to flash it through a computer.

How to roll back to a previous version of Android?

An official rollback (downgrade) is only possible through a service center or using special rollback tools, which are not always freely available. Simple flashing with an old version is often blocked by checking the Anti-Rollback version, which can lead to damage to the device.