HONOR 20S: what version of Android and how to update to the latest firmware

HONOR 20S is a popular mid-range smartphone released in 2019, which still remains in demand due to its balanced characteristics and support for updates. However, many users are faced with confusion: which version Android was installed initially, which version can be updated to now, and how to do this without the risk of bricking the device. In this article we will go through everything step by step - from checking the current firmware to the nuances of manual updating.

It is important to understand that HONOR 20S (model number YAL-L21 for the global version) originally worked on Android 9 Pie with a proprietary shell Magic UI 2.1. But over the years of support, the smartphone has received several major updates. Today, the relevance of the firmware depends on the region, telecom operator and even the method of purchase (official dealer or “gray” import). We will tell you how to find out your version, where to download the latest firmware and what to do if the update is stuck.

If you are planning to buy HONOR 20S a used one or have already become its owner, this article will help you understand key issues: application compatibility, security of outdated versions of Android and ways to optimize the system. We will also warn you against common mistakes that can lead to data loss or malfunctions.

What version of Android was on the HONOR 20S out of the box?

The smartphone HONOR 20S debuted in October 2019 with a pre-installed operating system Android 9 Pie (API level 28). Shell version - Magic UI 2.1, which was based on EMUI 9.1 from Huawei. This was typical for devices HONOR of that period, since the brand had not yet separated from Huawei and used their software platform.

Interesting fact: despite the fact that Android 9 at the time of release it was no longer the latest version (released in 2019 Android 10), Magic UI 2.1 offered a number of unique functions, such as:

• 🎨 GPU Turbo 3.0 — technology for accelerating graphics in games;
• 🔒 App Twin — the ability to duplicate instant messengers (for example, two accounts WhatsApp);
• 📱 FullView Display — optimizing the interface for “cutouts” in the screen;
• 🔋 Smart power management to extend battery life work.

Important: if you buy second-hand, check the firmware version immediately. Some sellers reset the smartphone to factory settings, but do not update the software, leaving it outdated HONOR 20S from your hands, check the firmware version immediately. Some sellers reset the smartphone to factory settings, but do not update the software, leaving the outdated Android 9 with security vulnerabilities. we'll tell you in the next section.

How to check the current version of Android on HONOR 20S

You can find out which version Android is installed on your HONOR 20STo do this:

1. Open. application Settings (gear icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select About phone.
3. Click on About Software.
4. Here you will see the lines:
   • EMUI version (or Magic UI) - for example, Magic UI 2.1.1;
   • Android version - for example, 9 (Pie) or 10 (Q).

If there is no item O phone no item Software information, try clicking on the line several times in a row Build number - this will open a hidden menu for developers, where the version is also displayed Android.

Pay attention to build number (for example, YAL-L21 10.1.0.123). It will be useful if you want to download the firmware from the official website. The first numbers after the model (10.1.0) indicate the version EMUI/Magic UI, and the last ones indicate the security patch.

What version of Android can the HONOR 20S be updated to in 2026?

HONOR 20S officially supported updates to Android 10 (Q) shell Magic UI 3.1. This was the last major update from the manufacturer. However, there are nuances:

Region	Latest official Android version	Magic UI version	Notes
Europe (C432)	10 (Q)	3.1.0	Security updates to 2021
Russia (C10)	10 (Q)	3.1.0	Support Google Mobile Services (GMS)
China (AL00)	10 (Q)	3.1.1	No GMS, only Huawei Mobile Services (HMS)
Latin America (C636)	9 (Pie)	2.1.1	Updates stopped earlier

Important: HONOR 20S has not received an official update to Android 11 or newer. All statements about “firmware for Android 12/13” for this model are either custom (unofficial) builds or fraud. Installing unofficial firmware voids the warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device.

If your smartphone is already on Android 10, further updates will be limited to security patches (if they are still available for your region, you can check for new versions in the menu Settings → System → Software Update.

What happens if you install custom firmware?

Unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS) can offer Android 11+, but with risks:

- Lack of camera support or sensors;

- Problems with mobile communications (especially on models with Modem from Huawei);

- Inability to use banking applications (due to lack of Google certification);

- Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).

How to update HONOR 20S to the latest version of Android

Updating the firmware on HONOR 20S can be done in two ways: through phone settings (OTA) or manually using PC. Let's consider both options.

Method 1: Over-the-air (OTA) update

This is the simplest and safest method for this:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (the update weighs ~2–3 GB).
2. Charge the phone for at least 50%.
3. Go to Settings → System → Software update.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. If available new version, follow the instructions on the screen.

Battery charge >50%|Stable Wi-Fi connection|Freed >5 GB of memory|Closed all applications|Backed up important data-->

If the update is not found, support may be discontinued for your region or model. In this case, try the second method.

Method 2: Manual update via HiSuite

This will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or macOS;
• 🔌 Original USB cable;
• 📥 app HiSuite (download from official website);
• 📄 Firmware file for your model (downloaded automatically via HiSuite).

Instructions:

1. Install HiSuite on your PC and run the app.
2. Connect HONOR 20S to your computer and enable USB debugging (when prompted on your phone).
3. V HiSuite select the tab Update.
4. The app will automatically find the latest firmware. Click Update.
5. Wait for the process to complete (the phone will reboot several times).

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears during the update via HiSuite , check: "Failed to update", check:

• Is the original cable connected (not all USB cables support data transfer);
• Are antiviruses on the PC disabled (they can block installation);
• Is there enough space on the phone (requires ~6–8 GB of free space).

What to do if the update stuck or an error occurred

The update process HONOR 20S usually goes smoothly, but sometimes glitches occur. Let's look at typical problems and their solutions.

Problem 1: Phone stuck on HONOR logo after update

If after reboot the screen shows the logo HONOR more than 10 minutes, try:

1. Press and hold button Power + Volume Up for 15 seconds to force the device to turn off.
2. Turn on the phone again. If the download was successful, the problem is resolved.
3. If the freeze continues, perform reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume Up buttons.
3. In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe data/factory reset" (use volume buttons to navigate, power button to select).
4. Confirm the reset and reboot.

Problem 2: Error "Update failed" (error code 401, 402, 404)

These errors are usually associated with:

• 🔌 Unstable Internet connection (reconnect to Wi-Fi);
• 📱 Insufficient space on the device (free up >5 GB);
• 🔧 Damaged update file (download the firmware again via HiSuite).

⚠️ Attention: If after an unsuccessful update the phone stops turning on or only loads into Fastboot Mode, do not try to flash it through unofficial tools (for example, SP Flash ToolContact the service center HONOR, as independent manipulations can permanently damage the device.

Is it worth updating? HONOR 20S to Android 10 or stay on Android 9

This question worries many owners HONOR 20S. Let's compare the pros and cons of both options:

Criterion	Android 9 Pie (Magic UI 2.1)	Android 10 Q (Magic UI 3.1)
Performance	More stable operation, fewer background processes	Optimized memory management, but lags are possible on weak configurations
Security	Outdated patches (last update - 2020)	Security patches until 2021–2022 (depending on region)
Functionality	No system-level dark theme, limited gestures	Dark mode, improved navigation gestures, digital wellness
App compatibility	Some new apps require Android 10+	Full compatibility with modern apps

Recommendations:

• 🔄 Update to Android 10if compatibility with new applications is important to you (for example, banking or instant messengers). security and compatibility with new applications (for example, banking or instant messengers).
• 🛠 Stay on Android 9if your HONOR 20S is used for basic tasks (calls, social networks, photos) and works stably.
• ⚠️ Do not update if you have modified firmware (root, custom recovery) - this can lead to a "brick".

If you decide to update, but are afraid of losing data, use the instructions for backup in the next section.

How to make a backup before updating HONOR 20S

Updating the firmware is a relatively safe process, but there is always a risk of data loss. Therefore, before starting, we recommend saving:

• 📱 Contact (synchronize with your Google account);
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or to the cloud);
• 💬 Messages (use applications like SMS Backup & Restore);
• 🎮 Application data (for example, saving games through a developer account).

Instructions for backup via HiSuite:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and open HiSuite.
2. Select the tab Backup.
3. Check check the required data (contacts, messages, multimedia).
4. Click Backup and wait for completion.

An alternative way is to use Google Drive:

1. Go to Settings → System → Backup.
2. Enable Backup to Google Drive.
3. Click Create a backup now.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about HONOR 20S firmware

Is it possible to install Android 11/12/13 on HONOR 20S?

Officially - no. HONOR has not released updates for this model above Android 10. Unofficial firmware (for example, based on LineageOS) exists, but they:

• Have not been certified by Google (no Google Play Services);
• May not support the camera or mobile communications;
• They void the warranty (if it is still valid).

The risks usually outweigh the benefits, so we do not recommend experimenting.

Why does my HONOR 20S model not find updates?

Possible reasons:

• Your phone is from region where support was stopped earlier (for example, Latin America).
• Unofficial firmware is installed (check in Settings → About phone).
• Update servers HONOR temporarily unavailable (try later).

Solution: try updating via HiSuite or contact support HONOR indicating the model and build number.

How to roll back HONOR 20S from Android 10 to Android 9?

Rollback is possible, but requires:

1. Downloading the official firmware Android 9 for your model (for example, from the website Huawei Update Server).
2. Use HiSuite or mode Fastboot.
3. Reset all data (rollback without loss of information is impossible).

⚠️ Attention: Not all firmware versions are compatible between regions. Installing firmware from another model (for example, HONOR 20 instead of 20S) will lead to the device being bricked.

What to do if the battery runs out after the update?

This is a typical problem after major updates. Try:

• Run calibration batteries: completely discharge the phone, then charge it to 100% without interruptions.
• Disable adaptive brightness and background activity of applications in Settings → Battery.
• Reset settings to factory settings (do this first backup).

If the problem persists, check the battery wear in the application AccuBattery - the battery may need to be replaced.

Where can I download the official firmware for HONOR 20S?

Official firmware can be found:

• Via HiSuite (automatic download);
• On the website Huawei Support (select model HONOR 20S → Software);
• On forums like XDA Developers (only for experienced users).

⚠️ Attention: Download firmware only from trusted sources. Files from torrent trackers or little-known sites may contain malware.