Smartphone Huawei Honor 8Xreleased in 2018, still remains popular among users due to its balanced characteristics and affordable price. However, over time, the relevance of its software raises questions: what version of Android was originally included in the kitto which one can you upgrade today and how to do it without risks? In this article, we will look at all the nuances of the firmware Honor 8X, including official and unofficial update methods, and also give advice on optimizing the operation of the device on an outdated version of the OS.
It is important to understand that Honor 8X refers to line of devices that no longer receive official updates from the manufacturer. The latest stable version of Android for this model is Android 9.0 Pie with EMUI 9.1 shell. However, there are alternative methods for extending the life of a gadget, which we will discuss below. If you are planning to buy this smartphone used or already own it, the information from the article will help you avoid common mistakes when working with the software.
Before proceeding to the instructions, check the current version of Android on your device. It will take less than a minute and will give you a clear understanding of whether you need an update. And if you encounter problems after the upgrade, at the end of the article you will find solutions to the most common bugs.
What version of Android is installed on the Honor 8X out of the box?
The smartphone Huawei Honor 8X went on sale September 2018 with pre-installed version Android 8.1 Oreo and proprietary shell EMUI 8.2. This was the basic firmware for all regions, including Russia and the CIS countries. Later, as part of Huawei's update policy, the device received two major upgrades: September 2018 (EMUI 9.0) - released in 2019 (EMUI 9.1) - final update released in
- 📱 Android 9.0 Pie (EMUI 9.0) - released in
2019. - 🔄 Android 9.0 Pie (EMUI 9.1) - the final update released in
2020.
It is important to note that Honor 8X I have never received Android 10 or newer versions officially. This is due to Huawei’s policy of supporting budget and mid-budget devices, as well as US sanctions, which affected the development of the brand Honor as an independent manufacturer. If you are offered to flash a Android smartphone 10+, we are talking about custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), which are installed manually and void the warranty.
To find out the current version of Android on your Honor 8X, follow these steps:
- Open the menu
Settings(gear icon on the main screen). - Scroll down and select
About phone. - Find the lines
Android versionandEMUI version.
Is it possible to update Honor 8X to Android 10, 11 or later?
Officially - no. Huawei stopped supporting Honor 8X after the release EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9.0. However, there are several alternative ways:
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware may lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), unstable operation of the device or security problems. Before flashing the firmware, make a backup copy of your data!
- 🛠️ Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 17.1 based on Android 10). They require unlocking the bootloader and installation via Custom firmware from other devices (for example, having similar hardware). A risky method, fraught with bugs.
TWRP Recovery. - 🔧 Ported firmware from other devices (for example, Huawei P Smart 2019, having similar hardware). A risky method, fraught with bugs.
- 📲 GSI firmware (Generic System Image). Universal Android assemblies, but may not support all functions of the device.
If you still decide on an unofficial update, consider the following nuances:
- ⚡ Performance: Android 10+ may work slower due to lack of optimization for
Kirin 710(processor Honor 8X). - 📵 Communication: There may be problems with the operation of two SIM cards or mobile data.
- 🔋 Autonomy: New versions of Android often increase battery consumption.
What is TWRP Recovery?
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery menu that allows you to install unofficial firmware, make backups and restore the system. For Honor 8X there is an unofficial TWRP build, but its installation requires unlocking the bootloader. Huawei official website (the procedure is paid and not always available).
How to update Honor 8X to the latest official version of Android?
If your device has not yet received Android 9.0 Pie (EMUI 9.1), you can try updating through standard channels:
Make a backup copy of important ones. data|Connect your phone to charge (minimum 50% battery)|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Free up at least 3 GB of memory-->
- Through settings:
Go to
Settings → System → Software updateClickCheck for updatesIf a new version is available, follow. instructions on the screen. - Via HiSuite:
Download the app Huawei HiSuite on PC, connect your phone via USB and check for updates through it. Sometimes this method finds firmware that is not available over the air.
- Manually via recovery:
Download the official firmware from the site Huawei (for example, Huawei support), transfer the file
UPDATE.APPto the folderdloadon the memory card, then in the update menu selectLocal update.
If the update is not found, your region may be excluded from the support list. In this case, you can try changing the firmware region. via HiSuite or install the European version of EMUI (for example, C432 for Honor 8X).
If the update is stuck at the verification stage, try resetting the network settings in Settings → Wireless networks → Network reset. Sometimes this helps restore access to Huawei servers.
Table: Android and EMUI versions for Honor 8X
| Android version | EMUI version | Date release | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 Oreo | 8.2 | September 2018 | Initial firmware out of the box. Gesture support, optimization for GPU Turbo gaming mode. |
| 9.0 Pie | 9.0 | 2019 | New EMUI interface, dark theme, improved multitasking. |
| 9.0 Pie | 9.1 | 2020 | Final update. Added EROFS (storage optimization), camera improvements. |
| 10 (unofficial) | LineageOS 17.1 | 2021–2023 | Custom firmware Requires unlocking the bootloader. |
If your Honor 8X works on Android 8.1, we recommend updating to at least EMUI 9.1 —this is the latest stable version with security fixes and optimizations. Installing custom firmware will require technical skills, so beginners should refrain from experiments.
What. what to do if Honor 8X does not find updates?
If the system persistently reports that “there are no updates”, although you are sure that there should be, try the following methods:
- 🌐 Change region: In
HiSuiteselect another region (for example,EuropeinsteadRussia). Sometimes this helps to “unblock” hidden updates. - 📶 Use VPN: Connect to servers in Germany or Poland - sometimes updates appear only for European ones users.
- 🔄 Reset the cache: Go to
Settings → Applications → Application management, findUpdate servicesand clear the cache. - 📥 Download the firmware manually: Forums (for example, 4PDA) often post official firmware for manual installation.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a device with an unlocked bootloader, official over-the-air updates may not work. In this case, you will have to install firmware viaFastbootorTWRP.
If none of the methods worked, perhaps your model Honor 8X belongs to a regional version with limited support (for example, JSN-L21 for India). Check the exact model in Settings → About phone → Model and check firmware compatibility on thematic forums.
How to optimize the Honor 8X on Android 9.0?
Even if you have updated until the latest official version Android 9.0 on Kirin 710 may work with delays. Here are some tips to improve performance:
- 🚀 Disable animation: Enable
Developer mode(click 7 times onBuild numberonAbout phone), then inSettings developerinstallWindow animation = 0.5x. - 🧹 Clear the cache: Regularly clear the application cache in
Settings → Memory → Cleaning. - 🔋 Limit background processes: Turn off autorun for unnecessary apps.
Settings → Battery → Launch applicationsdisable autorun for unnecessary apps. - 🎮 Use game mode: Enable
GPU TurbotoSettings → Game modeto speed up graphics.
Also worth considering installation light alternative launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), which will reduce the load on the system. If the phone is very slow, try doing reset to factory settings (don't forget to make a backup!).
On Android 9.0 EMUI 9.1 Honor 8X works more stable than on custom firmware. Optimizing through settings and clearing the cache often gives a greater performance boost than updating to Android 10+.
Common problems after the update and their solutions
Updating the firmware does not always go smoothly. Here are typical problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Phone does not turn on after update | Installation failure, incompatible firmware | Hold Volume up + Power to enter recovery and reset. |
| Battery runs out quickly | Background processes of the new version EMUI | Disable auto-start of unnecessary applications in Settings → Battery. |
| mobile data does not work | Reset APN settings | Go to Settings → Wireless networks → Mobile network → Access points (APN) and restore the operator settings. |
| Applications crash | Incompatibility with the new version of Android | Update applications in Google Play or clear their cache. |
If after the update Honor 8X started to overheat, check the processor load in Settings → Battery → CPU usage. Background tasks or viruses are often to blame. It would also be a good idea to check the integrity of the battery - after 4-5 years of operation, its capacity may decrease significantly.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Honor 8X firmware
Is it possible to downgrade Honor 8X from Android 9.0 back to Android 8.1?
Technically yes, but this requires installing the firmware via Fastboot or TWRP. However downgrade may lead to problems with the operation of some functions (for example, a camera or sensors). In addition, after a rollback, you will lose all data on the device. If the goal is to improve performance, it is better to try to optimize the current version of Android 9.0.
Why does Honor 8X not officially support Android 10?
Huawei has stopped supporting Honor 8X due to limited resources of the Kirin 710 processor and the company's policy, according to which budget devices receive updates only within 2 years after release. US sanctions also played a role, due to which Huawei was forced to optimize resources for flagship models.
How to unlock the bootloader on Honor 8X to install custom firmware?
Huawei has officially closed the possibility of free unlocking bootloader, but you can try the following steps:
- Get the unlock code on the website EMUI (paid service, about $50).
- Connect the phone to the PC in mode
Fastboot(press and holdVolume down + Power). - Enter the command:
fastboot oem unlock [your_code]
⚠️ After unlocking, all data will be reset, and the warranty (if there was one) will become invalid.
Where to download official firmware for Honor 8X?
Official firmware can be found on the following resources:
- Huawei support site: consumer.huawei.com (select model
Honor 8X). - 4PDA forum: in topic Honor 8X there is a collection of firmware for different regions.
- Site Firmware Finder (unofficial Huawei firmware aggregator).
Before downloading, check the compatibility of the firmware with your model (JSN-L21, JSN-L22 etc. etc.).
Is it worth buying Honor 8X in 2026?
Depends on your tasks:
- ✅ Worth: If you need a budget phone for calls, social networks and light applications.
- ❌ Not worth it: If you need modern games, multitasking or long-term support for updates.
The device is obsolete, but at a price of up to 10 000 ₽ it can be a good option for the secondary market. The main thing is to check the condition of the battery and the functionality of all modules before purchasing.