Users of budget smartphones often wonder about software, since compatibility with modern applications and data security directly depend on the version of the operating system. The model Huawei Y5 was produced in several modifications over several years, and each of them received different software at the start of sales. Inexperienced owners often confuse generations of devices, expecting the old phone to support the latest functions, which is technically impossible without replacing hardware.
In this article we will analyze in detail the evolution of software for the entire Y5 line. You will learn how to accurately determine the current OS version, which updates are officially available, and in which cases you should think about changing your device. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid installing malware and extend the life of your gadget.
History of updates and differences between generations Y5
The line Y5 is not a single device, but is a series of smartphones released annually with different hardware. The very first model, released in 2015, ran Android 4.4 KitKat with the EMUI 3.0 shell. This was a basic system that has not received security updates for a long time and does not support many modern instant messengers in their current versions.
The situation changed dramatically with the release of the 2017 model (Y5 2017), which received Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This was a significant leap, allowing for more advanced power management features and application permissions. However, the most popular and widespread device was Huawei Y5 2018which initially came with Android 8.0 Oreo and the EMUI 8.0 shell. It was this version that became the “golden mean” for the budget segment of that time.
The latest modifications, such as Y5 2019 and Y5p, continued the trend of updating. The 2019 model was released on Android 9.0 Pie, and the Y5p version, presented in 2020, received Android 10 with a lightweight EMUI 10.1 shell. It is important to understand that older models physically cannot be updated to versions designed for new devices due to processor and RAM limitations.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to install firmware from a newer model (for example, from Y5 2019 to Y5 2017) through the engineering menu or Recovery will result in complete failure of the device ("brick"). Always use software designed strictly for your model.
How to accurately find out the Android version on your device
Before planning to update or install applications, you need to verify the current state of the system. Often users see the version number of the EMUI shell and mistakenly believe that this is the Android version. To get reliable information, you need to go to the system settings menu.
Navigation in the menu may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the general algorithm remains the same for all devices. Huawei. You will need to sequentially go to section Settings, then scroll the list to the very bottom and select item System or immediately About phone. The menu that opens will indicate the build number and platform version.
For deeper diagnostics, you can use engineering code that displays technical information on the screen. This is useful if the standard menu does not display details or the interface is frozen. Enter the following combination in the "Phone" application:
##2846579##After entering the code, the ProjectMenu service menu will open. Select item Software Upgrade -> Version Information. Here you will see a detailed breakdown of core versions, baseband and of course version Android. This method even works on the locked screens of some models, but requires a SIM card or an emergency call.
If the About Phone item does not open or closes immediately, the Settings system process may be damaged. Try clearing the Settings application cache in the application management section.
Official methods for updating the firmware
The company Huawei provides several legal methods for updating the software. The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Over-the-Air (OTA) update feature. The system independently checks the servers for new packages and offers to download them if there is a Wi-Fi connection.
To manually start the scan, follow these steps: go to Settings -> System -> Software update. Click the button Check for updates. If a new version is available, the download will begin. During the installation process, the phone will reboot several times. Do not interrupt this process, as this may damage the bootloader.
The second reliable way is to use a proprietary utility Huawei HiSuite for PC. This method often allows you to update your phone when the OTA update doesn't arrive due to regional restrictions or network errors. You will need a computer, a USB cable and the installed HiSuite app.
- 📲 Connect your smartphone to the computer via the original USB cable and enable debugging or trust on the phone screen.
- 💻 Launch the HiSuite app on your PC and wait for the device to be detected.
- 🔄 Click the "Update" button in the main menu of the app and follow the instructions of the installation wizard.
- 🔋 Make sure that the battery charge is at least 30% before starting the procedure.
☑️ Preparing for the update via HiSuite
Compatibility table of Android versions for Y5 models
To make it easier for you to navigate the diversity modifications, we have compiled a summary table. It shows which version of the operating system was factory, and to which version, theoretically or actually, the device can be updated using official methods.
| Device model | Year of release | Factory version of Android | Maximum official version | Code models (example) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei Y5 (2015) | 2015 | 4.4 KitKat | 4.4 KitKat | Y560-L01 |
| Huawei Y5 II | 2016 | 5.1 Lollipop | 5.1 Lollipop | CUN-L01 |
| Huawei Y5 2017 | 2017 | 6.0 Marshmallow | 7.0 Nougat (not in all regions) | MYY-L21 |
| Huawei Y5 2018 | 2018 | 8.0 Oreo | 8.0 Oreo (without official major updates) | DRA-LX5 |
| Huawei Y5 2019 | 2019 | 9.0 Pie | 9.0 Pie | AMI-LX1 |
| Huawei Y5p | 2020 | 10 (Go Edition) | 10 (Go Edition) | DRA-LX9 |
As can be seen from the table, most models stay with the version they came out with, or receive one major update. This is standard practice for the budget segment, where manufacturers do not guarantee long-term software support, unlike flagship lines.
Third-party firmware and the risks of customization
When official updates end, advanced users often turn their gaze towards custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. This allows you to get a more recent version of Android, remove pre-installed junk and speed up your device. However, for Huawei Y5 this path is fraught with serious difficulties.
The main problem is the company's policy Huaweiwhich several years ago completely stopped issuing Bootloader unlock codes. Without an unlocked bootloader, it is impossible to install a third-party Recovery (for example, TWRP) and, as a result, flash a custom operating system. For models released after mid-2018, this process is almost impossible using legal methods.
There are paid services and specific vulnerabilities for older models (for example, Y5 2017 on a MediaTek processor) that allow you to bypass the protection. But using such methods carries high risks. You may lose your warranty (if it is still valid), experience non-functional banking due to a violation of system integrity (SafetyNet) and unstable operation of communication modules.
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware on models with a MediaTek processor often leads to the loss of the ability to restore IMEI. If the phone stops seeing the network, it will be extremely difficult and expensive to return it to working condition.
What is bootloader unlocking?
Unlocking the bootloader is the process of removing manufacturer restrictions on installing unsigned software. This is the first and mandatory step to install custom firmware. On modern Huawei, this function is blocked at the server level.
Optimization and security on older versions of Android
If you own a model with version Android 6.0 or 8.0, and updating to a new version is not possible, you should pay attention to optimizing the current system. Old versions of the OS may work slowly due to accumulated cache and outdated memory management algorithms.
First of all, it is recommended to disable or remove unnecessary system applications that run in the background. Go to Settings -> Applications and view the list. Disable services you don't use (such as unnecessary weather widgets or Huawei news feeds). This will free up RAM.
It is also critical to monitor security. As older versions of Android stop receiving security patches from Google, the risk of virus infection increases. Do not install applications from unknown sources and avoid dubious sites. Use light versions of popular applications (Lite), which load less on the processor and require fewer resources.
- 🛡️ Install a reliable antivirus from the official AppGallery or Google Play store.
- 🗑️ Regularly clear the application cache in the "Memory" section or through the "Phone Manager" application.
- ⚙️ Turn on the "Power Saver" mode for background applications to extend the operating time.
On older versions of Android, the main concern is not speed, but security. Limit application rights and do not store sensitive data on the device without encryption.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Huawei Y5 2017 to Android 10?
Officially - no. The maximum version for this model is Android 7.0 Nougat, and that update did not apply to all regions. Unofficially, this is only possible if you have an unlocked bootloader, which is now extremely difficult to implement for this model.
Why does not the update arrive over the air (OTA)?
There may be several reasons: the firmware region does not support the update, the latest available version is already installed on the phone, or Huawei servers are temporarily unavailable. Also, the update may not arrive if the phone was flashed unofficially.
What is the difference between EMUI and Android?
Android is an operating system kernel developed by Google. EMUI (Emotion UI) is a graphical shell that Huawei puts on top of Android, changing the appearance and adding its own functions. The EMUI version may be high (for example, 9.1), while the Android version may be old (for example, 9.0).
Will the phone reset its settings when updating via HiSuite?
During a regular update ("Update"), user data is saved. However, if you use System Recovery or change between global firmware versions (for example, from Chinese to European), all data will be deleted. Always make a backup copy.
Does Huawei Y5 support Google services?
Y5 models released before 2019 (including Y5 2019) have full support for Google services (Play Market, YouTube, Gmail). Problems with the lack of GMS began only in models released after the introduction of US sanctions (late autumn 2019), to which the Y5p may already belong depending on the release date and region.