Flashing a smartphone Honor is a task that frightens many users due to the risk of turning the device into a “brick”. However, with the right approach and step-by-step guide, this process becomes quite manageable even for beginners. In 2026, the relevance of manual firmware has increased: manufacturers often slow down the release of updates for older models, and custom firmware provides access to new Android 14/15 functions that are not in the standard shell EMUI or Magic UI.

This article covers all stages - from preparing the phone and choosing the appropriate firmware to restoring data after installation. We'll focus on models Honor 50/70/90, Honor X6/X7/X8/X9 and other popular lines, but the principles apply to older devices (provided they support custom recoveries). Important: the procedure is different for official updates via HiSuite and unofficial firmware via TWRP or Fastboot. We will analyze both options and also tell you how to avoid typical errors, for example loss of IMEI after flashing on some Kirin 990/820 chipsets.

If you have never flashed firmware before, start with the official method - it is as safe as possible and does not require unlocking the bootloader. For experienced users, we provide instructions for installing custom firmware type LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but we warn you: this will void the warranty and may affect the operation of banking applications (due to lack of certification Google SafetyNet).

1. Preparing an Honor phone for firmware: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start flashing, you need to make sure that the device is ready for the procedure. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for “bricking” phones. Start by checking the current firmware version and battery condition.

Open Settings → About phone → EMUI version (or Magic UI for new models). firmware and build number (for example, 12.0.0.130). This information will be needed to select the correct firmware file. Also check the device model in Settings → About phone → Model - firmware for Honor 50 Pro and Honor 50 Lite are incompatible!

  • 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 60% (optimally - 80-100%). The firmware may take up to 30 minutes, and discharge in the process will lead to fails.
  • 📱 Make a full backup of your data. Use HiSuite (official software from Huawei/Honor) or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root). Cloud backups (Google Drive) will not save SMS, calls and application settings.
  • 🔑 Find out the status of the bootloader. Enter the code ##2846579##in the phone application, then select ProjectMenu → Background settings → Bootloader lock state. If the status is Locked, custom firmware will require unlocking (more on this below).
  • 💻 Prepare your computer: install drivers HiSuite or ADB/Fastboot (for Windows - Platform Tools from GoogleOn Mac/Linux use brew install android-platform-tools.
  • 📡 Check the stability of your Internet connection. Downloading 4-6 GB firmware on slow Wi-Fi may be interrupted, which will lead to file corruption.
⚠️ Attention: On models Honor with chipsets Kirin 710/810/980 (for example, Honor 20 Pro, Honor View 20), support may disappear after unlocking the bootloader Google Mobile Services (GMS). This means that Play Market, Gmail other Google services will stop working. Before unlocking, check the compatibility of your model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Battery charge ≥ 60%|Data backup to PC/cloud|ADB/Fastboot drivers installed|Firmware file downloaded and checked for integrity|Antiviruses disabled (they can block firmware utilities)

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2. Selecting firmware: official vs custom

Not only the functionality of the phone, but also the risks depend on the type of firmware. Official firmware from Honor are stable, but often lack the latest Android updates. Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, ArrowOS) provide the latest versions of the OS, but may contain bugs or may not support all functions of the device (for example, a camera at full capacity).

Let's consider both options:

Criterion Official firmware Custom firmware
Source Site Honor or HiSuite Forums XDA, 4PDA, developer sites
Requirements Battery charge, USB cable Unlocked bootloader, TWRP/Fastboot
Advantages Warranty maintained, stable operation New versions of Android, no bloatware
Risks Minimal (if you do not interrupt the process) Loss of GMS, bugs, possible brick
OTA support Yes Depends on the firmware (usually not)

For official firmware use:

  • 🌐 Honor support site: select the model, download the latest version .zip or use HiSuite to update automatically.
  • 🔍 Firmware Finder: service Firmware Database allows you to find firmware by model and region (it is important to choose the right one CUST — for example, C432 for Europe).

For custom firmware:

  • 🛠️ XDA Developers: look for topics marked [ROM][UNOFFICIAL] for your model. Popular firmware: Pixel Experience (pure Android), Havoc-OS (flexible configuration).
  • 📱 Telegram chats: many developers support channels with current assemblies and instructions (for example, @HonorModding).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Huawei and Honor are often interchangeable (for example, Honor 30 and Huawei Nova 7 SE have the same hardware platform), but mixing firmware between brands can lead to non-functional modules (NFC, 5G). Always check the compatibility tables on the forums!

Official (stability is more important than newness)|Custom (I want the latest versions of Android)|I haven’t decided yet|I’m using stock and don’t plan to change

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3. bootloader on Honor: step-by-step guide

To install custom firmware or TWRP you need to unlock the bootloader. On new models Honor (2022 and newer) this process is complicated: the manufacturer has closed the official unlocking service, and now you have to use workarounds for older devices. (up to Honor 20) you can use the tool DC-Unlocker or the code from Huawei.

Attention: unlocking will reset the phone to factory settings and delete all data! This will also void the warranty (if it is still valid).

Method 1: Official (for older models)

  1. Get unlock code:
    • Go to the website EMUI (yes, even for Honor).
    • Login using the account Huawei IDto which the phone is linked.
    • Enter device data: IMEI (find out by code *#06#), Serial Number (in Settings → About phone), Product ID (can be obtained via ADB: 
      adb shell getprop ro.boot.product
      ).
  • Unlock the bootloader:
    • Turn off the phone, hold Volume up + Power to login Fastboot.
    • Connect to the PC and run the command: 
      fastboot oem unlock [Your_unlock_code]

    Method 2: Unofficial (for new models)

    Starting from Honor 50 and Magic 3, official unlocking is not available. Alternative methods:

    • 🔓 Use of vulnerabilities: some firmware have exploits to bypass the lock (for example DirtyCOW for older Linux kernels). are searched by model on XDA.
    • 💰 Paid services: some workshops offer unlocking through special equipment (for example, DC-Phoenix). Cost - from 1000 to 3000 rubles.
    What happens if you unlock the bootloader on Honor with GMS?

    On models with Google Mobile Services (sold outside China), unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss of certification SafetyNetThis means banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff), Netflix and some games. (for example Pokémon GO) will stop working or display the error "The device is not certified". Solution: flash Magisk with module Universal SafetyNet Fix.

    4. Installing official firmware via HiSuite or Fastboot

    The safest way to update Honor is to use official tools. Even if you downloaded the firmware manually, you can install it via HiSuite or in Fastboot.

    Method 1: Via HiSuite (for beginners)

    • 📥 Download and install HiSuite on your PC.
    • 📱 Connect the phone to the computer, turn on USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
    • 🔄 In HiSuite select Update → System Restore. The app will automatically find the latest firmware.

    Method 2: Through Fastboot (for experienced)

    If HiSuite does not see updates or you have downloaded the firmware manually:

    1. Unpack the archive with the firmware (there should be files update.app, update_data_public.app etc.).
    2. Create a folder dload on the phone's memory card and copy there update.app.
    3. Hold Volume up + Volume down + Power to force an update.
    4. For firmware via Fastboot use the command: 
      fastboot flash system system.img
      (and similarly for other sections).
    ⚠️ Attention: On some models Honor (for example, Honor 8X) forced update via dload may freeze at the verification stage. In this case, only flashing the firmware via Fastboot with complete cleaning will help (fastboot erase userdata).

    1. Disable your antivirus (it may block drivers).

    2. Use an original USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).

    3. Reinstall the drivers manually via Device Manager (select "HUAWEI Android Composite ADB Interface").

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    5. Installing custom firmware via TWRP

    To install unofficial firmware you will need custom recovery TWRP. Important: versions TWRP are strictly tied to the phone model! Installing an inappropriate version will result in brick.

    Installation steps:

    1. Download TWRP for your model with twrp.me or themes on XDA.
    2. Flash recovery via Fastboot: 
      fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-xx.img
    3. Boot into TWRP: fastboot reboot recovery.
    4. Make a backup of the current firmware (sections Boot, System, Data).
    5. Flash custom firmware:
      • Click Install, select file .zip with firmware.
      • Additionally flash GApps (if they are not included in the firmware).
      • Clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache).

    • After the first boot (it may take 10-15 minutes), configure the system. If the phone stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, which means the firmware is not suitable - try a different version or restore the backup.

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    6. Typical errors and their solutions

    Even if you strictly follow the instructions, problems may arise:

    Error Cause Solution
    Fastboot mode does not respond to commands Drivers are not installed or blocked by antivirus Reinstall Platform Tools, disable the antivirus, try another USB port
    The phone does not turn on after the firmware Incompatible firmware or interrupted process Flash the stock firmware via Fastboot with complete cleaning (fastboot erase system)
    No network after flashing Lost IMEI or modem modules Restore IMEI via Maui Meta or flash files modem from stock firmware
    Error 7 to TWRP The firmware is not intended for your model Check the firmware version and phone model, download the correct file

    IMEI loss - one of the most annoying problems on chipsets Kirin it occurs due to partition damage nvme. Solution:

    1. Download the stock firmware for your model.
    2. Extract the files nvme.img and modem_*.img.
    3. Flash them through Fastboot: 
      fastboot flash nvme nvme.img

      4. Bootloop (cyclic reboot) often caused by kernel incompatibility. Try:

      • Flash another kernel (boot.img) from the stock firmware.
      • Clear Dalvik Cache v TWRP.
      • Roll back to the previous firmware version.
      What to do if HiSuite does not see the firmware?

      If HiSuite writes "Your version is the newest", but you are sure there is an update:

      1. Check the firmware region (for example, C432 - Europe, C185 - Russia).

      2. Manually download the firmware from Pro-Team or AndroidHost.

      3. method dload (described above) or Huawei Update Extractor to extract firmware files.

      7. Data recovery after flashing

      If you made a backup before flashing the firmware, restoring the data will not be difficult. However, many users forget about this step or encounter backup compatibility problems. Let's look at the main methods:

      Recovery via HiSuite:

      • Connect your phone to the PC, open HiSuite.
      • Select Recovery → Restore data and specify the path to the backup.
      • Please note: HiSuite does not restore some application and SMS settings.

      Recovery via TWRP:

      • Boot into TWRP, select Restore.
      • Mark the required sections (for example, Data for applications and files).
      • Do not restore System - this may lead to a version conflict!

      Manual recovery:

      • Photo/video: copy from backup folder DCIM and Pictures to internal memory.
      • Contacts: import from file .vcf via Google Contacts.
      • SMS: use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
    ⚠️ Attention: When restoring data via TWRP custom firmware, errors may occur due to different versions of Android. For example, a backup from Android 10 will not always be restored correctly to Android 13. In such cases, transfer only media files and contacts, and install applications again.

    8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    Is it possible to flash Honor without a computer?

    Yes, but with limitations. Official updates can be installed via Settings → Software update or method dload (by copying update.app to a memory card). For custom firmware, a computer is required - you need Fastboot or ADB to unlock the bootloader and install TWRP.

    I lost IMEI after flashing. How to restore?

    For chipsets Kirin:

    1. Download the stock firmware for your model.
    2. Extract the files nvme.img and modem_*.img.
    3. Flash them through Fastboot:
      4. fastboot flash nvme nvme.img

      fastboot flash modem_a modem_a.img
      

      fastboot flash modem_b modem_b.img

    4. Restart your phone. If IMEI does not appear, use the tool Maui Meta (requires root).

    For Snapdragon usually it is enough to flash modemst1.modemst2 from the stock firmware.

    How to check if it is unlocked bootloader?

    Turn off the phone, press Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot. Connect to the PC and execute the command: 

    fastboot oem get-bootinfo

    If the answer is locked: no, the bootloader is unlocked. Also, when you turn on the phone, a warning may appear Your device has been unlocked.

    Custom firmware does not see the SIM card. What should I do?

    The problem is typical for firmware based on AOSP (for example, LineageOS). Solutions:

    • Make sure that the firmware supports your modem model (for example, Honor 8X you need firmware marked Kirin 710).
    • Flash the files modem from the stock firmware.
    • Check the APN settings in Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).
    • If all else fails, return to the stock firmware.

    Is it possible to get root access on Honor after firmware?

    Yes, but the process depends on the firmware:

    • On official firmware root is obtained via Magisk (requires an unlocked bootloader and patch boot.img).
    • On custom firmware root is often built-in (an option in the developer settings).
    • For models with Kirin 980/990 an additional patch may be required to bypass DM-Verity.
    ⚠️ Attention: root access disable Google Pay and some banking applications. Use the module MagiskHide or Universal SafetyNet Fix to bypass restrictions.