The desire downgrade the Android version to Honor often arises among users who are faced with unstable operation after an automatic update. New firmware may contain bugs that slow down the device or cause the battery to drain quickly. In such cases, the only solution is to return to the previous, more stable build of the operating system.
However, the process downgrade (rollback) on Honor smartphones is associated with certain risks that you need to know about in advance. The security system of modern devices blocks the installation of old versions of software through the standard update menu. You will have to use specialized tools and methods that require care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for resetting the Android version. You will learn how to prepare a smartphone, where to find the necessary firmware files and what nuances exist for different models Honor i Huawei. Be prepared for the fact that the procedure will inevitably lead to complete erasure of data.
Device preparation and backup
Before starting any manipulations with the system partition, it is critical to save all important information. The downgrade procedure assumes full data reset to factory settings. All photos, contacts and messages will be deleted without the possibility of recovery using standard means.
Use cloud services or a computer to create a backup. The most reliable way is to use a proprietary utility HiSuite on a PC. It allows you to save not only media files, but also the folder structure, messages and call logs in encrypted form.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%. A sudden power outage while writing system files can turn the smartphone into a “brick”, the restoration of which will require contacting a service center.
You also need to free up space in the internal memory. Firmware files take up a significant amount of space, and for the installation algorithms to work correctly, a reserve of space is required. Remove unnecessary applications or temporarily transfer them to the memory card, if the slot is supported by your model.
☑️ Preparing for a firmware rollback
Search and download compatible firmware
The most difficult step is to find the correct software version. You can't just download any old firmware from the Internet; it must strictly match your device's region and model code (CUST). Installing the wrong region (for example, firmware for China on a European device) will block the bootloader.
Official sources often delete old versions of files, so users have to turn to specialized forums and archives. Look for files with the extension .zip or .app, intended for the method dload. Pay attention to the build number - it should be lower than the one you currently have installed.
When searching, pay attention to the following parameters:
- 📱 Device model (for example, Honor 9X, Honor 20)
- 🌍 Region code (CUST), for example,
C432for Europe orC185for Russia - 🔢 Android version (for example, Android 9 instead of Android 10)
- 💾 Firmware type (full or incremental - you need the full one)
Always check the region code (CUST) in the phone settings (Settings → About phone) with the code in the name of the downloaded firmware file. A mismatch of even one digit can lead to an installation error.
Local update method via memory card (dload)
This method is considered the most universal and safe for most Honor models. It does not require connection to a computer at the time of installation, but requires a microSD card or emulation of internal storage in drive mode.
Create a folder named dloadin the root of the memory card. The name must be written in strictly lowercase Latin letters. Place the downloaded firmware file inside this folder. If the file is archived, it must first be unpacked so that the update file is inside.
After preparing the media, go to the dialing menu and enter a special command to enter recovery mode:
##2846579##In the engineering menu that opens, select Software upgrade, then Sdcard upgrade. The system will check the integrity of the file and prompt you to start installation. Confirm the action and the phone will reboot into update mode.
⚠️ Attention: If the system displays an “Update failed” or “Invalid package” error, this means that the firmware version is newer or equal to the current one, or the file is damaged. Check the integrity of the archive and compliance with the version.
What to do if the command does not work?
On some new Honor models with the Magic UI shell, entry through the code may be blocked. In this case, use a combination of buttons: turn off the phone, hold Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the USB cable to the PC (without pressing the power button).
Rolling back the version via a computer and HiSuite
Sometimes the memory card method does not work, especially on devices with a locked bootloader or specific memory layout. In such cases, a app HiSuite for Windows comes to the rescue. The official rollback function is often hidden in it, but can be activated under certain conditions.
Connect the smartphone to the PC with the original cable and enable USB debugging in the developer settings. In the app interface, go to the system update section. If the official "Rollback" button is inactive, you can try the forced update method.
To do this, in the HiSuite installation folder, find the directory data and place the firmware file there, renaming it appropriately (a name is often required update.zip). Then run the app as an administrator and initiate a check for updates. The system will detect the local file and offer to install it.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| dload (SD card) | Low | 100% | Memory card, firmware file |
| HiSuite (PC) | Medium | 100% | PC, drivers, cable |
| Recovery (buttons) | High | 100% | File in the root of memory, exact model |
| Test Point | Extreme | 100% | Disassembly of the case, special. hardware |
Using a memory card through the dload folder is the most stable method, which least often leads to compatibility errors compared to software methods via a PC.
Compatibility issues and bootloader blocking
Modern Honor smartphones have a strict security policy. After leaving Huawei, the company tightened the requirements for signing firmware. Bootloader now it is almost impossible to unlock using legal methods for installing custom recovery (for example, TWRP), which simplifies the rollback.
This means you are limited to official recovery images only. An attempt to flash a modified recovery via fastboot will result in a signature error and possible blocking of the device. In some cases, temporary authorization through Huawei servers is required, which has become an extremely difficult task.
If your device was updated a long time ago, and you are trying to roll back several versions, Anti-Rollback protection may work. This is a counter that increases with each update and prohibits the installation of software with a lower security version number.
- 🚫 The “Anti-Rollback check failed” error means that it is physically impossible to rollback using this method.
- ⚙️ Check the security version in the settings: it should not be higher than in the target firmware.
- 🔒 Unlocking the bootloader on the new Honor is officially closed by the manufacturer.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may differ depending on the version of Magic UI. If you do not find the item you need, check the documentation for your specific model on the official support portal.
Recovery after an unsuccessful attempt
If during the process of downgrading the smartphone stuck on the logo or went into an endless reboot (bootloop), do not panic. In most cases, the device can be brought back to life through the mode eRecovery.
To enter this mode, hold down the volume up button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Honor logo appears, then release the Power button while continuing to hold the Volume down. In the recovery menu, select the item Download latest version and recovery.
This mode will connect to the manufacturer’s servers and try to download the latest stable firmware, automatically correcting file system errors. This will return the phone to a working state, but will install the latest version of Android available, not the one you were aiming for.
In extreme cases, when software methods do not help, it is necessary to use the mode COM (for Kirin processors) or fastboot using specialized repair boxes. It is better to entrust such work to professionals, since the risk of complete loss of the device is maximum.
How to enter Fastboot mode?
Turn off the phone. Just hold down the volume down button. Connect the USB cable to your computer. The screen should light up white with an image of Android and the word FASTBOOT.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to downgrade the Android version without losing data?
Unfortunately, no. The architecture of databases and system files is incompatible between different versions of Android. When rolling back to an older version, the system requires full formatting of the data section to avoid conflicts and application errors. Always make a backup copy.
What to do if the phone says “Installation is not possible”?
This message means that Anti-Rollback protection is enabled or the security version of the target firmware is below the acceptable threshold. In this case, software rollback is not possible. The only option is flashing through the service mode with complete erasing of all partitions, which requires special equipment.
Is it safe to download firmware from third-party forums?
Downloading carries risks. The file may be damaged during download or modified by attackers. Always check the checksum (MD5 or SHA1) of the file if it is provided by the author of the distribution, and use only verified developer communities.
Will the IMEI be reset after downgrading?
When using official methods (dload, HiSuite), the NVM block where the IMEI is stored is not affected. However, when using unofficial tools or choosing the wrong firmware region, there is a risk of losing identification data, which will make it impossible to work on cellular networks.
Is it possible to downgrade from Android 12 to Android 10?
Direct rollback through two or more major versions is often blocked by the system. It is recommended to look for intermediate firmware versions or use the full recovery method via eRecovery, which will select a compatible image, although it will most likely be the last available.