Users of Honor smartphones often encounter a situation where automatic system updates cause more problems than they are useful. After installing a new version of MagicOS or Android, your device may start to run slower, run out of battery faster, or lose familiar interface features. At such moments, there is a natural desire to return everything as it was, rolling back the software to a previous, more stable version.
The process of system rollback on Honor devices has its own technical features and limitations that must be taken into account before starting any manipulations. Unlike some other manufacturers, Honor does not provide an official "Roll Back" button in the standard settings menu, which requires more complex methods. It is important to understand that any actions with system partitions carry certain risks for the data and performance of the gadget.
In this material we will look at the available methods resetting updates, including removing packages through a computer, resetting the settings to factory settings and using the engineering menu. You will learn how to safely prepare the device, what tools you will need and what you should absolutely not do during the process. The right approach will minimize the likelihood of your smartphone turning into a “brick” and save important files.
Why is there a need to roll back the firmware on Honor
The main reason for dissatisfaction with new software versions is optimization. Developers often release updates that theoretically improve security, but in practice can negatively impact autonomy older models. The battery begins to discharge within half a day, and background processes consume more resources than were provided for by the processor architecture.
Another common problem is changing interface MagicOS. Users get used to a certain arrangement of elements, fonts and menu logic. A sudden change in visual style or removal of familiar widgets causes discomfort, forcing you to look for ways to return to the previous build. Sometimes new versions contain software bugs that block the operation of individual applications or communication modules.
⚠️ Attention: System rollback is a complex process that can lead to complete loss of data. Before starting any actions, be sure to create a complete backup of your contacts, photos and documents on an external drive or in the cloud.
It is also worth considering that some updates close vulnerabilities through which it was previously possible to obtain extended rights (root) or install modified software. Returning to an older version may be dictated by the desire to restore this functionality. However, Honor is actively combating such methods by introducing bootloader integrity checks.
The myth about the “Uninstall updates” button in the settings
Many users looking for a way to reset an update first go to the standard settings menu, relying on their experience using desktop operating systems or some launchers. Unfortunately, in the Android ecosystem, and in particular in the shell MagicOS, there is no standard function to completely remove the current firmware and return to the factory version. The "Software Update" menu only allows you to check for new versions or set up automatic downloads.
There is an option to reset application settings or reset all phone settings, but it does not affect the system partition where the operating system version is stored. Attempts to find hidden menus through engineering code or special combinations in dialer often lead only to hardware tests, and not to software version control. This is done for security purposes so that attackers cannot easily downgrade the system to a vulnerable version.
However, there are workarounds. One of them is a reset to factory settings (Hard Reset). If your device has just been updated and you haven't done a reset since then, in some (rare) cases the system may offer a version choice on first boot, but more often than not it will simply clear the user data, leaving the current version of Android unchanged. This is an important nuance that is often confused with a real firmware rollback.
Why is there no official rollback button?
Manufacturers are interested in ensuring that all users are on the latest version of the software. This simplifies technical support, provides a single point of reference for error analysis, and ensures that devices are up to date with the latest security patches. The ability to easily rollback would create chaos in the ecosystem and security holes.
Rollback method via computer and HiSuite
The safest and most official way to try to change the software version is to use proprietary software HiSuite for PC. This method does not guarantee 100% success in downgrading to a specific older version, but it allows you to reinstall the current one or, in rare cases, offer an affordable alternative if Honor servers allow downgrade for your model.
To get started, you need to download and install the latest version of HiSuite on a computer with the Windows operating system. Then you should connect your smartphone to your PC using the original USB cable. It is important that the cable is of high quality and transmits not only charge, but also data. A request to allow the connection will appear on the phone screen - you need to confirm it, and you may also need to enter the code that is displayed on the smartphone screen.
- 📱 Launch the HiSuite application on your computer and wait until the device is detected.
- 🔄 Go to the “System Update” section.
- 💻 Click on the icon with the image computer or the three-dot menu to find the "Switch to previous version" option.
- 📥 If this option is active, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the older package.
Please note that this feature is not available in all models or regions. Honor's policy is gradually limiting the ability to rollback, so in most cases you will see a message indicating that the latest version is installed. However, this method is worth trying first, as it is the least risky. During the process, the phone will reboot several times, and the screen may go dark - this is normal behavior when flashing.
☑️ Check before connecting to PC
Manual flashing via eRecovery and dload
If software methods do not produce results, the only technically possible one remains option is to manually install an older firmware version via recovery mode eRecovery. This method requires searching for the appropriate firmware file specifically for your model and region (CUST code). Incorrectly selected firmware can lead to device inoperability.
The process begins with searching for the firmware file on specialized forums or archives. The file must be unpacked, and the folder named dload placed in the root of the microSD memory card or internal memory (if there is access to the file system before the reset). After preparing the files, the phone turns off completely.
A combination of buttons is used to enter recovery mode. On most modern Honor models, you need to hold down the volume up button and connect the power cable (or hold down the power button at the same time as volume up, depending on the model). In the menu that appears, select the mode eRecovery, then “Download latest version” -> “Memory card” or “Local update”.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Phone model | Exact name (for example, LGE-AN00) | Critical |
| Region (CUST) | Region code (for example, C10, C432) | Critical |
| Android version | Build number (for example, 12.0.0.123) | High |
| Battery charge | Minimum 60% | Medium |
⚠️ Attention: Firmware designed for a different region or model may permanently damage the device. Always check the CUST code in the phone settings (section “About phone”) before downloading files.
After selecting the firmware file, the system will ask for confirmation. The installation process will begin and may take from 5 to 15 minutes. During this time, you should not touch the phone, remove the battery (if it is non-removable) or interrupt the power supply. Upon completion, the device will reboot with the software version that was in the update file.
If you cannot find the official firmware for your model, do not try to use files from other Honor devices. It is better to contact an authorized service center for a forced flashing using special tools.
Using ADB to remove update packages
For advanced users who want to remove a specific update that is constantly imposed by the system, or try to remove an already installed but problematic package, there is a tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge. It is not a full rollback, but it can help eliminate the conflicting component.
You must first activate USB debugging mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the “Build number” item to become a developer. Then in the “System and Updates” → “Developer Options” menu, turn on the “USB Debugging” toggle switch.
Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB drivers and open the command line. By entering the command adb devices, check whether the device is visible. If everything went well, you can proceed to searching for packages associated with the update. They usually contain the words update, updater or hwupgrademgr.
adb shell pm list packages | grep updateHaving found the required package, you can try to remove it for the current user with the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.android.hwupgrademgrThis method allows you to disable the system updater, preventing a second attempt to install the update. However, it is impossible to completely delete files already embedded in the system in this way - this would require root access, obtaining which on the new Honor is almost impossible without unlocking the bootloader, which is officially closed.
The ADB method is effective for preventing automatic updates in the future, but is not capable of completely rolling back an already installed version of Android to the previous one without a complete flashing.
Resetting settings as an alternative rollback
Often the cause of unstable operation after an update is not errors in the firmware itself, but cache conflicts, residual files of old applications, or broken synchronization settings. In such cases, a full factory reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) can solve the problem without the need for a complex flashing.
This procedure deletes all user data: contacts, photos, applications and accounts. The phone returns to "out of the box" condition, but with the current version of Android. If the problem was software garbage, then after setting up the phone again (without restoring the backup copy of applications), it will work quickly and stably.
- 🗑️ Go to
Settings → System and updates → Reset. - 📱 Select "Reset" phone."
- 🔒 Enter the screen unlock password to confirm.
- ✅ Click “Reset settings” and wait until the process is completed.
After rebooting, it is recommended not to restore all applications at once from Google Play or Huawei AppGallery. Install only the necessary apps and observe the device’s operation throughout the day. If the problems (heating, discharge) disappeared, then the problem was in the software, and not in the firmware version.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to roll back from Android 13 to Android 12 on Honor?
Officially, there is no such option. Rolling back to a major version of Android (for example, from 13 to 12) requires a complete flashing via eRecovery with a search for the appropriate image, which is difficult and risky. Most often, a rollback is available only within one version of Android (for example, from a June security patch to a March patch).
Will resetting the settings reset the Android version?
No. A hard reset deletes only user data and returns the settings to factory settings, but the version of the operating system and MagicOS shell remains the one currently installed.
Is it safe to interrupt the update or rollback process?
Absolutely not. Interrupting the process of writing data to the system partition (while the logo or progress bar is flashing) will most likely damage the bootloader and turn the phone into a “brick”, the restoration of which is only possible in a service center.
Where can I find the exact version of my firmware?
Information can be found in the menu Settings → About phone. You are interested in the “Build number” line, which indicates the Android version, MagicOS version and region code (for example, 12.0.0.210(C432E5R1P5)). This data is critical when searching for files to roll back.