Little by little the entire product range of the Huawei Honor range is getting its update to Android 5.1.1. The most powerful models that exist in this product range have already taken the step, and now it is up to the Honor 4X, one of the first terminals of the company that attracted attention for its quality / price ratio.
The fact is that a has been published and made ready for download official firmware which includes the latest version of Google's Android Lollipop, allowing users who have one of these devices (with a 5,5-inch screen, 1,2 GHz processor and 2 GB of RAM) to give the jump from KitKat and enjoy exciting news on things like design and performance improvements. By the way, as it will be seen to reach a successful conclusion, you have to carry out the process manually and make a backup copy of the data you have since these are erased.
Apart from being included in the ROM version 5.1.1 Android for the Honor 4X, progress is also made in regards to the version of the operating system customization, since this is EMUI 3.1. The fact is that taking the leap is possible and we are going to explain how to do it. Before doing so, and as we always warn, performing the steps indicated in this article is the sole responsibility of the user himself and the battery charge must be at least 90%.
Essential preparations: backups and requirements
Before updating, it is advisable to secure your data. Manual installation may Remove content and settings. We recommend a full copy on a computer to protect contacts, photos, videos, messages and documents.
- Connect the Honor 4X to a Windows PC using the original USB cable.
- Run an Android backup tool or your manufacturer's manager and allow access to scan data Of the device.
- Guarda on your computer the items found and verify that you can open them correctly.
Also, prepare the device: have at least 5 GB free in internal storage, connect it to a stable WiFi network, temporarily disable apps that may interfere (for example, aggressive optimizers) and check in Settings > About phone that the model and compilation are compatible with the firmware you are going to install. If you are going to use advanced methods, activate USB debugging in Developer Options.
Download and installation
Below we provide the instructions to bring the Honor 4X to a new version of its operating system. You have to be patient, follow the specific order and use the internal storage of the device to store the firmware that, by the way, occupies 1,4 GB (For this reason, it is advisable to download it connected to a WiFi network). This is what to do:
- Download the firmware with Android 5.1.1 for the Honor 4X here
- Save this in the folder named dload on the device itself. If it does not exist, create it and extract the file named update.app.
- Access the Software Update tool in the Honor 4X Settings. Press Menu and select the option called Local update. In the list that the previously copied file will appear (if not, it is that it was not saved in the correct place)
- Click on it and the installation process will begin. Now you just have to be patient and wait for everything to be completed, for which it will be necessary, at least, that the Honor 4X is restarted once
If the Local Update option does not appear, there is an alternative route on Huawei/Honor devices: with the mobile phone turned off and the file update.app in the folder dload from internal storage, press and hold at the same time Volume +, Volume - y On until the forced update begins. This method also requires a high battery level and to ensure the device is not disconnected at any time.
Advanced method for experienced users: ADB sideload
In some scenarios (for example, if you have an update package in ZIP format), you can use adb sideload, similar to the manual process of other ranges such as Nexus. It requires controlling tools of the Android SDK and should only be applied if the package is specific to the Honor 4X.
- Install platform-tools of the SDK on your PC and add its folder to the environment variable PATH.
- Active USB debugging on the phone and connect it to the computer.
- Start the 4X in Recovery (from the bootloader or with the corresponding key combination) and choose apply update from ADB.
- On the PC, run in a command window:
adb sideload nombre_del_paquete.zipand wait for it to finish at 100% without disconnecting.
This method is usually respect the data If the package is incremental OTA, it is mandatory to keep your backup in case the installer requires formatting or an inconsistency is detected.
What do you gain with Android 5.1.1 and EMUI 3.1 on the Honor 4X?
- Stability and performance: Better RAM management and fixes that reduce crashes.
- Enhanced Security: accumulated patches and functions such as screen pinning to prevent unwanted access.
- Notifications and quick settings: controls WiFi / Bluetooth more direct and clearer notification priority.
- EMUI3.1: more polished design, Topics renewed, battery manager with ultra mode and improvements to camera and floating multi-window depending on the region.
Troubleshooting common problems
- File not appearing in Local Update: confirms that the folder is named exactly dload and that inside is update.app. Use the internal storage, not an exFAT microSD.
- Verification error/corrupt file: Please download the firmware again via stable WiFi and check the integrity (MD5 sum if provided).
- Logo loop or glitches after update: erase Cache from recovery; if it persists, perform a reinstatement factory reset after recovering your backup.
- Lack of space: remove temporary/heavy files and leave ample free space before starting the installation.
- The PC does not recognize the mobile phone for copies: change port/cable, activate File transfer (MTP) and reinstalls the drivers.
At the end you will have Android 5.1.1 available in the Honor 4X and you will be able to enjoy the new operating system and the best performance of the terminal. Others Tutorials for devices that use Google development you can find them in this section Android Help. With the backup done, a fully charged battery, and following the order of the steps, the manual update is safe and effective to update your Honor 4X with EMUI 3.1.
