Huawei Mate 20 Pro Android Q Beta: Status Explained

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

No, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro does not appear on Google’s official Android Q beta page, because Huawei devices were excluded from the Android Q beta program after the US trade ban in May 2019. This article explains what happened, why the Mate 20 Pro was removed, and what your options are if you want a newer Android version on this phone.

Background: The Android Q Beta Program and Huawei’s Removal

Google traditionally runs a public beta program for each new Android version, letting users of select devices install the preview before the final release. For Android Q (later named Android 10), Google initially included several phones from partners like Pixel, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. Huawei was part of the early list, and the Mate 20 Pro was one of the devices eligible for the beta.

However, in May 2019, the US government placed Huawei on the Entity List, which restricted American companies (including Google) from providing software, services, and updates to Huawei. As a result, Google revoked Huawei’s access to the Android Q beta program. The Mate 20 Pro was removed from the official beta page, and existing beta testers were notified that they would no longer receive updates. This was a unique situation—no other major phone maker faced such a sudden removal from a beta program.

Why the Mate 20 Pro Was Removed

The removal was a direct consequence of the US trade ban. Google’s Android OS is open-source, but the Google Mobile Services (GMS) suite—which includes the Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and other core apps—is proprietary and requires a license. The ban prohibited Google from providing these services to Huawei, and it also halted the beta program participation.

Huawei devices already on the market continued to receive security patches and some updates, but they were not eligible for the Android Q beta. The Mate 20 Pro, which launched with Android 9 Pie, was stuck on that version for the foreseeable future, at least in terms of official Google-approved updates.

What Happened After the Ban

After the ban, Huawei accelerated its own operating system development, leading to HarmonyOS. For existing phones like the Mate 20 Pro, Huawei continued to provide EMUI updates based on the open-source Android (AOSP) but without Google services. In many regions, the Mate 20 Pro eventually received EMUI 10, which was based on Android 10, but it was not the official Google beta—it was Huawei’s own implementation.

For users outside the US, the Mate 20 Pro did get Android 10 via EMUI 10, but it did not include Google Play Services. In markets where Google services were still available (like some regions before the ban fully took effect), the phone might have received updates differently. The situation was fluid, and the final outcome varied by region and carrier.

How to Check if Your Mate 20 Pro Has Android Q

If you have a Mate 20 Pro and want to know its current Android version, follow these steps:

Open Settings on your phone.
Scroll down and tap About phone.
Look for Android version or EMUI version.
If you see Android 10 or EMUI 10, you have a version based on Android Q (though not the Google beta).

If you were part of the beta before the ban, you might have received a notification about the cancellation. Check your email or the beta feedback app for details.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the Mate 20 Pro never got Android 10. In reality, many devices did receive EMUI 10 with Android 10, but it was not the Google beta and lacked Google services in some regions. Another issue is that some users might have sideloaded the Android Q beta before the ban, and those builds are unstable and lack security patches—it’s not recommended to keep them.

If you have a beta build installed, you may want to revert to the stable EMUI version. You can do this by using Huawei’s HiSuite software or visiting a service center, but be aware that downgrading will wipe your data.

Alternatives: Getting Android 10 on Your Mate 20 Pro

If you want Android 10 features on your Mate 20 Pro, here are your options:

Official EMUI 10 update – Check for updates in Settings > System > Software update. If available, install it. This gives you Android 10 but may not include Google services depending on your region.
Custom ROMs – There are community-developed ROMs like LineageOS that can bring Android 10 or newer to the Mate 20 Pro. This requires unlocking the bootloader, which Huawei no longer officially supports, so it’s complex and risky.
Stay on Android 9 – If your phone works fine and you rely on Google services, staying on the stable Android 9 with security patches might be the safest choice.

Custom ROMs can void your warranty and may have bugs. Only attempt this if you are comfortable with technical procedures.

Safety and Security Considerations

Using an unsupported beta build or an outdated Android version can pose security risks. Beta builds are not meant for daily use and may have vulnerabilities. If you are still on Android 9, make sure you have the latest security patch from Huawei. For the Mate 20 Pro, Huawei has committed to providing security updates for a certain period, but that support is ending. Consider upgrading to a newer device if security is a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Mate 20 Pro ever get Android Q officially?

Officially, Google’s Android Q beta is not available for the Mate 20 Pro. However, Huawei has released EMUI 10 based on Android 10 in many regions, which provides similar features. Check your phone’s update settings to see if it’s available for you.

Can I install the Android Q beta manually?

It is not recommended. The beta builds were pulled, and installing them manually could break your phone or expose it to security risks. Stick to official updates or well-maintained custom ROMs.

Does the Mate 20 Pro support Google services after the ban?

It depends on the region and when you bought the phone. Some devices that were already certified before the ban continue to have Google services. Newer units or those sold in certain markets may not. Check if you have the Play Store app.

What is the difference between Android Q beta and EMUI 10?

Android Q beta is the stock Android preview from Google, while EMUI 10 is Huawei’s customized skin based on Android 10. EMUI 10 includes Huawei’s design language and features like GPU Turbo, but the underlying OS is the same Android 10.

Is it safe to use a custom ROM on the Mate 20 Pro?

Custom ROMs can be safe if you use reputable sources and follow instructions carefully. However, they can introduce bugs, and you lose official support. Also, unlocking the bootloader is not officially supported by Huawei anymore, so the process is more complex.

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