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Unlocking the HONOR 9 bootloader gave me flexibility and control, but it required patience and respect for the risks. If you value custom ROMs, full backups, or kernel tuning, unlocking is powerful. If you rely on warranty, bank apps, or vendor guarantees, weigh those against the benefits.
If you want, I can:
Unlocking the bootloader on an Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is possible, but it requires a specialized approach because Huawei (HONOR's former parent company) officially terminated its unlock code service on July 25, 2018. Since then, standard requests for unlock codes are no longer supported. Method 1: Open Source (PotatoNV)
This is the recommended free method for the HONOR 9, which uses the
processor. It requires physical access to the phone's internal "test point".
Preparation: Install ADB and Fastboot and the Huawei USB COM 1.0 drivers on a Windows PC.
Hardware Access: You must carefully remove the back cover of your HONOR 9. How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone
Enter Test Point Mode: Use tweezers to short-circuit the specific "test point" on the motherboard to the metal shield (ground) while connecting the device to your PC via USB.
Run PotatoNV: Open the PotatoNV tool, select your device's processor (Kirin 960), and click Start.
Result: The tool will generate and apply a new 16-character unlock code. Your device will reboot with an unlocked bootloader. Method 2: Third-Party Paid Services
If you prefer not to open your device, some third-party services can still provide unlock codes for a fee, though their availability for newer security patches varies. unlock the bootloader - HUAWEI Community
Unlocking the bootloader on an Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is more difficult today because Huawei (HONOR's former parent company) officially stopped providing unlock codes in July 2018.
To unlock it now, you must use unofficial third-party tools or hardware "test points." Warning: This process will factory reset your device and may void any remaining warranty. 🛠️ Method 1: The Open-Source "PotatoNV" (Recommended) Unlocking the HONOR 9 bootloader gave me flexibility
This is the most popular free method for devices with the Kirin 960 chip (like the HONOR 9). It requires opening your phone to access a "test point" on the motherboard.
Prepare Tools: Download PotatoNV and install the HUAWEI USB COM 1.0 drivers.
Open the Phone: Carefully remove the back cover of your HONOR 9.
Short the Test Point: Locate the STF testpoint. Use metal tweezers to connect this point to the metal shield (ground) while plugging the phone into your PC. Run PotatoNV: Select the device appearing as HUAWEI USB COM 1.0. Choose the matching bootloader for your CPU.
Type a random 16-character code into the "Unlock code" field.
Click Start. The tool will flash the code and unlock the device. 💳 Method 2: Paid Third-Party Services
If you don't want to open your phone, some paid services can "read" the code via software, though success varies based on your firmware version. Unlocking the bootloader on an Go to product
HCU Client: A professional tool used by repair shops. It requires purchasing a time-limited license or credits.
DC-Unlocker: One of the oldest tools for Huawei/HONOR devices. You can use their Android app to check if your phone is supported for instant code reading.
💻 Method 3: Manual Unlocking (If you already have a code)
If you previously saved your official 16-digit unlock code, follow these steps:
Hardware Requirements:
Software Requirements: