Huawei Mate 8 Custom Rom 2021 -
For the majority of 2021, Android 10 was the most stable and recommended custom ROM version for the Huawei Mate 8.
| Issue | Workaround |
|-------|-------------|
| No fingerprint after unlock | Delete /data/system/users/0/settings_fingerprint.xml in TWRP |
| Google Play certification fails | Register device ID via Google Device Registration |
| Camera green tint on Oreo | Replace with GCam 4.2 or OpenCamera |
| LTE bands missing | Flash stock modem (modem_nxt_l29.img) after ROM |
Huawei Mate 8 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , released in late 2015, remains a subject of interest for enthusiasts seeking to extend its lifespan through custom ROMs. As of 2021, the landscape for the
(code-named next) is defined by its transition from official support to community-driven projects, notably the OpenKirin project and Generic System Images (GSIs). Current ROM Landscape (2021) By 2021, official updates for the
had long ceased, with the device peak official version being EMUI 8.0 (Android 8.0 Oreo) for some variants.
OpenKirin Project: This is the primary source for modern custom ROMs on Huawei devices. As of late 2018 and throughout subsequent years, OpenKirin provided stable builds of LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, and CarbonROM specifically optimized for the Kirin 950 chipset.
LineageOS 15.1/16.0: Unofficial builds of LineageOS based on Android 8.1 and 9.0 were the most stable "daily driver" options available in 2021.
Android 10 & 11 via GSI: For users seeking newer versions, Project Treble support allowed for the installation of Android 10 and 11 GSIs. While functional, these often suffer from hardware-specific bugs such as camera degradation or VolTE issues. Technical Prerequisites
The major hurdle for any Huawei customization in 2021 is the locked bootloader.
Bootloader Unlock: Huawei officially stopped providing unlock codes in 2018. Users in 2021 typically relied on third-party paid services or specialized tools to obtain codes.
Custom Recovery: TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is essential for flashing ROMs, though some OpenKirin ROMs can be flashed directly via Fastboot.
EMUI Base: Most 2021 custom ROMs require the device to be on a specific EMUI 8.0 firmware base to ensure kernel compatibility. Performance and Stability
In 2021, the landscape for the Huawei Mate 8 (NXT-L09/L29) shifted toward GSI (Generic System Images) and Project Treble based ROMs, especially since official security updates had long ceased. Because Huawei stopped providing official bootloader unlock codes in 2018, the most critical step is ensuring your device is already unlocked or using a third-party paid service like DC-Unlocker or Ministry of Solutions to obtain a code. 🚀 Top Custom ROM Options (2021 Era) huawei mate 8 custom rom 2021
LineageOS 17.1 / 18.1 (Android 10/11): The most stable "daily driver" choice for Mate 8 users. OpenKirin Project
: A specific community dedicated to Kirin-based devices. Their Resurrection Remix and EMUI-style GSIs were the gold standard for compatibility in 2020-2021.
Evolution X: Popular for those wanting a "Pixel-like" experience with additional customization and gaming performance tweaks. 🛠️ Installation Requirements
Unlocked Bootloader: Mandatory. You cannot flash any custom recovery or ROM without this.
TWRP Recovery: Use a Kirin 950-compatible version of TWRP to wipe partitions and flash files. EMUI 8.0 Base : Most modern GSIs require your
to be running the official EMUI 8.0 (Android 8.0 Oreo) firmware first to support Project Treble.
ADB & Fastboot: Essential tools on your PC for communicating with the phone in "Rescue Mode" or "Fastboot Mode". 📝 Step-by-Step Guide Summary Backup: Move all photos and contacts to an SD card or PC.
Unlock: Obtain your 16-digit unlock code and use the command fastboot oem unlock [code].
Flash Recovery: Use fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img (on EMUI 8.0).
Wipe Data: In TWRP, perform a "Factory Reset" and wipe the System and Cache partitions.
Install ROM: Flash the GSI .img file to the System Image partition.
GApps (Optional): If your ROM doesn't include the Play Store, flash a compatible OpenGApps package (ARM64). For the majority of 2021, Android 10 was
Watch these guides for visual walkthroughs on unlocking and flashing custom ROMs on older Huawei hardware:
As of 2021, the custom ROM landscape for the Huawei Mate 8 ( /
) is constrained by Huawei's 2018 decision to stop providing official bootloader unlock codes. While hardware development has slowed, several stable options remain for users who already have unlocked bootloaders or are willing to use third-party paid services to obtain codes. Current Custom ROM Landscape (2021) The most stable and widely used custom ROMs for the
in 2021 come primarily from the OpenKirin project, which leverages Project Treble to provide near-stock Android experiences.
LineageOS (Unofficial): The most popular choice for a clean, bloat-free experience. Versions based on Android 8.0 (LineageOS 15.1) and Android 9.0 (LineageOS 16.0) are considered the most stable for daily use.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extreme customization options while maintaining the stability of the LineageOS base.
OmniROM: A reliable alternative that focuses on stability and essential features.
EMUI 8.0 (Official Chinese Rebrand): While not a "custom" ROM in the traditional sense, many global users in 2021 rebrand their devices to the Chinese region to access the official EMUI 8.0 (Android Oreo) update, which includes newer security patches and official Google services support. Critical Preparation Steps
Before attempting any installation, you must address the following prerequisites:
Bootloader Unlocking: This is the primary hurdle. Huawei no longer provides these codes for free. In 2021, users typically rely on: Third-party Services:
Paid tools like Ministry of Solutions or DC-Unlocker are often the only remaining ways to generate a code for the .
Manual Verification: Check your status by entering Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down while connected to a PC) and running fastboot oem get-bootinfo. Recovery: The holy grail for the Mate 8 in 2021 is LineageOS 18
You will need a custom recovery like TWRP specifically compiled for the to flash any non-official ROMs.
Data Backup: Unlocking the bootloader and flashing a new ROM will perform a full factory reset, erasing all internal storage. Known Issues & Limitations
VoLTE Support: Many custom ROMs struggle with VoLTE on Kirin-based Huawei devices; check the specific ROM thread on XDA Developers for current status.
Camera Quality: While the OpenKirin builds have working cameras, you may notice a slight dip in processing quality compared to the stock EMUI camera app.
Google Services: Most custom ROMs (except the official EMUI rebrand) require you to flash a separate GApps (Google Apps) package to access the Play Store.
The holy grail for the Mate 8 in 2021 is LineageOS 18.1. This is the lightest, fastest, and most modern OS available.
You will likely lose DTS sound enhancement and FM Radio. The IR blaster might be finicky. Widevine L1 (HD Netflix) will drop to L3 (SD Netflix). If you can live with that, flash away.
Update October 2021: Developers NATO66613 and GYRO are currently maintaining a "KangVip" modded LineageOS 18.1 specifically for the NXT-L29 model. Search XDA Forums under "Huawei Mate 8 ROMs" for the latest release dates.
Disclaimer: Flashing custom ROMs voids your warranty (already expired) and risks bricking your device. Proceed at your own risk. This guide is for educational purposes.
Updating the Huawei Mate 8 (NXT-L29/L09) with a custom ROM in 2021 remains a viable way to breathe new life into this 2015 flagship, primarily by bypassing the aging EMUI interface and moving toward a cleaner Android experience Performance & Stability Review (2021 Context) Huawei Mate 8 - Battery Life Endurance Test
and this is our Huawei Mate 8 battery life. test huawei says the Mate 8 can last for 2 days of use or 4 days of playing music non- GSMArena Official
| ROM | Android Version | Stability | Best For | Download Source | |------|----------------|-----------|----------|------------------| | LineageOS 17.1 | Android 10 | Daily Driver | General use, battery life | XDA (OpenKirin) | | LineageOS 18.1 | Android 11 | Stable with minor bugs | Latest features | XDA / Telegram | | Resurrection Remix 8.6 | Android 10 | Good | Customization | XDA | | OmniROM 10 | Android 10 | Very stable | Stock-like AOSP | XDA (OpenKirin) |
(All require OpenKirin’s Treble-based approach or specific device trees)
Not all ROMs are created equal. Based on XDA threads and Telegram groups active in late 2021, here are the top three stable candidates.