TicketCreator 5.13
Unlocking the bootloader of an Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
(STF-L09/STF-L29) in 2026 is significantly different than it was at launch. Since Huawei (HONOR's former parent company) officially stopped providing unlock codes in 2018, standard methods no longer work for most users.
This article details the three primary methods available today: the hardware-based PotatoNV method, paid third-party services, and brute-force scripts. Preparation and Prerequisites
Before attempting any of these methods, you must perform the following:
Backup Data: Unlocking the bootloader triggers a factory reset, erasing all internal storage.
Battery Charge: Ensure your phone is at least 60% charged to prevent power-offs during the process.
Install Drivers: Download and install Huawei HiSuite to ensure your PC recognizes the phone. You also need ADB and Fastboot tools.
Enable Developer Settings: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number 7 times. Then, in Settings > System > Developer Options, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking (though the latter may be greyed out on newer firmware). Method 1: PotatoNV (Recommended/Free)
PotatoNV is an open-source tool that works for the HONOR 9 because it uses the Kirin 960 chipset. This method requires opening the device but is the only reliable free option available in 2026.
Unlocking the bootloader on an HONOR 9 is a technical challenge because the official unlock service was discontinued years ago
. Since then, enthusiasts have relied on specialized software and hardware bypasses. 1. The Disappearance of Official Keys
Originally, users could request a 16-digit unlock code directly from an official Huawei/Honor portal . However, in
, the company shut down this program, citing security and user experience concerns. As of 2026, the official website no longer provides these codes. 2. Modern Unlocking: The "Testpoint" Method
Because software-only methods are largely patched, the primary way to unlock an HONOR 9 today involves a physical hardware bypass using an open-source tool called . This tool exploits the Kirin 960 chipset used in the HONOR 9. The Hardware Process: Disassembly
: You must use a hairdryer to heat the back cover glue and carefully pry it open with a plastic tool. The Testpoint
: Inside, you locate a specific "testpoint" on the motherboard. You use tweezers or a wire to short-circuit
this point to the metal shield (ground) while plugging the phone into a PC. Software Bypass
: This puts the phone into a low-level "USB COM 1.0" mode. You then use
to flash a temporary bootloader and set a new 16-digit unlock code of your choice. 3. Alternative Paid Services
For those unwilling to open their phone, third-party paid services like HCU-Client DC-Unlocker
may still function for certain firmware versions. These services typically require a fee and specific software to read or generate the code via a USB connection. 4. Completing the Unlock via Fastboot
Once you have obtained a code (either through PotatoNV or a paid service), the final step is performed through standard Android tools: Honor 9 Lite EMUI 9.1 TWRP and Root LLD-L31/L21/L22/AL10
Unlocking the bootloader on an Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is a complex and high-risk process because the official method was permanently discontinued years ago. Since July 2018, HONOR and its former parent company, Huawei, stopped providing the necessary unlock codes to consumers. 1. The Legacy Status of HONOR 9 Unlocking
In the past, users could simply request a 16-digit unlock code from the Official Huawei/HONOR Portal. Today, that official service is defunct. For an HONOR 9, which typically runs on a Kirin 960 chipset, the only remaining paths involve third-party software or advanced hardware exploits. 2. Required Preparation
Before attempting any method, you must prepare the device. Note that unlocking wipes all user data.
Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number seven times.
Toggle Critical Settings: In Settings > System > Developer Options, enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
Install PC Tools: Download the Android Platform Tools to use ADB and Fastboot commands. 3. Unofficial Unlocking Methods
Because official codes are unavailable, users must rely on specialized tools:
Unlocking the bootloader on an is complex because Huawei (HONOR's former parent company) officially discontinued its bootloader unlock code service in
. While the hardware remains capable, obtaining the necessary 16-digit unlock code now requires unofficial or third-party methods. Critical Pre-Requisites Data Backup : Unlocking the bootloader triggers a mandatory factory data reset , erasing all internal storage. Developer Options Settings > About Phone Build Number seven times. Settings > System > Developer Options OEM Unlocking USB Debugging Huawei HiSuite for drivers and Minimal ADB and Fastboot for command-line access. Methods to Obtain an Unlock Code (2026) How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone
Since the official portal is closed, you must use one of these alternatives:
Lock and unlock the bootloader - Android Open Source Project
Unlocking the bootloader on an is no longer supported officially by Huawei/Honor, as they terminated their unlock code service in July 2018. However, since the HONOR 9 uses the Kirin 960 chipset, unofficial community-developed methods still work if you are willing to perform hardware modifications. Current Status of Unlocking
Official Method: Terminated. The official HUAWEI Community confirms they no longer have tools to generate codes.
Unofficial (Recommended): PotatoNV is an open-source tool specifically for Kirin 960 devices like the HONOR 9.
Third-Party Services: Some paid services (like DC-Unlocker) may still provide codes, but their reliability varies and they are often considered high-risk. Review of the Best Available Method: PotatoNV
This is the most reliable current method, though it is highly technical.
Hardware Requirement (Testpoint): You must physically remove the back cover of the phone to access the motherboard.
Procedure: You short a specific "testpoint" on the board to the shield while connecting it to a PC to enter a low-level "USB COM 1.0" mode.
Software: Use the PotatoNV tool to generate a new 16-character unlock code and write it to the device.
Final Step: Once the code is written, you use standard ADB/Fastboot commands (fastboot oem unlock [YOUR_CODE]) to finalize the unlock. Critical Warnings How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone?, How To
Unlocking the Bootloader on HONOR 9: A Step-by-Step Guide
The HONOR 9 is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone that has gained a significant following worldwide. However, one of the key advantages of Android devices is the ability to customize and modify them to suit individual preferences. Unlocking the bootloader is the first step towards gaining ultimate control over your device, allowing you to install custom ROMs, kernels, and other modifications. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of unlocking the bootloader on your HONOR 9 phone.
Warning:
Before we begin, it's essential to note that unlocking the bootloader will void your device's warranty. Additionally, the process may potentially brick your device if not performed correctly. Therefore, proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Required Materials:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking
Step 2: Install Fastboot and ADB Drivers
C:\Android\platform-tools.Step 3: Boot into Fastboot Mode
Step 4: Obtain an Unlock Code
Step 5: Unlock the Bootloader
fastboot oem unlock and press Enter.yes and press Enter.Step 6: Verify Bootloader Status
fastboot reboot and pressing Enter.fastboot oem get-bootinfo command to check the bootloader status.Conclusion
Unlocking the bootloader on your HONOR 9 phone is a straightforward process that requires some technical expertise and caution. By following these steps, you can gain ultimate control over your device and explore the world of customization and modification. However, remember to proceed with caution and at your own risk, as unlocking the bootloader will void your device's warranty.
Additional Tips and Recommendations:
Unlocking the bootloader on an HONOR 9 is a multi-step process that has become significantly more complex since Huawei/HONOR officially stopped providing unlock codes in July 2018 Important Warning Data Loss: This process will perform a factory reset and erase all data on your phone.
Unlocking your bootloader may void your warranty and can make your device more vulnerable to security risks. Software Version: This generally only works on devices running EMUI 9 or lower ; newer versions may have removed the necessary commands. Phase 1: Prepare the Device
Before attempting to unlock, you must enable specific hidden settings on your phone: Enable Developer Options: Settings > About Phone Build Number seven times until you see "You are now a developer!". Enable OEM Unlocking: Settings > System > Developer Options and toggle on OEM Unlocking Enable USB Debugging: In the same Developer Options menu, toggle on USB Debugging Phase 2: Obtain the Unlock Code
Because HONOR no longer provides these codes for free, you must use one of these unofficial methods: How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone?, How To
Unlocking the bootloader on an Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Unlocking the bootloader of an Go to product
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.
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
How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide
The HONOR 9 is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone that has gained a significant following worldwide. However, one of the major limitations of the device is its locked bootloader, which prevents users from installing custom ROMs, kernels, and other modifications. Unlocking the bootloader can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be done easily and safely. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to unlock the bootloader in HONOR 9 phone.
What is a Bootloader?
Before we dive into the unlocking process, let's first understand what a bootloader is. A bootloader is a piece of software that is responsible for loading the operating system into memory when a device is powered on. It is the first software that runs when a device is started, and it plays a crucial role in determining which operating system or software is loaded onto the device.
Why Unlock the Bootloader?
Unlocking the bootloader of your HONOR 9 phone provides you with the freedom to customize your device to your liking. Here are some benefits of unlocking the bootloader:
Prerequisites
Before you start the unlocking process, make sure you have the following:
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
To unlock the bootloader, you need to enable developer options on your HONOR 9 phone. Here's how:
Step 2: Create a Huawei ID Account
To unlock the bootloader, you need to create a Huawei ID account and request a bootloader unlock code. Here's how:
Step 3: Install the Necessary Drivers and Software
To unlock the bootloader, you need to install the necessary drivers and software on your computer. Here's how:
Step 4: Unlock the Bootloader
Now that you have everything ready, it's time to unlock the bootloader. Here's how:
Method 1: Using Fastboot
fastboot devicesfastboot oem unlockMethod 2: Using SP Flash Tool
Step 5: Verify the Bootloader Status
After unlocking the bootloader, verify that the bootloader is unlocked by checking the Bootloader status in the About phone section.
Conclusion
Unlocking the bootloader of your HONOR 9 phone provides you with the freedom to customize your device to your liking. With this guide, you should be able to unlock the bootloader safely and easily. However, be aware that unlocking the bootloader may void your warranty, and you may encounter some risks during the process. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to avoid any damage to your device. A HONOR 9 phone with a minimum of
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Tips and Resources
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)
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.
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:
⚠️ Critical Warning – Read Before Starting
Unlocking the bootloader will:
- Wipe all user data (factory reset).
- Void your warranty (if any remains).
- Make your device less secure (e.g., Android Verified Boot disabled).
- Cause SafetyNet / Play Integrity failures – banking apps, Google Pay, and some games may stop working.
- Permanently mark the device as “unlocked” in software (visible in settings).
Huawei/HONOR officially stopped providing bootloader unlock codes in May 2018. For a HONOR 9 (released 2017), official unlocking is no longer possible. You must use unofficial / paid / community methods or rely on vulnerabilities depending on your firmware version.
Before you spend a dime on codes, prepare your device:
Unlocking the bootloader on the Honor 9 is a procedure that varies significantly depending on the region of the device and the software version installed. Unlike Google Pixel devices or older OnePlus models, Huawei/Honor ceased providing official bootloader unlock codes for their devices in mid-2018. Consequently, the standard "official" method is no longer available.
Users generally have two remaining options:
Important Warning: This process will wipe all data on the device and may void the warranty.
The HONOR 9, released in 2017, remains a beloved smartphone for its dual-camera setup, slick design, and the powerful (for its time) Kirin 960 chipset. For enthusiasts, unlocking the bootloader is the first step toward installing custom ROMs, rooting with Magisk, or installing a recovery like TWRP.
However, unlocking the bootloader on a HONOR 9 is not straightforward. In 2018, Huawei (HONOR’s parent company at the time) shocked the developer community by shutting down its official bootloader unlock code service. This means the old "email Huawei for a code" method is dead.
Before you proceed: Understand that unlocking the bootloader will wipe all your data (factory reset), void your warranty (irrelevant for a device this old), and trigger SafetyNet/Play Integrity failure (making Google Pay and banking apps difficult to use without further tweaks).
This article covers three methods: The historic official way (for reference), the DC-Unlocker method (paid, still works), and the PotatoNV method (free, advanced, hardware-dependent).
Since the official Honor website no longer issues codes, the most common method involves paid tools like DC-Unlock, SigmaKey, or Chimera Tool. This report outlines the general procedure using the DC-Unlock client, which is popular for Huawei/Honor devices.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options & USB Debugging
Step 2: Install Drivers
Step 3: Obtain Unlock Code (Paid Service) Note: Free code generators rarely work on modern firmware versions of the Honor 9.